John wasn't one to admit to nervousness, but he did have to acknowledge it in himself.

Eos was apparently one to detect nervousness because she started giggling. "Eos?"

"You're doing it again."

He frowned. "Doing what?"

"Wriggling your fingers."

He stared up at her camera. "What?"

"I have observed that when you are stressed you move your fingers rhythmically, in a wave formation."

He looked down at his hands, which, of course, were doing nothing.

"Virgil says it is a nervous habit."

"Virgil? Why did you ask him?"

The gravity ring continued its spin as he waited for her answer.

He waited a while. "Eos?"

"It was during the development of the the Zero XL. You were under stress and I didn't want to bother you. I was concerned and I thought a medical opinion from someone who is familiar with you would help. It did."

"What did Virgil say?"

"He said not to worry. That you had always done it and it was likely a mild stim action."

He stared at her camera for another full second. "He did, did he?"

"Is that incorrect?"

"Well, no."

"Should I have asked you instead?"

He stopped to think for a moment. "I would prefer that you speak to me if you have any concerns, but if I am unavailable, yes, you can speak to my brothers." It was admittedly unnerving, but she did at least have the right to ask. What his brothers told her…well, that was up for discussion.

"Virgil also said you should use those long fingers for the piano."

"Virgil says a lot of things."

"He does. He also wants you to sing at Christmas."

"I'm not singing at Christmas."

"He said it is special this year with your father now home."

John grunted. Every year Virgil badgered him about singing. The musician considered it a travesty that John didn't use his apparently beautiful voice for something other than answering comms. "I'll think about it." It wasn't the singing, it was the performing.

But Dad…

"Elevator on approach."

Another frown. "That was quick."

"Virgil also says that a distraction can often help."

He was going to have some serious words with Virgil.

"Bring the ring to a halt and start docking procedures."

"Yes, John."

The ring slowed as he made his way to the docking port. Through the glass, he could see the tether retracting.

He realised he was wriggling his fingers.

Ah, damn it. He was going to throttle Virgil.

Holding himself still, he waited until the elevator came into view and finally slid to a smooth stop, docking with the smallest of clunks. Eos had made such an improvement in the elevator's operation. Her ability to control the unit's speed and braking made for a much smoother and carefree ride.

An air pressure check and equalisation, and the airlock slid open.

He shoved his nervousness aside and straightened as much as he could in zero gravity.

The smile of his face was genuine, though, as his guest floated through the airlock.

"Hey, Dad. Welcome aboard Thunderbird Five."

-o-o-o-