Road Pirates Pitstop

"Yeah. I mean, if given the choice I'd certainly rather have those things than not have them. Without the tragedy of course, but-oof." Rust is prevented from putting his foot in his mouth as he's suddenly licked by the sandpaper tongue of an extremely large cat.
Not sure how to respond to this, he hesitantly raises a hand and tries to stroke the neck of the spirit smilodon.