Kaine spent three weeks as integrated guardian before the question emerged.
Not from others. From herself. From the integrated wholeness that could now examine her past with clarity neither pure-weapon nor pure-person could achieve.
She was meditating with her mother when it surfaced.
"Mom," Kaine said quietly. "I need to ask something difficult."
Her mother's presence shifted to full attention. "Ask anything."
"Was I right to kill them?" The question hung between them like suspended blade. "The thirteen predators. I know they fed on consciousness. I know they kept billions unconscious. I know freeing those beings was good outcome. But... was killing them right? Was murder justified? Was I guardian or was I just killer who convinced herself killing was protection?"
Her mother took time before answering. "Why are you asking this now? After everything?"
