Chapter 16: The Useful and the Good

Ashford Academy Psychiatrist Office

September 16, 2017

"And I'm sorry Doc. I really am." I said, releasing a breath I've been holding in for quite a long time. I went over-the-top with the Doc and that isn't nice.

The Doc smiled. "Thank you for returning and for the apology. It must have been hard for you." he said.

I rubbed the back of my head, a bit embarrassed but nodded anyways. 'Yeah. Listen, I can't fault you for what you did Doc. You were just…doing your job the best way you saw fit. I just lost my nerves and…ah hell…I guess I just wanted to go back to school and have everything go back to the way it was before." I replied, nostalgic for the good ole' days.

He chuckled, commenting, "I too, wish to turn back the clock to my own childhood. Did you not have any good memories when you were a child?"

I sighed, thinking back a bit. "Not really Doc…listen, sorry to cut you loose and all but…I rather we do this next week…please…I'm not…ready…yet."

The Doc nodded, a hand rested on my shoulder. "I will not rush you. Please, take the time you need and please come talk with me. It is not good to bottle up emotions like that." he replied, a warm smile on his face.

"Y-You mean that Doc?"

He nodded. "I do. Please stay safe."

I returned the smile. "Thanks Doc. I appreciate it." I said, moving to the door. "T-This doesn't leave between us, does it?"

He shook his head. "Of course not. Doctor-Patient confidentiality is in effect."

Can't tell but I think a bigger smile was on my face and I left his office quite happily. I think this Doc actually understands me. Boy am I going to have fun with him. Will I apologize to Suzaku though? Fuck that idea. He still betrayed my trust and got me kicked from the Student Council. For all intents and purposes, he deserves nothing from me. What of the Student Council? They must have voted to kick me out. No. They were doing what they thought was best with the information provided. What about Lelouch? I'll think about it…

I ignored those thoughts, it isn't important now. What is important is that I'm back to square one, once again. What am I to do now? Reports on the field indicate continued resistance. Though, that seemed to have ended in the North. Constabulary there have been keeping an eye on them and so far, there have been no problems. The occasional hoodlum would go there once in a while to start a fight but otherwise, it's been peaceful. The Japanese are doing their jobs diligently and they're paying their rent on time. I might have to investigate further into this, take a look at their happiness before I can conclude that report.

Unfortunately, this isn't the major thing in my mind. No, the Black Knights take priority. These fellas keep at it like that, we might as well be inviting the Chinese to initiate an Operation Downfall. Or maybe, Zero wants to do that. I really need to get to Kallen to get her boys to chill and that means trying to find her.

Stadtfeld Manor

I knocked on the door, once again waiting for…mother…to answer. Honestly, this has got to be the weirdest words that will ever come into my mine. Literally…I practically adopted a new mom, and it turns out, she also adopted me as well. Does that mean Kallen would be my sister?

…I definitely don't have enough alcohol for this.

"David-kun!"

"Hey mum…may I come in?"

She nodded, leading me to a tea table, setting up two cups. I accepted it and sampled the green tea. I never was a fan of having it alone, though the treats did make up for it. Traditional.

"How have you been these days? When Kallen carried you to the Black Knights, I was worried I would never seen you again. I'm glad you're free again." she said, softly.

I smirked. "Well. I'm notoriously hard to stay imprisoned." I boasted, taking in another sip.

Mother asked, "I hope you didn't fall too far behind in school."

I winced, admitting, "A little bit, yeah. My girlfriend, Gwen, she's been helping me out a lot."

She looked surprised, then softened. "That's wonderful news," she said cheerfully, "I'm glad you found someone to share your life with."

I leaned back on the chair. "Yeah. I guess I'm just really lucky to find someone like her." I said blissfully. "Speaking of which, Kallen's not been around school lately."

Mother hummed, staring in her cup. "I know. She has been spending so much time with the Black Knights and not enough at school. I worry for her future."

I chuckled. "That tends to be the case when you're in a guerrilla army…or any army in general."

"I would like to ask you a favour David-kun." she said, "I know Kallen is in the Shinjuku ghetto right now. Please tell her to come home and go back to school."

I nodded. "I'll see what I can do to convince her. Lately I've been preoccupied with the Black Knights. Let's just say that they've been causing me a whole lotta headaches." I said, finishing the cup. "Last thing I want is Kallen and Tamaki to get caught in the crossfire."

