Tom stares at the tattoos, a frown on his face that only deepens as Jake continues to explain. He suddenly feels for the guy, a weird connection to him and his plight. It reminds him of Ben and the spikes, the weird powers that came with it and how people reacted to him. Hostility, distrust, resentment. People treating him like an asset, like a weapon. The aliens, always trying to take him back, take him away from Tom.

"I like to think I am." The bag suddenly feels a big heavier on his shoulders. "I'm not going to attack you. Or force you to come with me."

Except...

"... Serpent Brotherhood, really?"

Come on now.