He didn't like it, but as long as he gave a good reason he wasn't going to argue.

"As long as they can be there and at least see it," he answered after a short pause. He wasn't trying to be a pain as much as he was trying to be thorough; he was only going to get one chance to do this.

"What about anesthesia? How do you administer it here? And how long would I have to wait before I could hold the baby?" he continued, serious but not aggressive.

He went to take a drink but paused and looked at the beaker again, eyebrow cocked. After a second he took a very small sip.