He glanced around the small apartment one more time, then toward the window where the sun was climbing higher in the Martian sky.
"I should probably head back," he said. "It's a long ride to where I'm staying, and I have things I need to take care of."
Riven nodded. Tatehan didn't know if he was just seeing things, but he noticed what seemed like a hint of disappointment flash across her expression. "I figured. Just... be careful out there, okay? The wastelands are no joke."
"I will," Tatehan promised. "And I'll message you once I'm back. Let you know I made it safely."
"I'd appreciate that," Riven said with a small smile.
They walked to the door together, and Riven opened it, stepping out onto the corridor with Tatehan following.
They entered the elevator and began descending. As the floors ticked by, Riven spoke again, her voice curious but careful. "Where exactly do you live, though? In the wastelands, I mean."
