There are places where Ari might let down her guard, but this isn't one of them. She won't underestimate spacer military, and Palamedes was clearly their captive. Still, most of her attention is given over to listening to him. As promised, she lets him say his piece, no matter how strange it sounds.

'Alright, security first. For proof. On the prison ship you and I once attended an Earther wedding. John Watson was the groom. Who was the bride - and what did you show me that night?'

Yes, it's something of a trick question, but not an unfair one, not to the real Palamedes Sextus, who would be sure to remember the way it actually happened.

'And could you let me speak to... Cam? How do I properly address her? Let me speak to her to confirm all this is done with consent.' That's one reason. The other is to see how distinct the voice of "Cam" is, whether it supports his story.

'My other question, I guess, is why? Where's your actual body? Why are you doing all this?'