I did tell them it was a terrible idea, in my own defense. But they-...were stubborn. A few in particular.

[He curled his left hand into a loose fist, bringing it and the small black and blue ring closer to his chest.]

There were...several of us like that. Adapting, turning to something better than we were. I don't ever claim it's absolved me of anything; I know it hasn't. I just...want to protect the people who fought to protect me from myself--who still do even now.