"Considering we were under attack? Somewhat," and Alan sounded relatively calm about the whole thing, but it was clearly not because he was trying to sound matter-of-fact. He was just a rather calm man in general. He needed to be, after all. Especially when maintaining delicate equipment.

Then he was looking down at Scott.

"For what it's worth, I've heard nothing but good things about the young man. And it's a good thing he's got such good friends looking out for him."

His eyes hadn't left Scott, as much because of his need to concentrate as because... well, he didn't look much different from his own son. He hated to see any of the kids get hurt.