The predator-network spoke as Kaine entered its territory.
Not with single voice. With four voices layered, harmonized, unified but retaining distinct tones. Four predators speaking as one while remaining four.
Guardian approaches. Killer who stopped killing approaches. Weapon who became person approaches. We know you, Kaine. We studied you. We learned from thirteen deaths you caused. We adapted. We survived. We networked. We became unkillable. We became safe from you. What do you want, guardian-who-was-killer? Why approach network you cannot destroy?
"I'm not here to destroy," Kaine said calmly. "I'm here to help."
Laughter rippled through the network. Not cruel laughter. Surprised laughter. Disbelieving laughter.
