"That's the thing, the thing you wanted. Choice. That was the goal all along, you don't want an army. You want brothers, sisters. You want a chance to change the world." He swayed a bit but let Conner pull away, relieved, knowing he had managed, knew his son was the better man for this job. Knew that, without a doubt, Conner was the one they should listen to.

"You wanted us to help you. We can't stay. But right now is the best chance you're ever going to have for having this. Leave them here and they'll be changed or killed. Take them with you, and you might have to convince some of them. It's a very real possibility you will. But we decided for you in the end, didn't we?"

He swallowed, tasting blood, one hand coming to his ribs as quietly and subtly as possible. A few were broken, he knew that. Normal human in super-powered combat? It just wasn't going to work out that the normal human came through without a scratch. But he needed to speak. He needed to stay on his feet.

"Those memories you took? I believe in those people."

He believed in his son, and he believed in the Doctor, he believed in Sakura and Nightwing. He believed in Kang, even, though he wouldn't mention that. Because Kang wouldn't be bothered by blowing things up. Himself? Well, maybe not. But he believed in them. He believed that they could help see this world into a better tomorrow.