"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely," he murmured, feeling a sting of sadness for this world. He wished they would not go through the trails his own did. He could slap down hundreds, even thousands of books detailing the cruelties of a world led by religion. That was not to say some good things had not happened, of course. But when you looked over the full tapestry of it all - well, the main color was red.

If he could, he would help this world be spared that, but he feared that it too might have the same growing pains Earth did.

"It would not surprise me if that were the source," he gave a little half shrug. "We're something new, outside their control and understanding. Better to start setting us up as something they can easily destroy if we prove not to be useful to them." Harsh, perhaps, but he did not think an incorrect assessment of that particular situation.

"Regardless of what the Chantry or anyone else thinks of me, I'll continue helping when and where I can." He leaned slightly, bumping Anders with his shoulder. "But it's good to know I have friends who think well of me."