That is strange. Maybe something about this flood is contagious somehow?

What are the effects you're feeling?

I'm not feeling particularly inclined to hide my opinions. That's the only one I can identify.

[This seems genuinely perplexing to him, though.] I don't see how it relates to others. Are you noticing anything unusual?

[A terrible part of him immediately wants to start asking Rhade questions. But he reins it in.]

I haven't noticed anything. Just other people acting kind of strange.

[He can't hold back temptation any longer.]

Did you sleep with Lieutenant Rook, you know, the sexy auburn haired gunner who later transferred to The Bow of Apollo?

No. She didn't let me sleep. She made me go back to my cabin when we were done. Wait, why do you ask?

[More confusion. He could have just said "yes".]

No reason. I'd always wondered.

Plus, I was experimenting. You didn't just not hide your opinions, or tell the truth, you're blurting out all kinds of details. Whatever this is it's got you bad. Maybe I should hold on to your communicator just in case you're suddenly compelled to make calls that you'll regret later.

[He starts to hand it over, and then hesitates and draws it back to him.]

I can't remember if I've been talking about you on it. I don't know if I should.

[Wince.]

But maybe I should simply because I said that out loud. [Hesitantly he hands it over.]

[He takes the communicator.]

I promise I won't look. Not even after you just all but said there's probably stuff about me in there. And you know that I keep my word.

I don't think you always keep your word, but I know you don't like to break it.

[He just... makes an irritated face at himself.]

I'd really like the normal you back.

All right, yes, if I need to break my word to save my ship, my crew, the universe, people I care about, yeah, I'll lie, cheat and break my word. But I'm not gonna do it just to snoop on a friend.

I believe that.

[He shrugs noncommittally.] I just [he's trying to stop himself] miss you, and I don't want to tell you that. But I talked to Una, and that made me feel better.

And worse.

But better.

[He grinds his knuckles into the palm of the other hand, standing there looking awkwardly at Dylan.] I would like the normal me back as well.

[Dylan's expression softens.]

I miss you, too. And you don't need to be afraid to tell me that.

I'm glad you got to talk to Una. I hope I get to meet her someday. She seems like one impressive lady.

She sang for me, too. She's extremely impressive.

...And I'm not afraid, I'm stubborn. [And he swears in Vedran under his breath.]

So you just didn't want to admit that you missed me because you're trying hard to pretend that you don't?

No. Yes. No... I don't want to admit that I miss you because I made a mistake. I should stay here and keep talking but I'm going leave now, anyway.

[And he practically sprints away toward the stairwell doors, like the Magog are chasing him.]

Mistake? [He calls out after Rhade's retreating form.]

Gaheris, what do you mean by--?

[Nope, he's gone. Damn, Nietzscheans are quick.]