Inside the orbital, Tom and Kael were already waiting.
The interior was lavish in the way only an Ascender's private vessel could be. Kael stood with his arms crossed near the window, his expression as composed as ever.
Tom, on the other hand, looked like he was about to burst.
The moment the door slid open and Moon stepped through, Tom moved with surprising speed for a man his apparent age.
He grabbed Moon and pulled him into a crushing hug.
"Moon! My boy! My absolute beautiful talented boy!"
Moon's arms were pinned to his sides. The hug was tight enough to compress his ribs.
"Tom. I... I can't breathe."
"Bah! Nonsense! Breathing is for the weak!" Tom held him for a full second longer just to make a point, then released him with a hearty laugh.
He stepped back and clapped both of Moon's shoulders. "Look at you! Look at this face! That little scar suits you, by the way. Very rugged. Women love a man with a scar."
Selene coughed politely behind Moon.
