[Out of the corner of his eye, Dio watches Trip compose himself. Dio didn't really have any lingering doubts that Trip was being unnecessarily nervous and fearful, but his hard swallow confirms it beyond a shadow of doubt. So what's happened since they last spoke to create this attitude? Dio's mind begins trying to puzzle it out.]

Have I? [He looks at Trip as he feeds Apep another piece of meat.] I was under the impression that you and I had reached an understanding last we spoke. You know what I am and of my admiration, so what is it that you doubt?

[And what placed that doubt there in the first place?]

[Oh, sure. Dio acknowledges that perhaps distance — both in space and time — may have allowed Trip's mind to wander. He might have perhaps gone over the conversation a few times in his head and identifies the danger he had unwittingly placed himself in. But it seems a bit extreme and unprovoked at this particular moment to be simply distance's doing. Something else must have happened.]

[So, what was it?]