[Count on Falco to bolster Paul's spirits with attentiveness. It's one of the reasons they've formed the sort of bond they have; they know the power of bestowing your full, undivided concentration on anything, and how simultaneous it is with love.]

It is.

[Paul drops his hand to his lap, catching the edge of further curiosity in Falco's question.]

It has to be on most planets people live on. We need salt to live, and any planet with salts in its crust will have them seep into their oceans. Funny that we can't drink sea water, then, don't you think?

[He could keep going, delving sideways into a description of the human filtration system (of no doubt closer pertinence to the young healer than geography alone) and its delicacy, but the sounds of approaching footfalls stops him short. He draws himself up, but makes no move to part from Falco. Watching the place his father will emerge, he says, softly:]

Here we are.