If she had been another, one not herself, the man's words would likely have reached her. But they existed on polar wavelengths, and Rei's concern in full was not 'escaping and punishing', but 'completing a task and purpose'. What didn't matter to Byrne was the entirety of Rei's existence. But there was no way for him to understand that. No way for him to understand a girl who was not wholly a girl, who had not been raised as an ordinary human, and knew only purpose and goals. Nothing else. That--

"...I am not giving up, Byrne Faraday," she replied without thought. "But we have different priorities." Her tone was firm, resolute, despite the edge of exhaustion. This was a fact that she was sure in. His last question was one that required further thought. Again, her eyes tipped down, contemplating her condition. "I am uninjured."