"I'll be all right," he assures Robert. Hadn't he just been exhausted not two moments ago? That was then, this is now: Now there's a new burst of energy, excitement at talking to someone new about science and technology. He knows on some level that his body will hate him for it in the morning, but he's not concerned about it now.

"Yes! Those. Anyone without one can stay here for free, and I'm not sure, but I think we get the same deal for a meal, too." Which sounds wonderful. He hadn't eaten all day, and... well, he didn't get this gut from bad genetics.

He's already turned and scanning the room when he addresses Robert again. "So, Robert -- what's your specialty? Anything you concentrate on in science, or a little bit of everhthing?"