"I'd settle for feared and respected. Hated.." Neptune shrugged, "That depends on your contact. Mister Ward. Do you really feel he's up to the task? I'd hate for something like this to come between us, Hermes. But if your man ruins my vessel's reputation, I'm not above revenge. You have more power than me right now, but that won't be the case forever."
The mention of Reed's mortality made Neptune grin. "Oh, Hermes.. haven't you heard? There's an apple tree in bloom. Soon, she'll bare fruit, and I plan to be first in line to pick one." Did Neptune have the upper hand on this? How wonderful! But Neptune's bragging may get him in trouble. Hermes was charming, and it was possible he'd talk Iounn into giving him the gift of eternal life first. At least Neptune had been quick to contact her today, and she was eager to meet him. He'd need to be on his best behavior, even if that meant letting Reed do some of the talking.