[Having lost friends here in the same way, it was like a little punch in the gut. He shook his head.]

N-no, I getcha. I'm sorry you lost some pals.

[He rubbed the back of his head. He needed to figure out this ring thing, but:]

Hey, when I get back, y'wanna do a coffee n' shoot-the-shit? Not literally, but I don't intend on letting whatever powers-that-be kick me outta here without a fight.