Pal doesn't get it, and that feels— something. Another almost-something, another crack in his mind he could dig his fingers into. Pry it open for more headache.

But maybe Pal has the right idea, here: he just notes that as new information and carries on.

"Sounds ominous," he agrees, mildly. "I'm in. Next expedition, just point me at the bones."

Maybe they'll all freak him out like the cow's rib; maybe they won't. He'll be learning something, either way. Sooner or later, it'll be something he can use.