Anaesthetics, local and general, several varieties. Analgesics.

(In the years before her death, Liz Whitaker was working on a treatment for Ng-Hadary, a neurodegenerative disease affecting primarily the young. According to the obituary, her research was widely hailed as a real step toward a cure.)

It's a moment before he consciously registers River's presence. When he does, it's without surprise.