That was a smooth enough recovery, though that owed very little to Ford's clumsy attempts to lighten the mood. Still, Ford was grateful for it; even the brief flicker of expression on Tycho's face was enough to make his own insides twist uncomfortably. Ford had always been particularly empathetic to what other people were feeling, and he was particularly sensitive to grief over lost fathers after the death of his own two years ago. It was better for both of them not to dwell on that.

"Well, don't be in any hurry about the beard," Ford said through half-suppressed laughter. "I can't picture you with a beard at all, long and white or otherwise."

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