I'm continuing training," Kaine said.
The words settled into consciousness-space with finality. No hesitation. No uncertainty. Just decision made and spoken.
"I'm continuing because forty-seven of you are right. If I'm probably doomed anyway, I'd rather be doomed helping than doomed avoiding. I'd rather die as weapon who freed billions than as child who refused capability. I'd rather spend time before probable death becoming excellent at what I am than attempting to reverse what I've become. I choose accomplishment over avoidance. I choose meaning over attempted healing. I choose to be weapon."
Her mother's presence contracted with pain. "You're choosing death. You're choosing to progress toward self-termination. You're choosing billions over yourself."
