"I wouldn't dream of converting anyone, believe me. It seems to bring only pain to my kind."

"Hey, maybe you can talk to me about it some time. Kinda like the idea that there's some other religion than the crap the Protectorate spout."

"The Maker isn't much better, but I'd be happy to tell you about it sometime."

And then he will regret it.

"Maybe gods are just not worth the time..."

Anders ducks his head, somewhat ashamedly. Years of Chantry rhetoric, however untrue, still left him with defending words coming to his lips. "Oh, I dunno. Something very cleansing in giving away everything you are. Self-flagellated for everything you're not."

"-Yeah. Religion does that to you."

"Indeed. I was put into a prison for the crime of being born, and yet I still consider myself an Andrastian."

"Relatable."

"Crimes of the parents. Delightful, huh."

"Don't do that!" Deke snapped. "Make some noise."

"We should get her a bell."

"No bells. Grim had nothing on people moving between dimensions."

"Maybe, but I made quite a large entrance. Plenty of ways to get your attention."

"Grim was the best bet we had about getting intel on anything weird going on this side of the equation."

"Ah. Right. Well. Sometimes things just happen, don't they?"

He tries to ignore the building dread in his heart. Justice used to help with that.

"Just because Grim hasn't heard anything doesn't mean there's nothing. We'll figure it out."

"There was always a risk I might get stuck here. It's all right. I'll...I guess I'll try and fit in here as best I can."

"So far so good."

"Thanks." Anders smiles softly at her. "I'll try and keep that going."

"Hn. Deke." Circe turns to leave.

Deke rolls his eyes and follows.

Anders rubs his hands over his face. It's beginning to feel like there's a countdown suspended over his head. He's not sure what it's ticking down to, but it's not anything good. He knows himself well enough for that.

"I just need a minute. I'll...organise the med bay. Or something."

"Okay," Rex agrees quietly. "We'll be around if you want."

"Thanks, Rex. I'll...I'll see you later."

He heads back through the ship, hoping he's heading to the med bay.

Perhaps he is, or perhaps someone, or something is looking out for him. He makes it to the med bay either way.