The Red Prince seems to leave permanently.
I'm not sure about that.
Perhaps in some cases he does (based on what criteria I don't know) but he didn't for me.
It did take absolutely ages to find him again though - I wandered all over the ship multiple times before I found him. If there was anything in the dialogue about them all buggering off I certainly missed it. Will have to retry that bit I guess.
But sure, if he does really leave he should return his stuff.
