[ Root is from a version of Earth with more or less real-world limitations, with the sole exception of some remarkable Artificial Super Intelligences. Past that, most of what goes on here is new to her. She's typically deeply skeptical, an avowed atheist, and would tend to criticize anything mystical -- except she also has an appreciation for the vastness of the universe, and it doesn't bother her to accept remarkable things that happen right in front of her.

Who knows what was going on with him to make him choke? Root is curious, but not intellectually driven to figure it out unless they need to. She has an innate ability to live comfortably in uncertainty. ]

This guy? He is a real professional, [ Root answers dryly, straightening up to stand and shaking his hand perfunctorily. She's not at all shy about bodily contact, and she's interested in learning what she can about everyone she comes across, which means it makes sense to go along with introductions and lead into an offer to spend more time together. ]

This is Bear, and I'm Root. [ Both a pseudonym and what counts most as her real name. ] He's a trained military dog, and he's working right now. If you want to go find some better clothes and hot soup, there's usually some in the community center, and we can give Bear a break.

[ He's still in work mode, so Bear isn't acting social; he's watching Dick keenly, ears perked and swiveling around to monitor their environment. Root doesn't trust Dick enough to tell him to go off-duty until they're in a safer location. It is paranoia and they are usually out to get her. ]