“Alors, I don’t know. There is something exciting about the prospect. Unsettling, but...” He shook his head a little, trying to gather his thoughts. “In such a vast universe - and everything I have read has confirmed that it is larger than we will ever understand - I like to think we are not entirely alone.”

Combeferre chuckled. “Oh, I have managed. Though speaking of friends - I fear the good people of Casablanca will begin to doubt our interest if we keep ignoring them."