He shakes his head a bit, because he appreciates the honesty. "Is your work so encompassing, so enrapturing, that you would neglect all else for it? Or is that madness?"

He thinks that Roshka can testify that their line of scholarship involves much more in the way of casual contact, in projects that involve others, in learning the art of leadership. There is little of locking oneself in their work, and ignoring the rest of the world.

"Do you think that Oriencor is-" he starts, but then he stops, as if Oriencor's name has stolen his tongue.