“Biology,” the drone said, the first time the Forerunner had spoken since the zeppelin took off. “The Pioneering Society’s ancient guidelines suggest every possible compromise should be made to allow its explorers to live happily once their duties are complete. I followed those instructions, though it was so long ago the one who made those choices isn’t really me anymore. The same will likely be true in a few months more—the self I am now will have been swallowed in a far vaster being.”