[Seeing all that destruction on the planet, the way Mikleo had torn apart the land, the trees, the rivers and houses, and how Sorey had led him to do it... It horrifies Clay, and partly because it's those two who did it. Them, who love nature and history, who work to preserve those things, carelessly destroyed the place. It really made it sink in just how badly this went.

And it's what prompts Clay to sit down after he's come back from that planet to gather some recovery supplies, find Sorey's number, and just... start talking.]

Hey, Sorey? I don't know if you're getting this. [Or if you care right now, he almost adds, but shuts his mouth before that comes out. That wouldn't be good to hear if Sorey hears this later.] I don't know what caused this. I'm not from a world like yours. I don't get the whole... malevolence thing. I've never heard of a... dark energy, I guess, being weaponized like that.

But I've seen what that kind of thing can do to people. When people feel like they don't have anywhere else to turn, no one to talk to, either because they're too prideful or just feel like they can't... it can really change a person. In my world, they can get bitter. They can start to not trust anyone around them. Then can get lonely, even when they're the ones who're isolating themselves. They can even turn into monsters. [...] Metaphorically.

Humans are frail. They give in to their emotions really easily. Even the most headstrong of them can slip up.

That's why humans have friends. That's why we need each other. We can actually lose our minds if we're completely away from human contact for too long. We're social creatures, and that's been a proven thing in my world. Even when we hide ourselves away, we still really need companionship.

[He rubs at the back of his neck.] I say I'm fine all the time when I'm stressed, or when I need to take on something, and it might seem like I'm just trying to push away what's bothering me. But when I'm done? I try to talk to Allen about it, or anyone who might listen. There's some things I know I can't do alone, and that's because I'm human. And... we're a great species, really. Despite all of our weaknesses, we still help each other. We're still there for each other, and sometimes the bonds we make last for a long time.

[He thinks of Apollo, how they've been best friends for years and years. How they've supported each other through thick and thin, through the good times and the bad.]

We really go above and beyond for each other. We try to save each other even if it could kill us. We figure out what someone needs and try to help as best as we can. We're weak, but we try. And when we try, we're capable of really amazing things. Like traveling to space, or making someone laugh, or...

[He shakes his head, trying to get more to the point.]

Sorey... you have friends who really want to help you. You can count me in for that, too.

If you ever feel that malevolence trying to come up again... drop me a line. Talk to me. I'll listen, I promise. That's what I'm here for... I'm your friend, and I want to help you.

You'll be fine... and we're here to make sure of that if you're not.

So... whenever you're ready, call me. I'll answer.