[Alex's anger is like its own entity, controlling him as others claim Anya controls Ben. The difference that those same people fail to acknowledge is that Ben does so willingly - and maybe Alex does, too. But Ben rather suspects it is because he knows no other option.
Alex could obliterate Ben without a second thought, with no thought at all, and Ben would not be able to stop it. There aren't many here that can accomplish that, not without being some manner of god themselves. But here stands Alex, his friend, not a god at all but powerful like one, and so unhappy.
Ben tilts his head. He knows the promise for what it is: appeasement. If it is all Alex can give him Ben will take it and keep it safe. He doesn't move or pull back his hand, no matter how uncomfortable the heat is. Tell him what to do. Ben cannot frame this as an order, but he can reiterate what he always does:]
[ Spam ]
Alex could obliterate Ben without a second thought, with no thought at all, and Ben would not be able to stop it. There aren't many here that can accomplish that, not without being some manner of god themselves. But here stands Alex, his friend, not a god at all but powerful like one, and so unhappy.
Ben tilts his head. He knows the promise for what it is: appeasement. If it is all Alex can give him Ben will take it and keep it safe. He doesn't move or pull back his hand, no matter how uncomfortable the heat is. Tell him what to do. Ben cannot frame this as an order, but he can reiterate what he always does:]
Have faith, Alex. Trust the Admiral. Trust Anya.
And do your best, as I know you will.