I know that, and you know that, but other people’ve seen it differently. And if anyone knows what it’s like to be unfairly judged on reputation, it’s mutants, right? You might not have your powers anymore, but I’m sure you wouldn’t forget what it was like.

[tommy pauses to take a breath, then sighs it out. when did this become his life.]

Look, all I’m suggesting is you maybe lighten up a little and cut the guy some slack. Everyone deserves a chance to be better, but nothing’s more discouraging than people telling you how bad you are ‘cause of what you did in the past. Trust me - I’m kind of an expert on this. I was headed down a pretty bad path before Billy and the rest of the Young Avengers found me. All it took to get me to join the good guys was someone believing in me. Who knows? Maybe that’s what this guy needs, too. And if I’m wrong, and he steps outta line? I’ll be the first to sign up to take him down.