[Van responds with a polite nod. The gesture is several things at once. An indication that he won't do it again. An acknowledgment of the understand that no offense was meant. A gesture of respect for "a fellow soldier," however tenuous Giles' claim on that title may be.

Then, he turns his head a bit to glance over his shoulder, back at the dome.]

It's an understandable discomfort. [The tone is light and conversational, enough to sound like neither a statement of pity, nor some personal confession on Van's part.] I'm never entirely at ease around fon machines, myself. Too many bad experiences.