From Trance's point of view.
Chapter 3
Everything is changing. I do not know if this is good or bad. I can't see which way to go, and my bonsai is of no help. I want to save them, but I may end up sacrificing them. Dylan must live. Beka must survive. I can not loose Harper. Rev is safe, for now. I am unsure of Rhade, I can not tell which path he will choose. It concerns me. Tyr is alive in the scientific sense. His compassion died when Beka betrayed him for Dylan. Hopefully he can be saved. It must not end like before, I can not allow that future to occur. So much pain, and suffering, and death. No, I will not lose my friends again. I love them too much, and they are too important for the survival of the universe, all times and universes. I need them. And Rommie. Rommie will have it the hardest. She will have many painful decisions to make; she was never merely a machine. If only those who call her that, an artifact, knew what she will have to do. Rommie will live, even after they are all gone, she and I will live.
She sighed.
If only there was something I could do, I have already interfered so much, and lost so much. That's the difference between them and me, they give and I lose. I have lost time and innocence. Humans and other life forms used to wonder, awe, worship, and fear me. Now I am an amusement. Something to ponder the creation of, to gawk at, ignore.
Dylan gave up happiness over 400 years ago. He put all his time into the commonwealth. And in doing so he gave up time with loved ones. I think that maybe that's why he's so devout to the commonwealth now. He realizes that he wasted his time before, but now if he gives up the commonwealth then what was all that time for? Missed birthdays, anniversaries, parties, and so many other things important to a social life, and being part of a family.
Beka gave up so much. She has no money because what she did not use to pay debts, she used for Harper and anyone else she knew who needed help. She sacrifices she much of herself for others. She's on the brink, I can tell, Tyr was the last straw. If only they knew how much she hurts, and just wants to be loved. If only I did not see a lot of pain to come her way very soon. She does not deserve, she has always been noble. I wish I could protect her.
Harper gave up a lot growing up. He did not have a lot, but what he did, he gave to his cousin and friends. He gave his mind to creating objects that would help save them from neits. And he even passed up a few rides off of earth to stay and help them. Beka and bobby were not the first to offer. Just the first that he accepted.
Divine, please, do not make me choose. I can not go down this path again.
Dylan. Beka. Harper. Rhade. Tyr. Rommie. Rev.
I love them all.
How can I decide which one must die for the sake of all other lives.
She paused for a moment. Searching her mind for the best possible solution, difficult as it would be.
Yes, yes, it will be hard, and we all all hurt, but I have decided.
I am sorry precious one, but you will die.
