"It matters not; you are my charge and I will protect you within my ability."

It was not worth arguing beyond that; he understood sacrificing one's life for someone else's, ad he would be a fool and a hypocrite to try to talk that down. But it did not affect his own duty.

"But I respect your commitment and your obligation. Still, are you not more use to her alive?"

Talking helps. It's a distraction. But he's scanning the horizon, expertly steering the bird in the direction of the safe house.