[Sounds like there's a story there. But, seeing as how his jaw is aching from getting punched into spilling his past, he doesn't much feel like harassing Heather about hers.

For now.]

You know what? Yeah. I wouldn't call it feeling a whole lot better, but...

['Less alone'?]

Less of a liar, maybe.

[The look from Heather reassures the little snubbull, and she gets up the bravery to flop down by her trainer and lean her head against his leg. Carter's hand lowers down until it rests between her ears, and gives a light scratch.

He says quietly] You're a good dog, Steve.