“Would a test subject help?” She stared at him in blank horror. “What? No.” “It would be effective, wouldn’t it?” “No,” she said again. “I’m a healer, I’ve taken oaths—” “No, you’re not,” Crowther cut in, a susurration in his voice like the snap of scissors. “Not in this room, not on this assignment. I don’t have any use for a healer. I need a vivimancer who will do what is necessary. Heroism is something for others to perform for the masses. Intelligence work—our work—is breaking people open by whatever means necessary to reach their secrets. That is what you are a part of now.”
