Your strength, in body and mind, was fading. You thought the voice in your head had a point. You were a murderer. Quite literally built for that purpose, and that purpose alone. What were you even trying to prove? To whom? Eleanor? She'd be associated with you if you arrived together. She cared and cherished you far too much to see what negative consequences could happen, or maybe to care. Rose was a sweet girl, and Fran had spunk. They'd be okay without you. Even the thought of The Thinker being able to help you didn't end the torture. What if people found out about what happened down there? About what you did? How did you plan to live with yourself knowing what horrors you caused, even if nobody else did? Your body started to throw its weight overboard, when a pressure gently laid over your right shoulder. You turned, shocked but too shaky to react with hostility. It was Milton.

"I can tell you've got something on your mind. I don't blame you. I'm sure you saw some horrible things in your time in Rapture. I know I did."

Since you had no way to really talk back at the moment, you stared with the visor into his eyes. Milton took this as his permission to continue.

"I'm sure you even did some horrible things too, right? Rapture was...a dog eat dog world. All the way to the end. Everyone out only for themselves. Fighting tooth and nail. First for money, than life itself. Tell me, Delta, are you feeling guilty for killing the people that attacked you first?"

You shook your head. You didn't feel guilty. Should you?

"Good. You shouldn't feel guilty for defending yourself. We all would've done the same thing in your position. Protecting yourself will never make you a bad person. Maybe you don't believe what I've told you and Eleanor about The Thinker?"

You took some time to think. After a few seconds with no response, Milton sighed and chuckled.

"I understand if you're unsure. Seeing is believing, isn't it? I don't blame you. I'm just someone you met a little while ago. I could even be some businessman trying to sell your technology for all you know. If that is something that's on your mind, I can only ask you trust me a little longer. You're safe here, and I intend to do what I told you I would. A man like you deserves it."

Your voice rippled out of your throat in confusion. You didn't think you deserved anything anymore. Milton smiled into your faceplate.

"Oh, I think I get it. You think you're not good enough. Am I right?"

You cautiously nod your head, not totally sure yourself.

"Delta, that's precisely the reason you are deserving of such help. You risked traveling in Rapture for the sake of Ms. Eleanor. You protected and brought all those girls with you from the depths. From, what I saw, you even were paddling that whole lifeboat for who knows how long trying to get to shore. If the shoe was on the other foot and our places swapped, would you look at that and think I wasn't good enough? Not worth it?"

You shook your head. It felt jerky from the speed of your movement. Milton chuckled.

"So, quit letting those thoughts eat you up. The facts speak for themselves. You're a good man, Delta. I don't think anyone would argue that. As a matter of fact, I personally admire such determination. I'm glad I've met you, my friend."

With that, Milton slapped your back and turned, starting back towards the main body of the ship. He whistled at you, noticing that you were still staring down into the water, ruminating.

"Come now, I know your family is waiting for you. Eleanor and Rose have refused to eat their plates without you. Don't make them eat it cold." he playfully beckoned.

You had no choice hearing that but to comply. He escorted you down into the dining hall, where half of a long table was taken up with your girls, Eleanor included. The girls for the most part were chattering amongst themselves, the conversations incomprehensible from the amount and distance. Once Eleanor spotted you, she leapt from her seat and exclaimed "Father!" This got the other girls' attention. Their heads moved in an uneven wave in your direction, their faces beaming with glee. A roar of "Father", "Daddy" and "Papa" filled your ears. You felt the darkness that gripped your mind fade away, unable to withstand their joy.

This is what you were here for. You had to keep that in mind. You were their guardian, their protector, the only father they had left in this cruel world. Eleanor threw herself into your arms, and you squeezed her into your chestplate like a daddy should. Rose followed after her and tugged on your leg, raising her arms to the sky. You smiled under your helm, and Milton spoke up.

"Quite the family you've got, Delta."

That was true. You had quite the amazing family. You thanked whatever was up there that it felt you deserved this. You let Eleanor down and then put Rose on your shoulders. Elenaor beckoned you to the table, where a seat was waiting for you.

"Come, Father. We've been waiting for you."