Erik gave a small, understanding nod. "I can see how that must be hard for you, having to constantly be cautious of what you are saying to the people you know from your own world. I do not believe that I would like to know my own future with the knowledge that if I was ever Ported back to my own world, there is nothing I could do to avoid it. It is comforting to know that the things that I am being told about this older version of myself may not be set in stone for me... There are notable parts of our past that differ from this other world, so at this point it is impossible to tell whether the future would be similar at all.

"It is my understanding that we are not unique in this regard-- that is, we are not the first people to have been brought to the City who are different versions of individuals that other imPorts already know. I have not spoken to anyone in depth about this, though."

Erik manages a slight smile. "It seems that Charles is one of the best people I could possibly hope for to testify on my behalf. He is quite well regarded in this other world, apparently. The fact that he regularly reads my mind only makes his word stronger."