[ By watches with more restraint this time, with more discipline. No mad headlong charge into the echoes of danger, no grab for his stunner. But his eyes narrow just a bit. His lips thin. His head turns just a touch away, like the barest flinch in anticipation of a blow.
It is unmanly to ask, of course. A proper Vor ought to be able to withstand terrors and horrors without forewarning; he should be able to stand resolute. Granted, bisexual foppish vain clownish Byerly has never been proper Vor in anyone's eyes, but cultural programming runs deep. Hard to completely kick the expectations that were drummed into you.
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It is unmanly to ask, of course. A proper Vor ought to be able to withstand terrors and horrors without forewarning; he should be able to stand resolute. Granted, bisexual foppish vain clownish Byerly has never been proper Vor in anyone's eyes, but cultural programming runs deep. Hard to completely kick the expectations that were drummed into you.
But - he asks nevertheless. ]
Are we going to be watching a child die?