[ Emmrich shrugs, knowing the answer to August's question is self-evident. Of course he believes it — he wouldn't be pursuing it otherwise. He's of that blissful, rare class of people with little to no doubt regarding their purpose, their art, to the point that he doesn't seem to take any offense at August's following remark. He can see that little glimmer in the boy's features, despite how briefly it shines — the kind of thing anyone else might call the folly of youth. ]

What path do you intend to walk, my friend?

[ Curiosity colors his voice rather than any sort of challenge. ]

There's certainly more than one way to skin a cat. The more of us that can devote our efforts toward ... [ a pause, as he chooses his words ] ... enlightenment, escape, or empowerment, the more likely we are to make some headway.

[ It doesn't occur to him that August might think their situation hopeless, in no small part because that simply doesn't register to him as an option. ]

If you've a plan, I'd like to hear it.