[ All right. If Carlisle's okay with it, then... Qubit nods his agreement, his anxiety starting to subside. Carlisle has the right of it - it has, so far, felt like talking things over is helping. If nothing else, it's a first step toward leveling the playing field between them.

And who knows - maybe it'll be good for Carlisle, too. Given the atmosphere of runaway machismo in the Longinmouth household, the fact that he didn't feel safe to confide even in his much-lauded uncles is disappointing, but no great surprise. ]

Fair enough. And - to tell the truth, I'm not offended. Like I said, I see where you were coming from. It's just - [ waving his hand in small circles ] - embarrassing, I suppose. I'm not usually so effusive.