"Well, things certainly picked up while you were away. Saint and the Dragonslayers attacked right when you hit the Cradle, using some kind of Tinkertech weapon to shut down Dragon and steal her suit. They also wiped out nearly all of Accord's gang in the process, so I've been..."
This time, you do not do as well at reigning in your disgust on your features and Administrator trails off as she notices it. You see the question beginning to form on her face, so you decide to answer it before it's asked.
"A team of heroic Case 53s formed in Boston. I was… close… with their leader, Ethereal."
You remember a picnic in the Boston Public Garden. Neither of you needed to eat, but the attempt at normalcy was a private joke between the two of you. Despite the stares your armored prison and his shade-like form drew, it was your first truly peaceful moment as Marrow. That evening was even better, but you shake your head free of the memories before your heartache grows too overwhelming.
"A clash with the Teeth spilled into Accord's territory. There was no proof of his involvement, but the bodies of all involved were found the next morning on the PRT's doorstep."
Administrator is silent for a long while, her eyes drifting off to a point in space beyond you while she considers your words. The conflict flickering across her face is easy for you to read, which his disheartening; it is clear she has found some measure of value in the murderous sociopath, and from what you remember of the exchange near the Brockton Bay Crater he may play a part in her plans in the future. Even worse, his assistance played a critical part in enabling your own conversion - a debt increased even further by the harm that came to him as a result of his aid.
But the salvation of Autochthon is greater than you and past grievances.
Closing your eyes, you take a deep, steadying breath. As you exhale, you attempt to relinquish the tension building in your shoulders, arms, and hands - unclenching your fists and laying your palms flat on your knees again. When you open your eyes again, you see Administrator giving you an apologetic look.
"That was years ago," you begin wearily, cutting off her attempt at consolation, "and I hospitalized him in return. That he put aside our past to aid my conversion means much."
Administrator flinches a bit at your statement, then sighs and shakes her head.
"I'm sorry, Prayer, I didn't know about your history with him. I'll… talk with Dragon, but apparently he's one of the most powerful Thinkers out there. If we do end up using him, well…" she trails off for a moment, before a conspiratorial grin spreads on her face.
"I'm sure you'd love to demonstrate what will happen to him if he steps out of line."
The grin you allow yourself is undoubtedly learned from seeing it every day on Kali's face.
"The blessings of the Great Maker are a wonder to behold."
