After a brief hearing, Starfleet decided not to pursue homicide charges against Portia, for Horatio had been moments from death in any case. As for her actions against the peace activists, Janith-Lau had convinced her people not to press charges, and the city’s authorities agreed to place the surviving Warborn’s discipline in Starfleet hands, so that they could focus on repairing the damage caused by the flares’ interference. Kirk wondered if, perhaps, they had also felt the five survivors had been punished enough.

Even so, there had to be consequences, as Admiral Chandra spelled out in a meeting in his office with Kirk, Professor Blune, and the five surviving Warborn. “Commander Rakatheema’s dream was that Starfleet Academy could offer you a path to build full and rewarding lives for yourselves in roles beyond combat,” the superintendent told them. “It is clear now that we failed in that effort.

“After what the five of you have done, you would have been expelled from the Academy in any case. There is no coming back from the line you crossed. Yet it may be that this is for the best. Perhaps Starfleet simply cannot offer you what you need to build the lives you deserve.”

Portia appeared guardedly appreciative of his words. “I think you’re right about that, sir. The commander felt your balance of military discipline and peaceful goals would be a transitional path for us. But I think the military side of Starfleet only reinforced our conditioning.

“Doctor Janith-Lau has offered to take us to a monastery on Vulcan, to help us explore a path of peace and self-discipline. I’ve… come to the conclusion that it may be the best thing for us. The others agree.” Next to her, Bertram shifted in his chair, looking reluctant, but said nothing. “If it works out, the other Warborn will follow us there.”

Kirk stared at Portia, surprised by her uncharacteristic words. “I thought that what you wanted was the freedom to embrace your warrior side. To find a cause to fight for.”

She lowered her eyes. “I do, Admiral. But after the last few days… I think we have seen enough death. Enough loss. It has no appeal.” She fidgeted in her seat. “I am Horatio’s genetic twin. We share the same potentials—the same basic nature. And what he became…” She shuddered. “I don’t want to lose myself to that. To become a threat to others—maybe even to my own comrades. That was never what I wanted to fight for.