[Hayley's lips twitch at the ends into an almost imperceptible smile. Skulduggery's acceptance of her words, rather than criticizing her for being ridiculous or over-the-top, helps validate her concerns. Although the girl doesn't need the validation, she appreciates it. It's the kind of gesture that makes it easier to continue, to have a real debate and set one's mind at ease rather than suppressing the concerns and dwelling on them.

His counter point intrigues her and she drops her hand from around her neck, sitting up straighter as she thinks on his words. He's absolutely right. She taps a slim finger to her lips, then stops in favor of sipping her coffee instead.]

So you think.. maybe it's building up to something? Or maybe it's a distraction.. or a test. [Another sip, then she lowers her cup in clear indication of conversation.]

You weren't here, but there used to be this horrible famine. Like, we had rations and it was only because of that garden Annabeth and Bruce built that we started getting fresh food again. And things like alcohol and cigarettes.. I mean, I don't smoke, but you could tell who did, because they were all irritable all the time from not getting any packs.. except then it changed and it hasn't been like that since.

There have been problems with super heroes' powers and magic. There was that bombing. Oh and I heard about some underwater zombies one time and something about the shell breaking? But that was before I got here. It seems.. I don't know.. kind of.. paced? Like how teachers give tests with smaller homework in between.