“You, Olga. I think you can be the bridge, the perfect example of human- and machine-kind merging to shed the past and move into a better future. When you’re ready, we’ll introduce you to Earth along with our offer. I thought another dakini would be our ambassador, but you have a better connection with both worlds, and a more mature temperament.” Ao Tara drifted toward the door. “I’m afraid I have to move on to my other duties. I know this must be hard for you, to accept so much so quickly. Clemence and Suvara say that you’re doing very well for someone your age.” She grinned at Welga’s grimace. “They don’t mean to insult you. You must look as old to them as I do to you.”

The monk left her sight and reappeared in her visual feeds. What if I don’t want to be your goddamn ambassador? Welga leaned into the table, exhausted by the exchange. Her body had regained some of its strength after they let her eat and exercise, but it was still healing. One of Nirodha’s many arms approached with a needle. She waved it off.

Delay it by thirty minutes.

But we need to rest.

We will. I need a little time to think first.

Right thinking, right action—the ancient precepts of the noble eightfold path made sense from a practical, moral standpoint. If only they weren’t diametrically opposed to human nature. To live was to change, but most people resisted that. They struggled with it. To strive for a better existence? As much a part of history as oppression. Would Eko-Yi’s plan lead humanity to a better future or end up giving rise to a new form of exploitation? Was she thinking in Western dualistic terms, as Ao Tara had charged? Could the future bring some combination of both? That was what happened historically. Neither democracy nor socialism had solved the world’s problems. The deregulation of biogenetics that her mother cherished hadn’t prevented her death. The regulation era of Welga’s adulthood had led to her own disorder.

No matter what the outcome, though, Welga couldn’t approve of Ao Tara’s methods. The end does not justify the means, not when they involve violence against the people I swore to protect. She hadn’t forgotten her true mission. Her own mind reminded her every morning: Whatever it takes. Stop the Machinehood. Ao Tara could justify the dakini’s actions however she liked, but that didn’t make her right.

When did she say that Suvara would leave for Earth?

Tomorrow at seven o’clock, station morning.

Can’t let that happen.