Michael leans forward, insouciance falling away.

"Remind him of what it is to be human. And why that is a desirable state of affairs."

She smiles, thin-lipped and wry.

"Show him that he is not alone. Only you may not be the best qualified to do that. Your doubts, such as they are, are not the same as might be expected of a man brought so low. It is not an academic problem, distance and curiosity are likely to avail you naught."