[Steven Lake]

Ok, I've got a rather interesting question for you guys. In a story I'm working on the character has super powers which have been given to him by a more powerful being who is unable to interfere in events of Earth. So he's designated this other guy to act as a proxy for him.

Well, it comes to a point within the story that he's left with a dilemma. He's standing to the side watching his friends being lined up for execution. He wants to intervene and save his friends, but his master tells him to wait for a better time when he can save the whole world. However, if he acts now, he risks losing his powers and not being able to save others later.

So he's left with two choices. Jump in and save his friends now and gamble that he will still have his powers later on and in sufficient quantity to save his friends, or stand by and watch his friends die miserable, painful deaths in hopes of possibly saving the entire world at the cost of a few lives.

Which of these two choices would make him seem more selfless and courageous, and which would make him seem like a selfish coward? Or will neither of them do that? And if so, is this more of a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" kind of situation? Your thoughts are welcome.