Cloud glanced over at Mary. He had no doubt that the Assassin would volunteer to be the one to put Palitutu down if it came to it. But even the weight of a life of someone who tormented them so was daunting to everyone.

"She wanted us to kill her. She kept telling us to prove to her that we could. This went beyond us 'proving we had another way'. We've always been willing to spare her but she keeps demanding that we finish her." He frowned and looked around at the remaining.

"We don't know how long the portal will be open, right? Let's take her back, put her somewhere safe. But no medical or life support unless she requests it. And...I'll stand by if she wants to be finished." Cloud felt a lump in his throat. He understood what he was taking on.