"Help."
The word came out small. Not quiet; just small.
Theoran didn't move.
I almost took it back. That would have been stupid, so naturally I considered it.
[Do not.]
I ignored the System. Theoran's eyes stayed on me.
"With?"
I breathed out. "Finding a way."
"To SS."
"Without destroying my channels."
"In approximately four years."
"Yes."
He nodded. I waited. Nothing. That was somehow worse.
"That's it?"
"What were you expecting?"
"I don't know."
"A bell?"
"No."
"Applause?"
"Definitely not."
"Good. My shoulder has been poor all week."
I stared at him. Theoran smiled, and then the smile faded.
"Yes."
I frowned. "Yes what?"
"I will help."
That simple. I had expected more difficulty. Possibly a lecture. At minimum, a question I didn't want to answer.
Theoran reached for the tea again, then seemed to think better of it and moved the cup away. It was the best decision he had made all afternoon.
