And at the car, Veli wants them both searched for weapons. Although he says 'lord' while he insists on it.

Aaron shrugs and produces one stunner and is very agreeable about being inspected for further weapons, of which the ensuing inspection does not discover any.

Mark continues to be totally unresponsive to the outside world and also does not have any weapons concealed about his person.

Aaron seems content not to talk on the journey.

"They'll probably put you in the room by mine. 've got a monstrously awkward letter to write Aunt Cordelia and Uncle Aral. I believe I'll make them break the news to Miles."

"Sorry about that," says Aaron, laughing softly.

"Hardly your fault."

"True."

"How long will Mark be, er, out?"

"An hour or two all told, I bet. May be longer what with being searched and all."

"He'll remember all this afterward, if that's what you mean."

"Right then. Hello Mark. Sorry about the panic attack."

"Apology accepted on his behalf."

Imagine that.

And indeed Mark and Aaron get the room next to Ivan's, and are told where the food is, and Ivan goes to write his awkward letter.

Aaron deposits Mark in their room. Aaron retrieves food. Aaron figures out where to retrieve clothes from and gets some of those too. Aaron remains in their room.

That evening Ivan knocks.

"Hi. ...Which one are you."

"Still Aaron."

"Thought I'd check on Mark, is he recovering okay?"

"Yes," says an Aaronlike although differently-intoned voice from the parts of the room not visible from the door.