"We are physically alive and present here," Skulduggery confirms. "The captain happens to know advanced magic, and he uses that to repair our bodies. I couldn't tell you the specifics -- he plays that one quite close to his chest."

The lack of personal space isn't ideal, but Skulduggery doesn't let it bother him. Curiosity is fine, just as long as he isn't poked or prodded like a science experiment. "Well, I can't eat, for one thing. Or drink. Or sleep. The three things that seem to be ideal pastimes for an eternal leisure crusie, basically."

He shrugs. "It isn't so bad, though. I have time to read, and there are plenty of ways for me to keep my skills up while aboard the ship. Although it's more satisfying to light things on fire when it isn't on an enclosed vessel."

Don't want to burn things down, right?