The narration comes slow and halting, riddled with pauses, like something painstakingly excavated from deep, deep earth.

Strange listens to it with the gravity it deserves. Patient, attentive. And it is an interesting story, as far as he’s concerned. It’s a crucible, and he’s well-acquainted with crucibles.

“Hm,” he says, thoughtful. “I mean, I get it. With such a bigger distraction at hand— when the entire building’s on fire all around you, you’re not exactly going to take the time to sit down and ponder how you feel about ethical questions writ large. You’re only trying to put the fire out. I suspect some of the others are still in that situation, too; it’s not like the war’s ended yet.”