Simon's father had wanted him to go into medicine, irrespective of Simon's own wishes. It had just happened that the two Tams saw eye to eye on that, if on so little else, as Simon would later learn. And they wanted it for two entirely different reasons.

Gabriel wanted it because it was a fitting career for his son, a way to see Simon maintain his place as one of Osiris' elite. Simon wanted it because he wanted to help people, because looking after River had taught him how rewarding that could be.

The money and prestige didn't hurt, but when it really came to it? It was about helping.

"I'm hardly a teacher." He's good at what he does, gifted, yes, but not a teacher and not even a very experienced doctor. "It takes years of study and experience, but if you wanted to learn, I'm sure there's a way to get started here."