The moment that Cole quotes his father - his exact words, just the way he would say them, Ben freezes, rooted to the spot where he is standing. It's been so long since he had a body, since he felt that sudden swoop of fear, adrenaline spilling into his system. His heartbeat is quick and his face flushes slightly, but there is no time to focus on any of this, because Cole is reeling away from him. He seems hurt, clutching at his head, and suddenly it clicks for Ben. How Cole could speak about his powers the way he did, know that person outside needs rescue, know things he shouldn't know. He should have guessed it sooner, as someone with powers himself. Cole's just... must allow him to see into people's heads, and memories.

Ben wouldn't wish his memories on anyone.

He takes a step closer, cautious but concerned. All the anger is gone, the fear pushed aside by urgent worry. Because Cole had been right: Ben isn't cruel, doesn't want to hurt people. He might not understand what Cole's deal is precisely, but it's clear Ben's question had hurt him, a lot. He reaches over a hand to touch Cole's shoulder, and the gesture feels clumsy through the anti-radiation suits.

"Hey hey hey, I'm sorry, I won't ask anymore questions. Just take a deep breath, Cole..."

Two possibilities seem equally likely to Ben: that Cole was a normal person with powers - some cocktail of mind-reading, empathy, sensing people's intentions - who has been driven half-mad by them. Or perhaps these other names - Compassion, Mercy, are other entities, from some different dimension, possessing and controlling him, in a way that has been harmful to the person they were trying to use. Or perhaps some combination, or perhaps something else entirely. But whatever it is, it doesn't seem like a lot of fun.

"We can help. Let's go out and find this person and help them, okay? You still up for that?"