In the transient-state fundamental matrix S = (I - PT)^{-1}, what does the entry S_ij represent?

• A. The expected number of visits to state j starting from i.
• B. The probability of transitioning from i to j in one step.
• C. The probability of ever visiting state j starting from i.
• D. The expected number of times the chain visits state j, starting from i, before absorption.

Answer: (D)