Worry did that; set distraction against strategizing, primed a domino path of 'what if, and then,' The part of Sam's mind that usually tracked favours owed and available had turned to possibilities---possible advantages, possible problems---and would settle once Noemi was okay again. Until then, Rick Rogers had an ally operating with half her usual chill, if not a little less.

"Lucky!" Sam didn't sound angry, only incredulous. She tamped that down, drew a deep breath---to buy herself time to decide how blunt she wanted to be---and explained, "Adept magic is... powered by certain behavioural concessions. Chargers run on charges, and a charge is kinda like a packet of magical energy; enough oomph to accomplish something. I have a few options, but adding tattoos of a certain size? My most socially acceptable option. Blood magic, buddy."