Muscles in Lupa's jaw pull tight as he clenches his teeth. Then he breathes out, a forceful rush of air out through the nose.

"From a logical standpoint, you are correct. With death denied, and no means of active atonement, self-directed hatred serves no purpose."

He lifts his hand to look at the indent on his ring finger. "I have discovered that feelings do not listen to logic. I was relieved to feel myself dying. But I also felt regret, because my death caused distress in Ga--the Embryon."