Lin didn't believe Wash in the slightest when he said he was okay, but she wouldn't call him on it. North was present, however; if anyone might intervene, it would likely be the Freelancer's closest friends.

Melody's antics earned an eyeroll, but at least Wash seemed to have his Spirit well in hand after some scolding.

"Given three brought the voice into greater clarity, it may well take that inevitable fourth to clear up that mystery," Lin said as she folded her arms across her chest. "Still. Who out there would be trying to help us? Certainly not our anonymous spectator." She kept the huff from her voice, but the irritation was clear on her face. "And how is it these fragments they keep sending only reach us after battle?"