First light entered the engine's center hall through vents older than the shield, and the private galaxy had kept turning all night above the central seat.
The First Speaker stood to meet it, because keepers do not die sitting down in this country.
Hajin crossed the floor alone with six dark Rings and one question his own conscience required him to ask.
"Release the compulsory layer now, and this ends with you alive plus the record standing."
The old man considered the offer the way he had considered everything for forty-one years, completely, and with the city's whole interest at heart.
"No."
The single word was almost gentle, and it decided absolutely everything.
"Then I am sorry," Hajin said.
"So am I, Foreigner," the old man replied.
The Speaker rolled his shoulders once, like a man beginning a day's work.
"You will do it faster than the decay ever would."
He opened both arms to the hall he had kept for forty-one years, and the private galaxy came down.
