“This isn’t a violation of Your prime directive—it’s mercy.”

This isn’t a violation of Your prime directive—it’s mercy. This act here, by You, will only benefit us all.” He didn’t know if God had heard him. But If love was the key— if saving Malia could alter the fate of everything—then let that be his offering. He closed his eyes, lowered his hands, breath shaking, and let the last of the prayer settle. If the cost of saving her was everything, he’d already made the trade. In his heart, the prayer was done.