"I don't see that I have much choice. You're going to take the empire apart just by smiling at it. Just promise me a better host than this one."

"I'm hoping to get in touch with my world - there's people who'll be able to make non-sapient hosts to spec - and also hoping to find people who'd consent to being hosts. People're who're helpful will get more consideration, though."

"I'm glad to hear it. Do you want help stealing empire technology, or do you think you can manage that?"

"I could use help, actually."

“Consider me a volunteer.”

“More importantly, we can consider you proof of concept.”

“I like ‘attaché’, can we fit that in somewhere?”

“We can discuss it later. For now, you might want to leave our friend.”

“I was just starting to feel at home. Must I?”

"He's my friend too, you know, and I promised him I wouldn't leave him under control."

"I wonder if they'll make you an honorary councilmember. I can't wait to see what you do next."

The Yeerk crawls out of his (other) friend's ear.

He rubs his ear slightly, watching as the Yeerk begins to swim around the small tank.

"Is that all for now? I think I'm going to want the rest of the night to myself."

"Yeah. Thanks a ton for the help."

"Alan, do you mind..."

"Of course. Nereus, are you alright with spending the night at my apartment?"

"Yeah, definitely."

Derek and the tank head upstairs.

Dr. Deaton and Nereus head to his apartment. There are a variety of plants throughout the place, as well as several photos of Alan with another man and a young boy, as well as some photos of him and a woman. There are also photos of him with various dogs. Other than that, the place looks neatly organized.

"There's a guest room. I don't keep much food in the fridge, but I can make a grocery run if you like, or we can go out for the duration of your stay."

"I like being around people? But I'm also perfectly happy living off of ramen, so, and - I usually try to minimize random people's exposure to me."

"If you can satisfy yourself with people-watching, I can't see any reason to keep you cooped up in here."

"It's - not the full interaction, but, yeah, it's - enough, usually. Thanks."

Whenever it’s time to eat, Deaton escorts him out. He usually brings him to the mall food court. He doesn’t sit with Nereus himself, taking the opportunity to get some exercise in. Waking around the mall takes just enough time for Nereus to finish up,

Scott continues to visit him, now at a Deaton’s apartment. Mostly, he avoids directly discussing anything to do with the war or aliens. He does ask Nereus how things are going with him, whether there’s anything he needs, and brings him comic books, video games, and other such forms of entertainment.

He's very grateful about the entertainment. He mostly just wants to help? Isn't otherwise high maintenance.