"I was mocking you. But not in a mean way. When I mock you in a mean way, you'll know." And for the most part he likes Kaya. Her optimism and goodness can get grating, but it's nice to have someone to talk to.

Ah. The f-word. Howard shrugs. "I don't really do the friend thing. At least, not with new people. I guess with the ship in general there's Zou and Karis and maybe you."