[This was not an attempt at comfort from a man who knew far too well what it felt like to lose people he cared for.]

[Just to make that clear.]

[Waver walked on deck and over to the small table as though he had every right to be there, and pulled up a chair. He took several of the empty bottles that were cluttering its surface and moved them to a lower position, and replaced them with a thermos.]

[Two cups followed, both of which were filled with fresh-brewed tea from the thermos. One cup was placed before Rider, the other was in Waver's hand when he took a seat.]

[They were English. Tea was the only appropriate response to misfortune.]