"You know they don't mean any of the scornful yapping, those loathsome suckers."
"Of course. I am mature enough to tell the difference between nature and nurture. Besides, I am pretty used to this kind of reserved behavior."
"Not from me, son! You're part of the family now!" he reached his arm around the soldier's neck. "You can call me Sergeant Thomas."
"That's why you're the best," Eros replied artfully.
"Hahaha! You really are a clever one. You have a bright future ahead of you!" he smacked his back. "I should get back to my troop; those uppity lunkheads. I wish they were at least half as adequate as you. Take as much time as you need to study this place. We need all your help."
