"We're busy," Ethan said, like this explained the entire picture.
Chris didn't open his eyes. "Mmhmm."
Dax took a slow, measured step closer. With her head fully raised and her pale lashes lowered, Tania's expression was less menacing and more commanding: behave.
Ethan glanced at Dax's face, read something there, and his expression shifted - still amused, but edged with purpose.
"So," he said quietly, "are you done with lunch and diplomacy, or do I need to start a countdown?"
Dax's gaze stayed on Zion. "Done."
"Good." Ethan reached for the tablet and paused it with one tap. The room went even quieter without the narrator insisting on motives. "Because Zion and I have been waiting for him," he added, nodding toward Sirius as if Sirius were the irresponsible parent who'd been late to pick up his child from daycare.
Sirius exhaled once, the tension in his shoulders easing despite himself. "I'm right here."
