Tony is upset, and he's not doing a very good job of hiding it. He's tried losing himself in the work in the Sky Sector, putting the finishing touches on the new home he and Gene had built for themselves, but even that doesn't generate much enthusiasm.

Howard's abrupt departure has hit him hard. Losing his dad, again, after being kept away from him for so long, again— it's just so unfair. He's disappointed and miserable and more homesick than ever, and there's nothing he can do about it.

Well, there is one thing...

The next time Gene returns to their room, he'll find Tony curled up on the couch, not in his usual attitude of mopey lethargy, but instead looking thoughtful and tense. He's turning something over and over in his hands— Something he quickly hides as soon as Gene opens the door.