[he has a hug in mind, the next time the tone goes awry]

As am I - whatever that means, indeed. I've a small house and I work for the Sanctuary...

[as much as he can - at least they are patient with him, given the current circumstance. But the familiar name makes him perk up a little and smile, nodding a little]

I do, yes. We have spoken over the network and-- I was able to visit his house, actually.

[it feels so long ago, he had almost forgotten.]