Walter nods, understanding; he hadn't wanted to drag Russell into this more than the man was comfortable with either.

Even as they talk, part of him is searching, nervously tapping through remembered-and-memorized decryption algorithms for what he should, ideally, be seeing soon. Being human in many ways, still, there's always the chance he won't need them- but he doesn't want to rely on that chance.

Reorienting himself at the touch, he nods again, reaching out to touch Ben's arm in turn.

"I- no," he decides, steeling himself.

"Go ahead."