ix. - [ ACCIDENTAL VIDEO ]

[brandedjustice]

[Thick ribbons of smoke recoil and extend, sliding across a desk that has seen some serious battle damage. A drawer hangs preciously from its hinges as plumes of smoke unfurl across the desk. In the thicket of it all, a hand forms, fingers stretching and hover. A pile of rocks teeters in the silvery sea; it is a towering mass without much direction

Comments

Voice;

[pseudism]

Is that resignation, Commodore?

This is new for you.

Voice;

[brandedjustice]

No, it's contemplation.

Voice;

[pseudism]

Ah. Is that all it is?

[ There's a bit of rustling as he finds a ledge to put the device on - setting up for a conversation, by the sounds of it. Voice lowering, he adds: ] Do you think all men are born evil?

Voice;

[brandedjustice]

[There's a noticeable pause before he speaks.] Yes.

Voice;

[pseudism]

[ Well, what a surprise. A second or two passes, and then Giovanni makes a short, amused sound. ] That's an interesting way to look at things, given your position. If men are evil, who are you trying to protect?

Voice;

[brandedjustice]

Men learn to break their evil habits or embrace them. I protect those willing to make an effort to break out of those habits.

Voice;

[pseudism]

That sounds like a futile endeavour.

Is that why you hate criminals, Commodore? Because you know you're more than capable of being one, and enjoying it?

Voice;

[brandedjustice]

No. I'm not capable of being one and enjoying it; I broke that habit.

Voice;

[pseudism]

[Barked laughter.]

No wonder we don't get along. You're the same as Heine; a dog who's turning his claws in over nothing. But at the end of the day, Commodore, your instincts are your instincts.

You just need the right incentive to bring them out.

Voice;

[brandedjustice]

Don't test me, mutt.

Voice;

[pseudism]

What would happen if I did?