Those that are hurt... it's like the compassion they should have had was cut out of them. I told you about my mother. How she wanted to make everyone in the world a demon and let people slaughter each other until there was nothing left. What I didn't tell you is how sometimes the older scientists would talk about how much she'd changed, how cold she was, how much she changed after something terrible happened to her. I don't know what it was, but I know it was before I was born and she only gave birth to me so she could use me. At least Leonard managed to hold on to his compassion for his daughter, at least there was some shred of goodness that allowed him to love his daughter instead of hating her as much as everyone else. Maybe more. At least you allowed her to call you Papa.

[In the back of her own mind the Mayors reactions to her begging still floated through her memories, vague at the edges like a ghost. And to juxtapose them the painfully sharp memories of her own original parent.

My Angel, this is a very important play, and it can be a very dangerous one to perform. Please, won't you reconsider? I would not be able to bear it if something were to happen to you...

Seraphita, how many times must I remind you to only address me as the Chief Director!? Now be a good little girl and be quiet while we run these tests.]

You're right. I'm biased too. But I know the real you is kind. So it must have been that part of the Mayer that drew you into filling his shoes.