Gen made a soft sound, amused and disbelief. "As if it was as simple as that. At first, the rockets were one-way. He was going to turn himself into stone and ask us to collect him later. And then he didn't understand why we were upset by that plan! I tell you, I'm glad the other scientists figured out a plan to get them up there and back safely."

He hummed, considering that. It's tempting not to believe him. Oh, he believed Nico thought it was true - the boy wasn't lying - but believing something was true didn't make it real. But this was a dream. Anything as possible.

"Do forgive me for being presumptuous, my friend ..." Gen hesitated before he said, "... but you have my sympathies, if that's true. Based on my understanding of the myths involved, of course. If that's unfounded, I certainly apologize ..."