"I have... fallen upon hard times." He runs his good hand over his hair. "There was a time when I was something important. A patriot, willing to serve Mother Russia to the bitter end."

He smiles grimly. "Does it seem ridiculous to you that I've lived here, in America, for twenty five years? I lived in the Soviet Union for only twenty one. For all intents and purposes, I am an American citizen. An irony that never fails to sicken me."

"Still, something can come from nothing." His eyes rest on the kryptonite arm.