[Naked Crook]

============================================================= Midnight - Supercontinent of Azazeal - 10 KM north of Federal Heights City - The Citadel: ONI Facility - Epsilon Wing - CIC - 1325 Hours - October 12th 2555 ============================================================= Vernette grinned. Vernette: Now we play the game. Vernette paused. Vernette: You said Silverblur, Rather, Michael Kennedy, had a fondness for Marcus Reynolds. Why? What made Reynolds so special? What was it about Reynolds that Mr. Kennedy was so fascinated about? Vernette sighed. Vernette: I realize I may be prodding at a delicate subject, but, I need you to answer this question. I need to know. ============================================================= Midnight System – Geosynchronous Orbit over the Planet of Midnight – Cloak and Dagger – Hanger Bay 1 - 1325 Hours - October 12th 2555 ============================================================= Xyrho looked at Rah'jesh, as his Spec-Ops commander asked his question. Xyrho: The Council? Xyrho paused. Xyrho: I doubt that they will approve of this alliance. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: I will not dispute the fact that The Brutes were the instrument of our betrayal, yes. The schism was a dark time, and it has left a very deep wound. There is much anger between our two sides. Xyrho paused again, as he turned away. Xyrho waited a moment, remaining silent, before reaching to his side, and drawing his energy blade. He then turned to Rah'jesh, and glared at him. Xyrho: But, I must stop and consider your words, as they intrigue me. If the Council does not approve of this alliance, because The Brutes were the instrument of our betrayal, then I say that the Council is comprised of fools! Yes, the Brutes were the instrument of our betrayal in the same way that my energy blade is my instrument. The Prophets wielded The Brutes in the same way that I wield my blade. Xyrho raised his blade, and held it near Rah'jesh's neck. Xyrho: If I strike you down, right here, right now...on the floor of this Human vessel...in the sight of your Spec-Ops...who is it that killed you? Was it me, or was it the blade? Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Who betrayed you? Was it me, or the blade? Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Who is to blame? Me, or the blade? Xyrho scoffed, as he held the blade to Rah'jesh neck. Xyrho: It was not long ago that both you and I were instruments of The Prophets. Your blade, your weapons, your skill, and your zeal were merely an extension of the Prophet's will. How many Humans died because they were thrust upon the tip of your blade, or, subjected to the force of your Carbine's slug? Who is to blame for the countless deaths? Is it you, the instrument, or The Prophets, the betrayers? Xyrho waited, as he held the blade to Rah'jesh's neck. Xyrho: I await your response...Commander...