Even through the speakers, Colonel Voss's voice carried naturally through the hangar. The amplification almost felt unnecessary.
Don searched his memory out of habit and found nothing.
No recognition. No prior files.
Just another military officer.
Colonel Voss let his eyes travel across the crowd before speaking again. This time his tone changed slightly. Less formal.
"I can't imagine how most of you feel tonight." His gaze moved slowly through the gathered civilians and superhumans alike.
"I wasn't in Santos City when it happened. I didn't lose friends. I didn't watch my neighborhood burn. I didn't crawl through darkness wondering if I'd see morning."
The crowd stayed quiet.
A few people near the front lowered their heads. Others stared at him without blinking.
Don noticed one man clenching and unclenching his bloodied hands beside a woman wrapped in a thermal blanket.
"But I'll tell you what I do feel."
Voss paused.
"I feel angry."
