Unabashed, Hadeishi continued: 'Surely no other
'You,' the old Mйxica growled, 'are presuming upon our acquaintance, Nisei.'
Hadeishi shook his head, lips pursed. 'You have rewarded her honorably. She has rendered good service – no
'Enough!' Hummingbird turned away. 'She is not my tenant. She is not of my clan, nor are her children! Once I will extend the advantage of my house to aid her. Once! And no one will know.'
'I understand.' Hadeishi clasped both hands behind his back. 'Service for service.' But silently, he added
After a moment of silence, Mitsu said: 'You cannot make her accompany you.'
Hummingbird seemed to wake, life returning to his sharp green eyes. He glowered at the Fleet officer, hands clasped stiffly behind his back.
'This is easy for you to say, Nisei. Your traditions hold that letting go of the world is the path to enlightenment. Mine are different. I have a responsibility to my student.' His head tilted toward the hatch. 'She has only passed through the first door. Her will, her intent, are weak and unfocused – at any moment she could be trapped by this new clarity, she will be lost, blinded by the simple ability to see.
Hadeishi nodded slightly, his elfin face serious. 'Anything might happen to her. She might be killed or driven insane or turn away from her path. Hummingbird, you cannot save, or protect, every single human being. That is impossible. Men die.'
'Yes, that is so.' Hummingbird looked away, anger fading into bitterness, his weathered old face settling into its long-accustomed mask. 'Men die.'
Hadeishi pointed with his head, indicating the door. 'Even your student will die.'
'I know this!' Hummingbird's nostrils flared.
'Do you?' Hadeishi met his eyes with an unflinching stare. 'I do not think so. Not yet.'
