[ Faraday heaves out a sigh, tossing up both hands (though he still keeps the deck of cards firmly in his grasp). ]

There's really no winnin' with you, is there?

[ Despite it all, his voice stays light, amused. This is far better than their uncomfortable, strained silence. Than the rift between them, yawning and cold and dark. ]

Just for all this, I'll make doubly sure your next mug of coffee is more bitter and dark than a winter night.