Laurence shakes his head. "Duty before pleasure," he says. "And I'm certain it will be a very great pleasure, both to make his acquaintance and to further yours."

So saying, however, he rises from the table, the slight reluctance he feels shouted down by the knowledge that even if time moves differently or not at all, he should not abandon his crew for an indeterminate amount of time. "Forgive me, but speaking of this reminds me that I must return. You have truly been a most gracious host, Hanguang-jun. I thank you for the refreshment and conversation."