Janith-Lau’s eyes narrowed as if her suspicions had been confirmed. “That sounds very much like you’re hoping the Warborn will fight for the Federation after all.”

“I just think it’s important to be open to all possibilities. One can fairly argue that defending the Federation is defending Arcturus. And it hardly seems fair to ask these young people to remain passive if their very lives are threatened, or those of their comrades for whom they feel responsible.”

The peace activist’s expression showed very little peace. “This is what I was afraid of. You’re just trying to do what the Arcturians have always done—use the Warborn to serve the interests of their leaders, no matter the cost to themselves.”

Portia and Bertram had stopped their match some moments earlier, and they and the whole class were focused on the argument. Noting this, Janith-Lau turned to address the two Warborn. “Are you really okay with being used like this? Defined as living weapons with no other purpose than to fight and die for a higher power?”

Portia took a couple of loping paces toward her. “Is that what you see? Us being asked to fight?” She shook her head. “We’re being asked to do everything but that. Everything but the one thing that makes us who we are. And now you ask us to deny that last bit of ourselves.”

Janith-Lau shook her head. “You don’t have to be bound by the role your creators designed you for.”

The lanky Warborn female scoffed. “Them? I have no loyalty to people who made me to die.”

“Then why cling to this warrior role?”

“Because why they made me this way doesn’t matter. It’s mine now, and I do what I choose with it. I will fight to be who I am, whether it’s with words or with weapons. We have the right to fight for our existence, on our own terms.”

The two strong-willed females faced off, silently sizing each other up. Bertram just looked confused and troubled, as if he’d rather not face these complicated questions.

Finally, Janith-Lau spoke. “I respect your conviction, Portia. I was wrong to assume you were blindly following. But I hope in time you’ll learn that there are better things to live for than fighting.”

Portia smirked, but respect showed in her eyes. “Take a look at yourself. You’re more of a fighter than you admit.”