[Mark winces, holding the communicator a little further from his ear as the sounds commence. A mean part of him wants to point out the irony of commenting on his weak stomach, but he settles for a silent little smirk instead.

But that doesn't mean he can't hear the misery in Victor's voice, and doesn't mean he isn't just a little moved by it. And he's supposed to be giving second chances...]

Because listening is what I'm here to do. It doesn't matter whether I like what you say or not, it's what I do. You're welcome to talk to me privately if you like.