A sudden silence gripped the air around the four of them. It was the kind of silence one must endure awkwardly, out of respect and desire not to offend. Thus, even despite the torturous heat, one might still have described the temperature as frigid and cold as the Tundra of the north.<br/><br/>Dr. Lucas Amato had introduced himself post-haste, without any excessive formality on his part. This brevity on his part had impressed Garhard, who sat back languidly in his chair. He said nothing in reply, but made every gesture with his body, as if to say "you have my absolute, and undivided attention, Dr. Lucas Amato."<br/><br/>Before the good doctor could begin, however, the young man next to Gerhard ventured to speak once more: "I'm Dan Zuine. May I have the pleasure of knowing yours?" The young man ventured another quick glance into Gerhard's eyes. Gerhard looked back into them, but once again the young man retreated his glance down to the table, then muttered, "I am here to help with something. Not flirt."<br/><br/>Gerhard could not believe his ears, nor could he control his reaction after that. He tossed his head backwards, and let out full, throaty laugh. Never in all his short years had the tension between four people been so palpable as to taste. He knew perfectly well the impression he was making, but it wasn't good to stifle laughter. The world was as dismal as it needed to be already. Of course, even if he had tried, he could not have stopped himself, until, shaking a bit, he wiped away a tear from his eye.<br/><br/>Gerhard slid his chair back. He walked over to the counter. Picking up the ladle by the stew pot, he poured himself a piping hot bowl. He took two others back to the table with them, and slid them across the table to his other two soon-to-be bionic compadres. They slid smoothly and to a stop in front of the other two. Gerhard tasted his first spoonful of war stew in such a long time. He then turned over to Dan Zuine.<br/><br/>"Gerhard." Gerhard offered his hand, and kept it firmly in the air until Dan shook it. He then turned to Dr. Lucas Amato, conspicously absent a bowl of stew. "By all means, Doctor. Explain the procedure."