[ Betty's a workaholic herself, back home; she often works through meals, whether it's grading tests and lab reports or working in the labs herself. Now, though, she's surrounded by them, and she's taken it upon herself to insist that everyone takes a break, usually by doing it on her own 'breaks'. ]

I know. Still, you should have some water, at least.

[ Everyone needs a break, even if they aren't dealing with patients. It's the rest of them who might end up keeping things together, making sure the doctors aren't bogged down. ]

Don't mention it.

[ It's good to stay hydrated either way. Best to take a drink now instead of putting it off. ]

Probably not, with all that's been going on. I'm Elizabeth Ross.

[ There's a soft smile to accompany the introduction. ]

You too -- though yes, I agree. [ There's a sigh. She's not sure she wants to talk about it right now. ] Do you do any sort of volunteering like this back home?

That's too bad. [ Though she laughs slightly, ducking her head. ] Not that I have much time for it either, in between work in the lab and grading things.

[ She doesn't know Josias's background, but her own is fairly open -- and a matter of public record, back home. ]

I teach cellular biology at Culver University in Virginia.

[ And here there's a pause. ] Of course, that's assuming you're from Earth and know where Virginia is -- if not, please don't worry about it.

You've heard of it, at least. [ Her smile's a bit relieved despite her disclaimer. ] Despite my curiosity about other worlds and species, it's a relief when people know something similar to what I'm used to.

It definitely does. Though I'm not certain many people are up to talking too much, now. [ And now back to a slight frown. Bruce is sick as well, laid up in bed, and when she's not helping around medical she's sitting with him. ]