[The flash of anger makes Prefect glance at Cassel, eyebrows raising slightly.]

Of course I understand that. Why do you think I stayed after I graduated?

[Except that Prefect probably could have gone back to being a commodity, if he'd only had the luxury of being a harmless one. ]

I'm afraid for him as well. I just... when he graduates, I can't exactly tell him not to go back, and your family means everything to him.

[He glances away again, back to staring into space. His nose wrinkles at Cassel's evaluation of his coping strategy.]

It's not really me that I'm drowning out, I don't think. Just leftover thoughts, Comrade.