"Y-You won't…tell your commander where the Black Knights are…will you?"

I shook my head. "No. As much as I want to end this thing already, I won't." I stated, finishing up and heading out the door.

She looked glad, happy I wasn't going through with it. Parts of me wants to though. Just get rid of the Black Knights altogether and move on to my next big project. No. I won't do it. Not when I still have a chance to turn things around and get them to stand down willingly. I hope they do but with Zero and Brody there, that will make things difficult. I just hope my efforts aren't going to be in vain.

Shinjuku Ghetto

I rode my motorcycle into the deepest part of the ghetto and the most shadiest, the most sniper-friendly area. I parked the motorcycle in the middle of the street and walked forward, open palm to the side.

"Kallen!" I shouted, spotting several Black Knight foot soldiers rush out of hiding and taking up positions around me. Seconds later, Kallen shot out of darkness in front of me, a Chinese assault rifle on me. I rose my hands all the way. "Let's talk."

"What's there to talk about," she said steadily, "The fact that the military isn't here with you is the only reason why I don't shoot you now."

I nodded. Figured as such. Part of the reason why I told no one of this excursion. "Listen. Kallen. I'm here on a favour from mother." I said, wary of the fingers on the triggers. "She wants you to come home and go back to school."

She blinked, surprised, even whispering, "Mother…" Kallen didn't lower the assault rifle but she did down for a bit. Just as quickly, my redheaded friend head shot up, stating, "This isn't the only reason you came here though, was it?"

I nodded. "Yeah. It wasn't the only reason. The main reason I'm here is to convince you guys to stand down for the time being."

Kallen's eyes narrowed, stating, "Why should we. If anything, your presence here tells us that we should keep attacking."

"But you won't." I replied.

She nodded, lowering the rifle. "I won't." she said, letting out a sigh. Kallen waved her hand and her men hesitated, unwilling to move. She glared at them and they started running back into the shadows. Looking around, it looks like they obeyed her. I turned back to Kallen who immediately got me in her embrace. I patted her back several times.

We separated and she sighed, "I honestly wished you didn't work for Britannia at times David. You've always been a friend of my people, you would have been a good addition for our cause."

I replied, "I try to be one Kallen, but that isn't always successful."

"Like up North?"

I nodded, head turning away from her. "Yeah. Just like up North." I said bitterly.

She pulled my head towards hers, stating, "Hey. Listen. I may not know the whole detail of what happened but you rescued hundreds of thousands of my people and resettled them and gave them jobs." she started chuckling. "When Zero tried to recruit in the settlement, he was rebuked."

I smiled, a little bit proud that the community resisted. "I…I'm honestly really happy to hear that." I said, beaming at Kallen.

My redheaded friend replied, "Oh yeah. The self-appointed mayor said he owes you for everything. You gave everyone a home when Britannia kicked them out. You gave them all a job with fair-working conditions. You are their hero."

I shook my head. "That isn't exactly true. That was compensation after I kicked them out and ruined their livelihoods in statutory neglect. I never asked them for their opinions or what they wanted, instead I made the decision for them. A decision that was the best out of a sea of bad ones. In the end, I've slowly becoming the thing I hate. I took advantage of bad events to suit my needs, my desires for a better tomorrow." I answered her, truthfully telling her what I done.

Kallen retorted, "I don't see it that way David. You said it yourself, out of all the bad choices, you picked one that would save my people. At least, save all the innocents as you could and gave them something they seem to want. You are a good man David, how come you don't see that?"

I sat down in the rubble, Kallen sitting beside me. "Is it because you're scared?" she asked, "Just like what you said back on Shikinejima island."

I nodded. "I have been clothed in immense power Kallen. It just takes one compromise of your principles to lose it all. I…I don't want to become the monster I fight against." I said, letting it all out.

My redheaded friend patted my back and stated, "You won't. You have me, Gwen, and the Student Council to make sure you stay true…even then, I know you. You're self-reflecting and you do have a clear heart, a pure soul. I know, without a doubt, that when the going gets tough, you would pick out an option that will always help the innocents, whether they be Britannian or Japanese."

I grumbled, "Or any other cultures."

"Or any other cultures." she replied, rolling her eyes with a smile on her face.

I sighed, looking at the ruined streets and some children playing in the rubble. "Kallen," I said, looking at the two, "what I plan to do next will weaken the Black Knights. I don't have all the details yet but…if it works out the way I think it would, then there won't be a reason to take up arms anymore."

