[The Professor's quiet for a long moment.]

I see...that still doesn't sound as though it would be an acceptable outcome.

[He's a superhero, dangit. He's going to save everyone if he can help it.]

You know...I once almost died to save the solar system. I didn't then, but even if I had, I'd do it again in a heartbeat...

[He's quiet for a moment.]

It's got to be someone living to help with that, doesn't it?