[His expression is just as dismayed, but the fact that she seems to be trying so hard gets through to him. He plops back down to his knees, looking no less depressed, but attempting to reassemble as he talks.]

You're right... We can! There's no time limit to when this needs to be done... but there's also no time limit to how long this could take us. A double-edged sword! Just another tool, but can we use this tool to our advantage, or will it be used against us? Only time will tell! HA! That was some excellent wordplay. You're free to applaud.

[She really shouldn't. But at least he's seems to be cheering up, for the moment.]