In this excerpt from "Use of Weapons" by Iain M. Banks, Sma reflects on Zakalwe's past actions, suggesting that his deeds are so severe that it would take a whole new concept of divinity for him to seek or receive forgiveness. This highlights the deep moral complexities surrounding Zakalwe, as Sma struggles with the weight of his history, implying that forgiveness may be unattainable for someone with his level of guilt and wrongdoing.

The exchange reveals a tension between the characters, particularly between Sma and the drone Skaffen-Amtiskaw. While Skaffen-Amtiskaw ponders the impossibility of forgiveness for Zakalwe, Sma's resigned acknowledgment of this reality underscores a sense of futility. The dialogue raises questions about the nature of redemption and the limits of absolution, suggesting that some actions may be beyond forgiveness, emphasizing the moral dilemmas the characters must navigate.