"Shell. He wanted me to learn things about the future of Oz from Professor Ambrose. And pass weapons and machines from this and other worlds represented here to him. And be his little pet project to look good in the public eye. In exchange, he would have taken me in as family, placed me in the university in Shiz, and more than likely have provided an excellent government position with advancement opportunities."

He settled against a wall carefully and hung one arm over his knee.

"I told him to no."