[He almost, almost laughed at that; oh the “tragedy” of returning with memories, with knowing, the same thing over and over again. Had Emet-Selch not done the same after “Solus” died? After he had lived among the lesser fragments with fickle lifetimes?

But a quiet part of him stirred, the piece tied to the seat of Emet-Selch and his duty in the Convocation. There was a beauty and honor being able to return to the star, your purpose complete and sense of self fulfilled. It was different with the broken husks; they had no say in, fragile and delicate. Their bodies grew old and ill because they were only a part of something else.

Denial of returning, this perversion of order…perhaps he had more sympathy for it than he originally believed he would.]

Then I suppose you either get stronger or have stronger allies. [As if it was so simple.] Or at least be smarter. Killing is surprisingly easy.