Chapter 219
.
Phoebe went to see Benjamin, alone. He looked exactly like his father, Cole. He ordered his bodyguards to leave them alone so he could talk to his mother.
.
Benjamin: Hello, Phoebe.
Phoebe: I guess it's too much to ask you to call me mom.
Benjamin: Julie raised me, guided me, she's earned the right to be called my mother.
Phoebe: She's evil. She only did it because it meant power for herself.
Benjamin: That is how it started yes. But real love, mother and child love, it grew from this. So if you don't wish to fight, I suggest you not insult her.
Phoebe: Fair enough. I'm sorry that I couldn't save you.
Benjamin: Correct me if I'm wrong, didn't you tell Paige that you never felt as if I was your child.
Phoebe: I was trying to convince myself more than anything. I did love you, but I had to move on with my own life.
Benjamin: Fair enough.
Phoebe: Is there any chance you'll want to come back to Antarctica with me?
Benjamin: I'm afraid not. The people here need me, I cannot allow them to be conquered by Zankou or the Triad.
Phoebe: You're sure it's not the power you crave?
Benjamin: Does it matter?
Cole: It matters to me.
.
Benjamin and Phoebe turned around, and here was Cole, Phoebe's ex-husband and Benjamin's father. Hondo had completed his part of the bargain, he'd found Cole and brought him here to reason with Benjamin.
.
Benjamin: Father?
Cole: It's good to see you son. Thank you for choosing my father's name.
Benjamin: I guess I wanted some connection to my family, and finding you in this place proved difficult.
Cole: I know. I think Evil does that on purpose, keeping families apart, make it harder for us to love.
Benjamin: You think I became this way because I was deprived of my parents?
Cole; Partly yes. But I also realize that, given the circumstances, that you could have turned out much worse. Still, you approved of some pretty graphic executions.
Benjamin: Only for those who conspire with Zankou, or the Triad. You cannot deny that things would be much worse if they were in charge.
Cole: The problem is, when you commit brutal executions, people start talking, wondering if your enemies are really so bad. No matter how many people a tyrant murders, he can never murder his own assasin.
Benjamin: I have the Seer, she will make sure I can never be assasinated.
Cole: And when you can no longer trust her?
Benjamin: What would you suggest?
Cole: How about I stay for awhile, become one of your advisors. I'm sure I'll disagree with the Seer or with Julie, but the decisions would ultimately be yours.
Benjamin: I supposse there is room for improvement, and I wouldn't mind getting to know you better. Sure, why not.