"I guess that's true," Claude agreed. In theory, it was a lie that was easy enough to explain. He just hoped it didn't make Dad ask too many questions. He probably looked suspicious enough, being an Earthling who was friendly from folks from underdeveloped planets and all.

When Dias mentioned his father's safety, Claude paused before letting out a small breath. "I know you have enough on your plate as it is, but...I don't think I can look after him alone," he quietly admitted. "This place is so dangerous, and Dad, he's...well..."

He fell silent, trying to word what he wanted to say. "I grew up thinking he was invincible," he continued, "but now I'm old enough to know that simply isn't true."

Wow, that was kind of a depressing thing to say, wasn't it? At least he knew Dias was on his side, though, and that was all that really mattered right then. They just needed to focus on keeping Dad safe, and then Claude could worry about the finer details later.

"Anyway," he said as he leaned back in his chair, "I really appreciate your help, Dias. Thanks. And..." Claude rubbed the back of his head, looking a bit sheepish now. "I've been meaning to apologize for the way I acted a couple nights ago. It was wrong of me to lash out at you like that, and I'm sorry."