The abrupt change in subject wasn't lost on Barnaby, but Barnaby decided to let it happen without any extra comment. If their locations truly seemed random, then there was nothing else to say about the matter.

"Yes," Barnaby answered. "My job from back home required it, so I'm fairly proficient in hand-to-hand combat. Unfortunately, my abilities don't work quite the same way in the institute, but that seems to be a common story here."

Folding his arms over his chest, he glanced at the nurses observing them. He suspected that if even half of the patients here were allowed to function at full capacity, they wouldn't have any problems overwhelming the staff despite their superior numbers. Until they figured out what was dampening their powers, though, that scenario was very unlikely.

"What about you?" he asked.