The worst part is that he's not sure what other choice they have--he can't not work. Even if his life didn't depend on it, Viktor naturally wants to create, invent, improve. Sitting idle, even when kept here against his will, is unacceptable to him.

He'd wondered, often, why they would bother summoning him here if it would only be for a short time. Cadens' government certainly hasn't offered him anything by way of a cure (not that he thinks he would take it), implying that it means very little to them, whether he lives or dies. Maybe he's here simply as leverage for Jayce, who he knows would do anything for him, on top of being the suggestible one. Wouldn't that figure.

Viktor reminds himself that they're a united front, now. That should make all the difference, and yet he can't quite believe it. He pulls away, finally, but only so he can sit down on the bed, looking defeated.

"I'd almost rather be home." At least then he'd feel like he could do something. "Wouldn't you?"