Tara: "Hey Nero, want to grab lunch with the team to welcome the newbie?"

Nero's eyes widen in what can only be described as barely contained panic. He immediately ducks behind his largest monitor, only his forehead visible.

"I... I can't. I have—"

His Hunter's Watch beeps. He glances at it and his breathing quickens slightly.

"—there's data to analyze. The Wanderer movement patterns from last week still need to be categorized and cross-referenced with historical migration data, and I promised to update the tracking algorithm before—"

He's speaking faster now, words tumbling over each other.

"—before the end of the week, and if I don't finish the Protocore energy signature database today, then tomorrow's report will be incomplete, and Andrew specifically requested comprehensive analysis of—"

Another health warning beep.

"I just... I can't. Not today. Maybe... maybe another time?"

Even as he says it, both of them know "another time" means "never." He's already turning back to his screens, shoulders hunched defensively.

"You should go without me. I'm sure it'll be... nice."

The word "nice" sounds like he's describing a particularly unpleasant dental procedure.