[He knows, he really does, that 173 will never respond. It is more to calm his own nerves. Maybe it is to prepare himself for the inevitable. He knows what is coming and how this will end. He's already thought of the solutions. No barriers to put between them, no help coming, no D class to take over the dangerous roles.

He does wonder what this thing thinks about. He wonders if it can see while it is being watched and forced to stay solid and still. Maybe time stops for it in this position.]

Well, one seven three. I hope you can have indigestion and that my poor diet of coffee and pills gives you all sorts of distress.