It's backfired plenty, [Dan says bluntly. He doesn't carry guilt for the missions gone wrong, per se, but he feels like it's important to be honest about it. It's how he honors the memories of the collateral, whether he knew them or not. He doesn't regret trying to save Gowan, no matter what the Counselor thinks about losing gracefully.
He gives the Counselor a long, measured look.]
Has it hardened you?
[He suspects not. He suspects the Counselor's coldness, the near-reptilian pragmatism, has always been there. Some people are just like that; Dan doesn't begrudge them it, not really. It must be difficult to exist in the world always looking at it as if behind glass. It must be lonely not to feel the spark of joy of just seeing others exist around you.]
no subject
He gives the Counselor a long, measured look.]
Has it hardened you?
[He suspects not. He suspects the Counselor's coldness, the near-reptilian pragmatism, has always been there. Some people are just like that; Dan doesn't begrudge them it, not really. It must be difficult to exist in the world always looking at it as if behind glass. It must be lonely not to feel the spark of joy of just seeing others exist around you.]