Jason fixes Stephen with a bit of a perplexed look, as if he can't quite imagine what it's like to enjoy having a Tribute around. The idea seems entirely foreign to him.

"You know we're not supposed to get attached to them, Stevie. That's practically the first rule in the Escort's Handbook." Not a written one, but a rule of law nonetheless. Jason feels no sympathy for Stephen's plight now, thinking that by weak constitution Stephen got himself into the trouble of grief.

"Oh? The one with the teeth and the Peacekeeping badge? Why?"