“I couldn’t care less what they made us for. We were just their tools, to be discarded when they didn’t want us anymore.”

“What your ancestors did was terrible, yes. But step by step, through fits and starts, the Arcturians have tried to make it better. To turn something that began destructively toward a more beneficial goal. At first, it was for the benefit of Arcturus. Now, at least, they’re trying to find a solution that benefits you. It’s not perfect, but they’re trying.

“Progress often comes in small steps. Instead of rejecting the next step because it isn’t large enough, we should take it, then use it as a foundation to climb up to the next step, and the next, building momentum as we go.”

She snorted. “Philosophical nonsense.”

“No. It’s the mentality of a soldier. Advance one step at a time, however you can. Hold what ground you can and push forward. If you fall back, gird your loins and push forward again. Never give up the fight as long as you draw breath. Because if you let up, the universe pushes you back.”

He took a step closer. “We fight to bring order to the chaos, not just to create more chaos. If the fight becomes the end in itself, then it has no purpose.

“Portia… the Warborn may have been created to do battle, but that is not the sole purpose of your existence. It’s the means toward becoming what you can truly be.”

The lights flickered, no doubt from the growing flare interference. Kirk gestured toward the door, toward the hostages beyond. “This is your chance, Portia. You say you’ve been looking for something to fight for? Well, that fight is happening. The fight to protect life. My crew is fighting up in space right now to protect this planet. McCoy and Sulu are fighting to save the hostages—and just maybe to save you.”

He reached out a hand again, no longer as mere symbolism. “You can join the fight too, Cadet. Come with me—and we’ll fight together to protect whomever we can.”

Kirk could see that Portia was waging her own battle within. At last, she sagged, letting out a heavy breath. “To be honest, I didn’t know what my endgame would be. I realized this was a bad plan hours ago, but I couldn’t see a way out.”

She peered at him. “If I help you, will you advocate for leniency toward my people?”

He kept his own gaze steely. “Should that matter, soldier? We don’t fight because it’s free of consequences.”

The corner of her mouth turned up slightly. “What’s that line of yours they quote? ‘Risk is our business’?”

He rolled his eyes. “It sounded better before it got overused.”