[That cutoff is odd for him; it's been a while, but spending so long in the military has ensured that the word she cut off registers as "fuckup" in his head, and it's so uncharacteristic that he glances over at her.]

Were you in prison? I've been there myself; I spent many years in solitary confinement - it's unpleasant business.

[He pauses for a moment, more to consider what he's about to say than genuinely hesitating; he's able to keep his tone even when he continues.]

My employers ensured that I got out as well eventually...so believe me, I understand needing to be useful for one's employers.