[ His jaw clenches. He can understand her anger, but such is the view of someone who doesn't have eternity to live. Someone for whom death can come without warning.

It's simply one of those things they cannot comprehend because they haven't lived it. ]

I do accept it, [ he says tensely. ] I am leaving it in your hands, am I not? You still don't understand just how old I am - I have lived, loved, and lost so much more than you can imagine. I have seen the rise and fall of civilisations even your historians have forgotten about.

[ He pushes her hands away, face grim. ] As I said: I am no hero. Therefore, I am not martyring myself. Such concepts are your invention. I am simply old. I have nothing more to give to our star besides stories of your past. Can you not let me die on my own terms this time?