[her prickliness reminds jon of someone, but he's not sure who. the old bear, maybe. perhaps himself. he gives her a half-smile.]

The Clock had nobody on it except for us. I suppose that's stranger than landing on a world with people and countries.

[he pauses, shrugs minutely. he's not used to having to ask people for information, they usually start lecturing him right away.]

I was just wondering what it was like. It can't be all parties and brewing contests.

[especially if nobody has any siblings. jon can't imagine growing up alone.]