Whatever it is he needs, he finally concludes, he doesn't have it. That in itself is useful - in combination with previous discussions with Matilda, it tells him that this most likely operates on an internal mechanism. If it were possible to reach out and make use of an external force by simply concentrating properly, then Milliways would certainly be the place where he could manage it.

(There is something, something hovering beyond the edge of his senses, well out of his grasp. It might be Milliways, it might be Matilda herself, it might even be wishful thinking. He doesn't usually fall prey to that sort of nonsense, but no one is perfect. He'll have to look for it again later, when he's at home and there's nothing nearby to interfere.)

He opens his eyes and shakes his head.