07-11-2014, 06:45 PM
At last, Nikolai showed himself, although it was far less Michael's design than it was chance and faded memory. Nonetheless Michael smiled, the fire in his eyes ethereal.
"So you were left to clean up your Brother's mess? A shame I was betrayed before then."
As quick as the fire was set, it extinguished and Michael was left to ponder Nikolai's words.
"Do you honestly think I am a pacifist? Benign?"
The words were bitten off with scorn and bitterness. "I despise the mindless soldier who can destroy with the push of a button, not war itself. It is a necessary progression. It would be pointless to avoid, whether you or I like it or not, war will come to the Custody, just as it has ever been."
History was ever clear on that. Empires were never left unchallenged and the Custody had more enemies than most. "You of all people believe we are the monsters the Atharim deem us to be?"
The disdain was clear in his voice. "The Atharim tales may be based on truth, I don't know. Whatever the case may be, we are more than mere monsters. I will do as you command and you will see the greatest fighting force on earth - but for those that have no talent for combat, let me promote healing, creation, not simply destruction."
His tone was respectful now, his gaze sincere. "Allow me that, and I will give you my unrestrained loyalty."
Edited by Michael Vellas, Jul 11 2014, 06:46 PM.
"So you were left to clean up your Brother's mess? A shame I was betrayed before then."
As quick as the fire was set, it extinguished and Michael was left to ponder Nikolai's words.
"Do you honestly think I am a pacifist? Benign?"
The words were bitten off with scorn and bitterness. "I despise the mindless soldier who can destroy with the push of a button, not war itself. It is a necessary progression. It would be pointless to avoid, whether you or I like it or not, war will come to the Custody, just as it has ever been."
History was ever clear on that. Empires were never left unchallenged and the Custody had more enemies than most. "You of all people believe we are the monsters the Atharim deem us to be?"
The disdain was clear in his voice. "The Atharim tales may be based on truth, I don't know. Whatever the case may be, we are more than mere monsters. I will do as you command and you will see the greatest fighting force on earth - but for those that have no talent for combat, let me promote healing, creation, not simply destruction."
His tone was respectful now, his gaze sincere. "Allow me that, and I will give you my unrestrained loyalty."
Edited by Michael Vellas, Jul 11 2014, 06:46 PM.
"She saw a flaring halo around his head, radiant in gold and blue. It shouted of glory and power to come"
"No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it."