[ Alan's drowning and being washed away by the waves, but he can dimly see a light over his head. It's more a resonance than a light, but he knows it. He knows it's Polaris, even if he's having a hard time seeing her. He can't move very much because he's surrounded by water, but he tries to move his arm to reach for her.

Meanwhile, Scratch pauses, but it's only for a second. ] Jesse, Jesse, Jesse, of course I know what you want. I always know what you want, because it's all up in here. [ He taps the side of his head. ] Still, there's something to be said for hearing about your desires in your own words and in your own voice. Your voice is entrancing, by the way.

I know what you want: you want someone who's like you. Someone who's seen the way the world really is and accepts it and welcomes it. Alan doesn't accept it; he doesn't even welcome it. But you know who does? Me. I accept it and I welcome it.

[ He taps the side of his chin then before he answers: ]

A smaller list... Well, first, I love how determined you are. I can see determination just oozing off you. I love it; it's delicious. Not many people have that level of determination. Second... you're strong. No one's going to pull a fast one on you. All you have to do is throw a block of concrete at their head and it's curtains for them. I just love that. Powerful, that's what you are. Hm, hm, hm... What else?

Oh, I know. You're smart. Intelligent. Quick-thinking, not dull-minded like so many people out there. Sharp as a whip, that's you.