"Rust," he repeats, and finds the notion oddly comforting. Yes. There's undeniable damage. Some things that have rotted and cannot be gotten back, but... nothing that can't be cleaned. Not easily, but it can. Eventually.

... Eventually.

His gaze softens. "Yes, I... I think it must." If there's any love in the world. "Thank you. You're a sharp and compassionate young woman, Lieutenant Tayrey."