[ there's another beat, another pause as Abel decides how best to digest and respond to this. ]

...Can I ask what leads you to believe that's what awaits us here were the Regent to succeed? The end you speak of... I can't say for sure, but... it's-- natural. Isn't it?

[ death; dying. a cycle every man innately knows - even if one is not supposed to return from it under any circumstances. ]

What the Regent offers... it isn't a natural end to all things. It's the forceful snuffing out of... millions. Billions of lives, of worlds beyond our understanding.

[ does Paul believe it 'universal?' this... end, this peaceful solace that awaits them?

even if it was... Abel doesn't know it is any consolation. but knowing how Paul feels-- hearing him out, it's important. ]