"Yes," he said simply. "And acknowledging that, I can move on to things I actually have time for. You say these things like I don't already know them."

Devin wondered if he was ever capable of that kind of hope, or if it was impossible for a creature like him. It didn't matter if he had; he didn't have it now. He focused on what was in front of him, what was doable and what was not, and desiring a choice about his own end was something resembling hope, but twisted by years of guilt and an unshakable determination to see his mission through and be done with it.