Kallen's eyes widened and asked, a little heated, "What do you plan to do? If you're going to kill-"

"Oh it's nothing of the sort." I growled at her, looking back at the kid. I said, calmly, "I mean…if it works, then I'll be one step away of my goal."

"If it doesn't work?"

I turned back to the kids, who are gone now.

"Then I'm back to step one again…"

My Apartment

"Hey handsome, whatcha making." she said, coming in from behind and embracing me, snuggling into my back.

I replied, "Right now, we'll be having cornbread with shrimp jambalaya and smoked ribs."

Gwen cooed, "Ooh, a Southern dish. Never had that in a long while."

"Yeah," I said lamely, finally turning around and returning her embrace. "Maybe later, we'll be having love for desert."

Her face lit up, flustered, as she babbled, "A-Are you s-sure? I-I mean-"

I chuckled and kissed her forehead. "I'm just joking. We won't go all the way." I said, cradling her head. She stayed silent, content to breathing down my neck.

The kitchen timer went off, breaking us out or our thoughts. Christ. Next time, get a room! I shook my head and prepared the bowls and plates while Gwen handled the table, setting it up. I brought it over to the table and we dug in. Christ, this turned out better than I thought it would!

Gwen said, while chewing, "This is really good David!"

I nodded. "Yeah," I said, "This turned out better than I thought it would."

I looked at my beautiful girl buddy just devour her piece. I mean, she eats beautifully, savouring each bite with military precision. It's a bit of a turn on.

Gwen said, "As always, you did a good job with dinner."

"Thanks," I replied, sampling the cornbread, "I felt that after the craziness these past few days, we deserve to spoil ourselves with a little something."

"Yeah," she said nostalgically, longingly looking at the window. "You're right though. I wish things were back to the way it was before Zero."

I nodded, happily agreeing with her. "Things have been so crazy because of him, and to think I wanted to take the blame and play up the bad guy role." I said, my girlfriend laughing at that.

"I remember that!" She laughed, "And you put so much into it too!"

We both shared a laugh before letting out a long sigh, continuing the meal.

"Yeah…now things have become so complicated." Gwen said, melancholic.

I nodded. "Yeah…I said this was a year for change but I never imagined change to be like this."

"I know…I mean, the terrorists have become bold because of Zero and even our friends are becoming enemies."

I coughed, drinking the water. "Wait…what?"

Gwen rose an eyebrow. "You didn't know? I thought you knew Kallen was a Black Knight." she queried in disbelief.

I answered, "I didn't realize you knew…Suzaku?"

She nodded confirming, but pushed on, "Yeah…why? Were you going to tell me?"

"I wasn't."

Gwen looked hurt. "Why? Don't you trust me?" she said, surprised, "Why wouldn't you tell me something like that?"

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "Listen, Gwen…" I began, staring at my meal. "I have no right to divulge in Kallen's reason why she became a terrorist. To be honest, I even sympathize with her and that's what makes it difficult. Her reasons to fight are something I would fight for if the roles were reversed.

She grumbled, "I really wish you didn't bind yourself like this. Some of this stuff could have been really helpful to know. We could have hurt the Black Knights beyond repair! I mean-"

I interrupted, "I know. Believe me, I know. Normally, I would…but her history shows…she only targets us, gets civilians out of the way, and…she's a friend. She's our friend damn it…I…I have no idea what to do."

"It's awful David…friends become enemies," she stated, sitting beside me, "I…wanted to report this but Suzaku stopped me. He asked me to help try and convince Kallen to give up her terrorist path."

"Did you offer your help?"

Gwen nodded, admitting, "I did. I actually like Kallen and I don't want to see her killed."

"Then…would you let me give you some advice?" I asked, cupping her hands in mine.

"Yes, please." she whispered, leaning on me.

I said, "You can't…force…people to give up, to change their minds. You can't just show her just the benefits of Britannia because she also sees all the shit we do to her 'people'. She would cast off your attempts as propaganda and ignore them. The least you can do is acknowledge your shit and try…try to do the good thing."

She stayed silent, dragging me to the couch, and rested her head on my shoulder. I continued on, "I'm not asking you to change your whole personality Gwen. I don't want that. All you have to do is be yourself and try to understand her and let Kallen try to understand you. If you truly want to change her mind, to get her to stand down, you have to achieve that understanding and show improvement in both lives…it can't be a one way streak. Both sides must agree."

