James' first thought is that this ability does, in fact, sound incredibly useful. Sure, matches aren't extremely inconvenient or anything, but they also don't always work; they can get wet or damaged, and they'll also run out. In a place like this, where supplies are limited and the temperatures are so low, the ability to start a fire so easily could be not only convenient, but potentially life-saving. Not to mention the ability to defend oneself with it.

But the potential to lose control of it is horrifying. The image of Dr. Stanley going up in flames is forever burned--and what an ironic turn of phrase that is--into James' mind, and that's only the most recent of events; James knows far too well what fire can do, and he also knows his own often intense emotions. Would the risk be worth it?

It's also good to know that Billy apparently has this power, as it factors into the issue of Hickey, but that's a side issue.

James is drawn from his contemplation of this new information by Francis disappearing down into the cellar, and he stares off at the doorway for a few moments before turning his attention back toward Raju. He hesitates a moment, unsure if he wants to venture from lighter, practical topics, especially with someone he barely knows, but finally he lowers his voice and asks, simply--

"Is he well?"

It isn't quite the real question he wants to ask--do you know what's upsetting him?--but it's close enough. James really doesn't like having to ask any version of this, both because something's happened to prompt the question to begin with and because he doesn't already know the answer, but the only thing he can really do about it is to ignore his pride and try to get a better idea of the situation. The last thing he wants to be doing is making Francis' life any more difficult, whether unintentionally or otherwise.

[[ooc: sure thing!]]