[it's not as if he needs to keep his voice down -- there's no one around to eavesdrop -- but his reply comes quietly all the same. perhaps he's just surprised mello's so keen.]

I don't wish to make any promises, but... Yes, that's what I'm hoping. I doubt I could achieve anything of their power here, as weakened as I am, but if it was even a fraction of that--

[he cuts himself off, clearing his throat.] I could help these people. Far more than I'm capable of doing right now.