[he laughs weakly]

Don't slander me. I signed up for a task and I intend to do it. I had only hoped one solid strike would be enough to cow you all, and avoid more needless suffering. Or perhaps startle one into desperation. I want this done just as much as you do. But I underestimated your resolve. There will be no doing this fast and clean, and I was foolish to think it could be.

There's no 'firing'. There success, or failure. And I refuse to fail again.