[On the contrary, especially now that he's more secure within himself, Ben is eager to share whatever he can about himself, his past, and his road here if it will help others. Helena especially.

Ben's answer is immediate.]

It is not the same, but I recognize a lot of myself in her. This displeases me.

I had already begun to doubt the Blue Lady by the time I arrived here. She had been silent for me for years. Manticore was harder - is harder - because I have been conditioned to it.

It was my friends. I was secure in the Lady and in Manticore because it was familiar, something I understood and something that was mine in the middle of a life full of confusion and loneliness.