This prospect—no, reality—of being anyone's confidant is so absurd that it almost makes him laugh. This really is another world; it may as well be proof positive that Ambrose is entirely wrong about the Singularity's attachment to the worlds from which they'd come. No place with even the tracest connection to Kalvad would see so much as a thimbleful of trust placed upon the likes of Michael Ralston.

The novelty of the thing makes it difficult to examine.

"How mercenary you make me sound. I'm almost offended." No he isn't; trust and self-serving ambition are the two cardinal virtues of the capitol. Saint him now, Fathers.

"But if it means so much to you, then certainly. I'll keep watch."