True--there's no reason to give in to despair on this before we've even begun. And I think you might be right there--that he's lonely. [Working strictly from his own moment of delighted recognition of an opponent, oh, he thinks so.]

It's all right not to know here, Rich. And all right to leave saving him to others who haven't been wounded by the thing he's Bonded to. No sense in becoming a casualty again trying.

Besides, [dimly amused,] I've plenty of experience in dealing kindly with assholes. I'll find a way to get through to him.