[ Can Ryan feel the way he tenses in time to the explanation? The reflexive tightness in his belly, in sympathy? He lets Ryan finish, lets a minute stretch between them as he pets Ryan's hair, reclines himself into the pillows. ]

When I was in prison, I--found out, if you will, that illegal aliens don't have rights in the United States of America. [ There's a kernel of laughter in his voice, because it's a double-entendre on the word 'aliens' that he thinks Ryan will be able to appreciate. ] The Warden of that place, he hacked my nanites.

[ He lets that sink in. ]

When he wasn't--using me, for security or for defense, he kept me in a tank, or in my cell, in solitary.

[ His voice remains calm and neutral, as he recounts what are now painful memories, but only that--memories. ]

To be in your body, but not inhabiting it--I know what that's like. You're braver than I to offer it.

[ He holds Ryan close. He's never told anyone that. ]