Andy spit it out when he felt the burning sensation, but not soon enough to avoid his mouth feeling numb. So no coffee and no licorice, he sighed, that was disappointing. He frowned at the leftovers in the grass, the somewhat disappointed look quickly turning into worry. He didn't even dare drinking at this point. If this would happen to all the food, that could be a problem. He counted back to  the last time  he had eaten. At the airport, before going into the limousine. It would have to do. 

He rose to his feet and hoisted the heavier backpack on his back. He looked towards Arriet, remembering her muttered remark before he was pre-occupied with the changed licorice, and smiled a bit. If he had something that would take the edge off everything without influencing the decision making process or other cognitive abilities, he would hand them out like candy. So to speak.  

As he took in the details of the destruction he pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket so he could put it over his nose and mouth to protect his lungs from the ashes when it was needed. He knew he should probably turn around and leave, but where to? And he couldn't ignore the possible casualties inside. And Tafans. That boy was a weakness, he couldn't leave without checking on him first. 

He joined Arriet with a grim expression and his eyes moved to the display that welcomed her.
"I wish I had some words of encouragement for you, Arriet," he said to her, ignoring the odd farewell, "but I don't. I wish I could say everything would be fine, but I'd rather speak the truth. Just try to hang in there and I'll try to get you out of this alive. I won't promise, but I'll do my best." As long as he had something to focus on he felt he could manage, as long as he had people needing him he could go forward. It helped that he was almost certain the world couldn't get any weirder.