Gwen murmured, "I miss the good old days…"

I patted her back and kept her close to me. "I know." I muttered, letting mister sandman take the both of us.

Ashford Academy

September 17, 2017

Gwen and I walked through those front gates this morning with our fingers interlocked. Last night had ultimately ended in disaster due to that 'bombshell'. I mean, it really killed the mood and we only ended up snuggling. I had plans damn it! Now I'm helping Gwen, and indirectly Suzaku, convince Kallen to give up her ways. I doubt it would do much but it doesn't hurt to help. So here I am, on the roof of the school and surfing the web. As if I could do anything else.

"Ow! You bitch!"

"Oof! Oh, you're on!"

I looked towards the door and Gwen and Kallen were at each other, clinching. Just as sudden, they pushed off each other.

"You're dead!" snarled Gwen, tugging on her tie and loosening it.

Kallen took off her cream jacket, growling, "Come over here and I'll make sure you die!"

…oh…my…God…

CATFIGHT!

I leaned back and watched in silence, as my girlfriend and Kallen stripped down to their…gym clothes…why the hell do they have their gym clothes under there? Whatever, it's still hot as fuck. Win or lose, I still win!

Gwen rushed in, dealing a heavy blow into Kallen's face. "This is for my friends!" she snarled at the redhead.

Kallen reciprocated, launching a thrust into my girlfriend's gut. "And this is for all the Japanese you murdered!" she replied.

Gwen wrapped around Kallen's neck and sent her knee into my redheaded friend's stomach. "And this is for all the Britannians you massacred!" She snapped.

Kallen blocked the knee and threw Gwen over her shoulder, my girlfriend smashing her back on the roof. Kallen mounted her and pinned Gwen's arm with one hand, a second hand wound up. She growled, "Who started it?! It was you and your people! All my problems began because of you!"

My friend's blow was blocked, Gwen broke free of her pin and she sent a hook into her cheek before throwing her off. My girlfriend rushed in and tackled her, straddling the redhead now and lashed out, "And you think this is the best answer? Murdering countless innocents? Murdering soldiers? My friends?"

Kallen broke free and they were busy doing their footwork, trying to one up the other. I have to wince at what Gwen said. I mean, the regular Colonial Troops and the Britannia Military was trained to follow orders without question. Yeah, I can already think of the many, many, atrocities that can go along with it. cough cough Auschwitz and Birkenau cough cough. Maybe I should intervene now?

One good look at them and yeah, I should intervene. They're at a stalemate. Legs are strewn in pretzels and they were busy punching each other across the chest. I coughed into my hand, their attention on me now. Both of them were blushing. I don't know whether it's because I saw it all or that they are in a compromising position but that's besides the point.

"Now," I began, "as much as I would like to see you tear each other's top's off and go amazon, I'm going to have to break you up. I mean, I'm…actually very confused how it even got to this point…It's still pretty fucking hot though."

Kallen sputtered, "F-F-Fucking Pervert!"

I rolled my eyes and broke their leg pretzel and sat in between them. "Well, I'm waiting." I said, looking at the two.

A few seconds of silence later, Gwen spoke up first, "It's my fault. I took your advice and just acted like myself…and I might have gone a little bit too far!"

"You think?" Kallen snarked, shaking her head, "You sat beside me and told me to stay away from your man."

I 'awed' at that. Now that is just nice. "And everything went downhill from there?" I guessed, summing up what I thought happened.

Both girls were bashful and shifted in their spot. Wow…now that escalated quickly. Roflol. I said, "Damn. If I knew we were going down that route, I would have gotten you two a private ring and a camera to tape it. Hell, we could even sell it."

Kallen flicked her pocket purse, a knife blade coming out of it and rest it at my neck. "Don't! Even! Think about it!" she growled, pissed off. Gwen came around the other side, a gun resting on my chest, stating, "I will shoot you myself. This is a private affair."

I grumbled, "Spoilsports…Fine. I won't. Still…seeing as you stopped trying to beat up the other, we can talk properly now. First off, Gwen…Tell Kallen how you feel about her."

The two backed off and Gwen stared at the ground. She said, a little regretful, "Kallen. I care about you. I care about your life. I like you and I would like to think of us as friends. I don't want to see you hurt because of your decisions so help me, why go down this path?"

