"As I understand things, our Earth is very unlike yours by now." He blinked, startled, at the impulsive hug, but smiled and patted her shoulder gently in thanks.

Thinking of his alternate never failed to darken his mood. "It's a wise saying, that. I'm just--not sure our choices were ever presented the same way. If I'd been that desperate, and had no outside resources...I don't know what I would have chosen."

Except that he had much too vivid an example.


(Tron-wise, the MCP in '82 or before was closest to being such a thing. Which is rather fascinating.)