章 1156: The Second Step

Jonah's return was met by much cheer and celebration. The man was speechless, for the most part, like someone sent back to live after being run over by life, and the others didn't speak much, either. There would have been so much more if they weren't looking down death's throat, but still, they made him feel welcome. He was hugged by each and every person present, and when he met the emperor, some chuckled when he bit his lips and couldn't even get a few words out properly.

He had been accustomed to dealing with an old man who seldom knew who he was, so Daneel could tell that it must have been bewildering to meet such a changed man. The Emperor had thanked Jonah for his contributions, and the hug had left his master with ruddy cheeks.