[The weird thing is, if one were to ask River if being a doctor was his dream job, the answer would be more along the lines of something less benevolent to a certain degree.

"It's only natural for someone like me."

He isn't a combatant like the others. The dark wells of the mind and the addiction of power haven't clouded his senses and filled him with cynicism. He was good for something and that was to fix the physical body and its ailments. But that's all back-of-the-mind thoughts, things he won't bring out to the open until the time is right.

He's heard responses like Jesse's before and though he can be what Lucinda calls "a little insensitive," it doesn't mean he doesn't notice things beneath the surface of other's words. River glances at Jesse and then back at the road, replying to the questions instead.]

Ah, well it's definitely not a habit I had before. All of this is what I can safely call "extenuating circumstances." Funnily enough, I feel like those are words that are applicable to being a doctor, but I never think about saying it until now.

[Being a doctor AND an esper to boot.]

What kept you busy back in New Mexico, if you don't mind me asking?

[That somehow feels safer and maybe less probing than "What do you do for work?" Not everyone is so lucky.]