Gregor listens patiently, but his lips take on a wry twist that deepens steadily as Bel speaks.

"I should have known you'd figure it out, honestly, even if it'll give Simon colonic spasms. I think it shaves a few weeks off his life every time another Dendarii finds out what's going on, but while our medical care is certainly not up to the standards you're used to, we're catching up. He'll be fine."

He tilts his head in slight invitation, not sitting again yet. "If you're waiting for me to have some free time, I'm afraid you'd be standing around outside that office until roughly a year and a half from now, but there's no crisis that can't wait an hour." Something like the shadow of a real smile curls his mouth.

"What can I do for you, Captain Thorne?"