"It's generally the standard for most labs," Daniel retorted. Anyone would know that. "It's not my pet." It just happens to follow me around when it feels like it, he thought. It was probably the other way around. He'd been adopted, or at least, it seemed to regard him as moderately decent. Being a food source didn't hurt things.

And if so, the otter wasn't at eye level to get hit by something. If Marco knew something about animals, more than the average person, then Daniel didn't think he needed to point out that they had better reflexes and instincts than humans. The chances were something would hit either of them and the otter would belong gone.

Daniel walked back over and retrieved the discarded safety gear. He held them out to Marco. "Fine. I'm not forcing you to stay. But if you do want to remain here, you wear these. I'm not having anyone injured in my lab."