[He isn't expecting to feel a hand on his arm -- but more than that, he isn't expecting her words to strike such a chord with him.]

[It's been in the back of his mind since he woke up and saw the familiar face of his brother resting peacefully in one of those pods. At the time, all he could think of was what they could do if he were to wake, how it would be better if only he could remain sleeping indefinitely...]

[But was he looking at this the wrong way? If the Natha were truly as powerful as they seem, if they could grant him a body that wouldn't suffer the pain of constantly breaking down... could they start over? Could he be convinced to give up on his plans of equalizing the world into nothingness? If such things were possible... could they be brothers again?]

[It's not something he's allowed himself to consider.]

[His expression remains a look of almost muted shock for a few moments before falling into something more neutral.]

...not at all. I think that's a wonderful way of thinking about it. Perhaps I've simply become a bit jaded in recent years... but I'm certain there are many refugees who would appreciate such an optimistic viewpoint.

You are right, after all. Surely if all of this is possible, anything could be.