Hmm? Lesgle noticed that freeze, there. Hmmm. But Joly does settle against him, so that's all right?

"Yes, indeed. I should be quite lost if I had to invent the social contract de novo, or wander through an unearthly realm establishing truth and justice. I gather they have a collection of kingdoms, at least one with slavery.... And she, quite sensibly is reluctant to bring in Milliways' arsenal of future weapons."

He tries to keep his voice light there, but Joly can probably detect a certain edge. They've all seen photographs of what people will teach themselves how to do.

He gives Joly's shoulders a tentative squeeze?