[Gray is already fatigued, but Caren is here and open and listening. Is that not what she should do? Is it not important that someone is here to observe Gray's convictions as she states them? She is being curious and bothersome, but of all the ways someone could weight test the gravity of what she believes, this is quite sluggish and tame, especially - or even - for Caren.]

You weren't treated well by your original people, but you'd still speak in support of them. People like you should be sainted but rarely are. [What makes her think the Bearers are different? Caren doesn't ask this question.] I'm surprised. For a second you sounded like another Zenith, but I think it must have been my imagination.

[Despite the muted sorrow running through the dead tree, tensions between them have never been quite so elevated or so muted. When she extended that observation, it isn't a condemnation or an accusation. This time she is only listening: There's no move to twist Gray's words, as she believed.]

What is the best way to come to consensus about his fate?