[She tenses up when he pulls her, and she plants her free hand on his chest to keep some distance between them, the only resistance she has strength for right now. Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

She almost wishes there were soldiers around. It'd be easier to keep the adrenaline up, easier to stay in "fight" mode. Right this instant, "flight" is looking pretty good, especially with Joel wanting to protect her. She can't do that to him. She just can't.]

I appreciate the thought, but we don't have time. I've got a day at best, and in twenty years I've never heard of someone getting around it. No reason to believe anything's changed now.

[Her eyes move to the floor, then back to Joel, and then back down again. She's glad Ellie is here; more cause to try to keep her composure, even if she feels like her throat is closing up and her eyes are getting glassy. Don't be such a coward, Tess. She hates having that desperate edge on her voice, but Joel is her partner. Of course he'd be the only one capable of doing that to her.]

And I ain't dragging you down with me. I've gotta go.