Nero placed one hand against his chest with theatrical offense. "I have just informed you that I survived a covert operation, recovered your preferred alternative to invading a neighboring kingdom, and brought him directly to your medical facilities. I ask after your health, and this is how I am treated."
"You called me Father."
"You are my father."
"You almost never call me that unless there is a motive."
Hale lowered his head in the cockpit.
Duncan looked very deliberately at Amaru.
Nero sighed. "This family has made ordinary affection impossible."
"Nero."
"I am concerned about you. You have been under tremendous strain preparing an invasion."
"What do you want?"
Nero knew perfectly well that Dax was enjoying himself now. His father had stopped being genuinely irritated about the abandoned meeting sometime around the moment Nero confirmed everyone was alive. What remained was recreation.
Unfortunately, Nero had provided excellent material.
