Whatever reading Tseng is getting from his pulse, whatever he thinks about Rude's sudden admission of difficulty, it does not show on Tseng's face. Might as well be any day at the office, in the board room, Tseng just as dark a void of emotion as ever.

"Yes you can," he says, guiding one of Rude's hands to his chest. There is a very specific way that he's breathing; it's his hope that Rude will follow along the moment that he gets out of his own head about it.

His voice goes low. "Your body is adjusting. You've been here many times before. Your flight training, your dive missions. You've been chosen for this mission because you are more than capable."

He helps Rude uncap the water bottle and lift it to his lips.

"This will not be what breaks you."