Solomon had no idea what to say to that. Genis's presence ... wasn't precisely the issue so much as the catalyst for an issue Solomon hadn't realise was there--if it was there. He hung up his coat and went to pick up one of the teacups, and sat in one of the chairs. For a long moment he said nothing at all, before finally chuckling wryly.

"I've no idea how to begin that doesn't make me sound like a child or a cad," he said. "I suppose I might begin with asking ... what you intend out of our, ah, affiliation."