"I don't know a ton about religion," Soldat admits. "If I ever did, the memories are gone." And they think maybe they might have known something, they're just not sure how much. "But I can't think it's wrong to stop someone or something that wants to hurt others. And I'd rather I do it myself if it's gotta be done. If I can spare someone who's never killed before. I'll do it. Without hesitation."

They hitch one shoulder, looking back down at the river. Seems like the right place to add: "I liked it, you know. That's probably the bad part, not the killing itself. It was. Satisfying. Doing what I'm made for. Making the perfect shot, always in motion, unstoppable. Actually using all the threat assessment going on in my head."