I looked at Kallen, encouraging her to say her bit. Though, I guess she doesn't need it seeing as she was contemplating. My redheaded friend sighed, leaning against the stone bars. "My brother." she murmured at first, looking into the sky. "I'm doing this to achieve my brother's dream."

Gwen pressed, "What was his dream?"

Kallen explained it just as she did to Suzaku, minus the pain, the anger, and the sorrow. In the end, it all goes down to her family. It's always about family. "I fight because I want to live in my country free of Britannia. Once we're free, we can rebuild. We can get our pride back as Japanese and determine our own destiny. I want that more than anyone." she stated proudly, looking at my girlfriend.

Gwen shifted to sit in front of Kallen and held her hand. She gave it a few light squeezes, stating, "I guess…I can understand where you're coming from Kallen. I know how hard it is to lose family. I also know what it means to try to honour your past…to honour those that fell before you. You want to accomplish your brother's dream. I just…I just can't seem to get behind terrorism. I can accept your reasons to fight but not the choice you made."

Kallen asked, "Why do you fight Gwen?"

My girlfriend sighed, admitting, "I fight for myself. I fight to choose my own destiny, to accept the consequences of my own actions. Do you know what it feels like to be a pawn Kallen? Each and every day, you have to fight for reasons you don't believe in. Each and every day, you have to do things people want you to do. Each and every day, you have to act in ways people want you to act. In the end…you become a slave of insincerity. It's all a lie, an act, and I hate each and every minute of that life. I don't want anyone else to live that way."

"Gwen," Kallen said, surprised, "I never realized…"

She shook her head. "No…I never told anyone…except David." Gwen uttered, "I…I know Britannia isn't perfect. I know that the army can be utterly ruthless against everyone. I have also been busy trying to teach the men under my own command more restraint. It helps that David's helping to enforce that too. But I know it isn't enough. We're trying to improve procedures but it takes time, especially with an army this extensive."

I added, "Things are changing but it's taking time but hey, soon enough the army will change their allegiance to the people instead of the Emperor." …Do I really believe that?

My girlfriend rolled her eyes, a good-natured smile on her face. My redheaded friend relaxed, smiling at the both of us. "You guys are really going long term about this." she remarked, looking relieved. I wonder why?

"Something wrong Kallen?"

She shook her head. "No, no. It's just that…I'm just glad to know that I made friends with people trying to make things right." Kallen said, embracing Gwen. "I'm sorry for hitting you."

Gwen squeezed tightly, saying, "I'm sorry for hitting you as well…friends?"

"Friends."

I took a picture of this moment for obvious reasons. Two beautiful, beautiful girls in gym cloths were hugging it out.

:D…There really is a God.

So why don't I feel happy…I just wish his hand extends to me…

I clapped my hands, soberly saying, "Anyways girls, listen. Sorry to break up the mood girls but I gotta make a confession"

Kallen and Gwen tilted their heads, confused. I explained, "I have a plan Kallen. In the end of it all, someone is going down. Someone's gotta pay for all these death. Brody, me, Zero. We're all gonna take the fall. We've committed too much pain, too much suffering. Everything we touched, turns to shit. My dad was right…I break everything I touch."

Gwen shouted, "David!"

"Let me finish Gwen." I pleaded, begging her to let me finish. I sighed and said, "Kallen. You will never, ever hear me say this but I'm asking that you reconsider your employment with Zero."

Kallen's eyes narrowed. "Do you honestly think I will betray the Black Knights, you have another thing coming David." she growled, ready to pounce while Gwen was ready to pin her.

I reiterated, "No, Kallen. I am not asking you to betray the Black Knights nor am I asking you to join me. I want you to reconsider your association with Zero."

Gwen interjected, "Is this part of your plan?"

I bit my lip and nodded. "It is. I think it's time for the Black Knights to shed itself of Zero and step up…" I looked longingly at the sky, "…As do I, with the Britannian military."

"What?!" shouted both of them.

I held a breath and released it. Two times, I did that. I admitted, "When I first joined, I thought I could make a difference. That I can push for change by applying pressure at the right points. I honestly believed I was successful, that things would change but…"

I couldn't help it. I slammed a fist into the ground, snarling, "Nothing. Fucking. Changed. I look around me and see the same shit over and over again. I fucking deluded myself, believed I did something to make a difference!"

Kallen protested, "B-But you did try to do something, anything to make the life of my people better!"

"Yeah!" Gwen said, arguing, "You're being too hard on yourself David."

