“I’m not planning on getting out of here.” Palamedes waves his hands before Wayne can object or ask any further questions. “I know it sounds absolutely mad, but I can’t just abandon—there are matters I need to see to. Both as a scion to my House, and as a friend to people who need me. We’ve reached an agreement with the people on this ship, tenuous though it is. We’re not in danger—not from them, at least.”

He looks at Wayne with brown eyes that have never been his, gaze gentle and apologetic. “If you would prefer to run, I can find you a shuttle. This universe may be foreign to you, but you’re resourceful. You could make a life. Or I can keep you hidden here, and help you find a way back to Waynehouse, or even the Serena Eterna.”

“Or you can stay and serve as our bodyguard during some truly unprecedented political negotiations.”