Tomikins almost smiled, but it was more of a grimace. "Your mutated powers gained in the Prime will never—and I mean never—come close to matching what I can do with technology. I've conquered the science of System. You've merely captured a fleeting anomaly that will squeak its way out in the natural order of things. You should've done what I asked, Christine. You should have done what I asked. It's too late for you now."
Tom couldn't take it anymore, as scared and nervous as he was. "Would you two just shut up!" he yelled. "I'm a couple weeks short of sixteen—but I feel like I'm the only one around here who doesn't act like a snotnosed brat trying to pick a fight."
