[ the joke does its job-- it appears to take him by surprise, gloom instantly disappearing and quickly replaced by an almost grateful smile. ]

"Well-preserved," you mean. Like a pickled fruit. [ maybe he'll explain the whole endless reincarnation thing later...

a moment's hesitation. ] --And I hope the same for you. Perhaps when all's said and done, I'll find myself in your neck of the multiverse one day.