A solemn nod and unbreaking eye contact were Joe's only response to Sky's threat, before she returned to her game. She made a valid point, anyone planning an excursion like this had to have serious resources backing them up. But... China? He shared the other's interest in this point. He was no history buff, and in fact, was almost totally lost in this conversation. So he decided to just stay quiet and learn what he can.

Then, the next member of their little "party" showed up. Another Asian woman, accompanied by some kind of Mr. Handy variant. They didn't really look like mercs, scientists, or anyone he expected to show up. They almost looked like they were raised in a vault. His skin bristled, this thought unsettled him. The guy who took out his crew was from a vault. She didn't seem like a threat, but neither did that lone wanderer. [i]Great, another one to watch. What the fuck kind of expedition is this going to be?[/i]

As the others spoke, he let out a sigh. He'd been around eggheads before, and could recognize where this conversation was going. [i]Whatever. I don't need the details. Just tell me what to shoot, and it's dead[/i], he thought. Doesn't matter what their endgame was, only thing that matters is getting paid and getting home. 

He rummaged in his rucksack and pulled out his bottle of whiskey. He'd found it a long time ago, and had yet to open it. It was rare to find a bottle of anything in such good condition, so he'd been saving it for a special occasion. Special occasions were also rare in this world, so Joe figured this could count. He twisted it open and took a swig.