If you’re asking for hope, then you’re asking for a symbol. Any of us can do that. Any of us who are willing to, at least.

[And Markus imagines there are several between them. He shifts his weight to the other foot, though the rest of him remains android-still.]

But that requires a visible presence. That requires travel and splitting the group, when we’re in the middle of a transition. Do you think that’s viable?

[A sincere question. He keeps skepticism out of his tone.]