[ He considers that in quiet, for a moment, nodding. He can understand Aral's purpose in that, in sending his son in particular. There's little choice in being born the way he was, but the idea of being born Vor -- still escapes him. The choice in that, in what to do with one's life, has always been something that Wash valued. Having no choice but to serve, to him, seems to be what would devalue it. Someone choosing to serve just means more to him than someone having to.

But he can understand how important it is to Miles, at least. The conviction in his voice, that look in his eyes whenever he swears an oath. That part he can see clearly enough. No choice in his honor, huh. ]

Aral seems an interesting man. [ . . . Did Miles ever tell him his father's name? Probably not. Probably not an important slip, but one Wash absolutely does not notice right now, anyway. ] The idea of being Vor is still -- difficult, for me to grasp. But I can see how much it means to you.