When he thinks of his partners, conjures up the composite memory-selves that live in the back of his mind, they are always in motion: Rose running at his side, laughing and exuberant; Jack, strong and lithe, whether in bed or in a fight.

I just love this description. It's so visually evocative, and so very apt for both companions.

Most ship's engineers that he's met would rather build a footstool out of their mother's bones.

And speaking of provocative, wow.

Now I'm on tenterhooks waiting for the next chapter.