In which Syl Vor finds something useful to do.
The overheard conversation about Val Con and Nelirikk solidly establishes when this is happening relative to Ghost Ship.
It’s interesting that Syl Vor thinks he might rather face Grandaunt Kareen than Aunt Miri. It’s not because Miri is delm, because melant’i means that she’s only the delm when she’s being the delm, and he’s just finished going through the fact that she’s not being the delm at the moment. It might be a familiarity thing; formidable as she is, he’s known Kareen all his life and has a fair idea what to expect from her, but he met Miri for the first time just recently and she’s still something of an unknown.
Syl Vor is lonely. He recalls hearing Mrs. ana’ Tak say that Val Con and Nelirikk had gone offworld (to Vandar, we know) and that Aunt Priscilla was busy with Aunt Priscilla.
But
In chapter 3 Aunt Priscila, Shan, Padi left to begin their half-year trade loop.
Oops– I meant to write that aunt P was busy with Aunt Miri
This, I have no answer for.