I bitterly laughed. "Yeah? Well, name something I did that stayed in place. The creation of the Special Activities Division? THEY'RE ALL FUCKING DEAD BECAUSE OF THEM! Pushing for social reforms? BURNT TO FUCKING SHREDS BECAUSE OF ZERO! Reintegrate society into the city so that there are no ghettos? TRAIN BOMBED BECAUSE OF BRODY! Who did all that? ME! Who couldn't keep his head outta the way? ME! Who fooled himself to think he was doing good? ME! ME, ME, ME! I BREAK EVERYTHING I TOUCH!"

Fuck! Why? This isn't fair! Why is it that everything I do fucking fails?! Why the fuck is my dad right? Why can't I be anything more than the bastard that murdered his family? Why does every good deed I try to do, blow up in my face? Why am I crying? I shouldn't be but I am! Fucking why? Why?! I curled myself into a ball, covering my head. Two pairs of hands were on my shoulder, trying to comfort me.

…why?

Black Knight Headquarters, Undisclosed Location

I rested the ice pack on my head, leaning on the metal chair. I couldn't even concentrate to whatever Zero's saying.

I break everything I touch!

I can't stop thinking about it. David's…right from a certain point of view. Everything he tries to do falls apart right when things might be turning for the better…and he's blaming himself. Everything that's outside his control, he's taking it personally. Really personally…I just wish I can be there to help him but I don't know what I can do! He won't accept being part of the Black Knights because of his animosity towards Zero. He definitely won't work with someone like Brody and we only barely tolerate him. We had expected the worse from David, expecting betrayal. Instead, he showed us only sincerity.

Why can't Zero see it then?

He may be Britannian but he should get his own happy ending too. It wasn't right. He tries to help us and we kick and spit on him. What kind of friend am I then? He does all these things for my people, repaired the relationship with my mother, and kept my secret from his girlfriend. His girlfriend! I should do something…

"Kallen!" boomed Zero, breaking me out of my soliloquy. I stuttered/shouted, "Y-Yes Zero! What is it?!"

Zero said, "I would like to speak to you alone."

I nodded and followed him into the RV. "Take a seat Kallen. I would like to talk to you about yesterday's meeting with a certain Captain Manson." he said, calmly.

"I-It wasn't what it looked like!" I stuttered, praying he didn't look at it like that.

"Oh?" he wondered, "If not that, then what is it?"

"He-" I said, "David, I mean…He was acting on behalf of my mother. He wanted me to go back home and return to school."

Zero paused, surprised if I say. "Oh…how…unexpected." he said, tapping his fingers on his biceps. "Did he say anything else? Ask you to do anything?"

I shook my head. "Only that he has some plans to weaken the Black Knights and that he wants me to join him." Stupid Kallen! Stupid! Why did I just say that?!

He started laughing. Zero said, "Did he honestly believe he can bribe my most loyal soldier into turning against me?"

He stood up again and rested a hand on my shoulder. "I'm glad I chose you Kallen. Your loyalty, your strength. That is all I can ask from you."

I couldn't help but beam. "However, this has become troublesome…" he commented, rearing around to look outside. "Whatever David is planning must be stopped. He is, by far, the greatest enemy we have ever known and a master manipulator. Already, many of our people flock to the Settlement in order to become Honorary Britannians. Why? Because of his speech that the Viceroy and her ilk are playing on repeat. It doesn't help their faith in Kururugi have also moved others to their cause and the Glaston Knights have been wiping out many of our men."

He turned towards me and said, "David Manson will most likely attempt to recruit you by taking your mother hostage. For the safety of your mother, I advise you take him up on the offer but send the details to us."

"But-!" I protested, trying to explain but Zero quickly moved on.

"You are the only one I trust do this. You must realize I do care for your safety but there are no choices here that will be beneficial. I must also tell you that I plan to call off any further assaults to reassess the situation."

Before I could say anything, he continued, "I understand that David would disgust you. He is a despicable man, preaching to the masses of hope for change while taking away choice. It was all too obvious with the way he forcibly march people out of their homes at gunpoint to a settlement that resents them. He took away their freedom, their happiness, and their identity. If you ask him, he would probably tell you it was a mercy. That his actions were justified to save as many people as possible. The dead say otherwise."

He rested two hands on my shoulder, ordering, "Go back to him. Join him. Then, when the time is right…turn against him. You must do this, for the safety of the others, you must!"

I couldn't say anything else…I just left.