Pratt is very good at asking questions that Palamedes hasn’t thought of—he does it with no rhyme or reason, but it’s that precise chaos that makes him so useful. Borderline irritating, but useful.

“Damn. It’s possible. Or they may die, but by another definition entirely. It is theoretically possible for the body to remain even as the soul dissolves, and vice versa.” He takes off his glasses and rubs his hand over his face. “What I need is an expert on energy transfer and the soul. I can’t believe I’m about to say that, but I would give my spleen for five minutes with Ianthe Tridentarius.” Returning his glasses to his face, he adds, “An acquaintance of mine. Clever, but not half as brilliant as she thinks. Knowledgeable in this particular area. And, unfortunately, an absolute psychopath.”

Despite his musings, the Princess of Ida is one of the last people Pal wants to see on the Serena Eterna, and it wouldn’t do him good to wish for her even if it was otherwise.

“Unfortunately, I suspect you’re right. I doubt that’s the kind of information the Captain would give up easily.”