[ Van Zieks has absolutely no idea who over half of the people Aerith mentions are, but he is content enough to just listen to her going on about them anyway. One could make up a pragmatic reason for it and insist that it's because it gives him an impression of the community or something, but the reality is that he hasn't had a great many social outings in the last decade and is grateful when someone else provides the topics of conversation.

He merely provides short commentary and a great amount of raised eyebrows to her stories, allowing them a rather peaceful walk for most of the way.

Most of it. ]

Did you really think I would let you get away with that?

[ Sorry to the forklift story, but he's stopping in his tracks in front of her, holding out his hand for the little statue. ]

We have to hand them over to the Department for safekeeping. I can take it first thing next morning.