Nash listened to all of this, keeping his back to them. It was not out of trickery, possibly indecision, but mainly, invitation. The conflict in the room amplified, and he smiled bitterly. "Genocide...you speak of genocide when this entire unit of countries has been warring for untold years. Even the 'peaceful' nation, the one supposedly seeking an end to war, is drawing his weapon," Nash turned to stare at them, disgust evident in his eyes. He switched the blade from his right to his left hand, subconsciously, "It is not genocide, it is a mercy killing. I just announced your imminent demise, and still you stand apart, you rabid dogs even start squabbling."<br/>He closed his eyes to bring himself under control, to summon his open, worldly self that was rapidly retreating in face of such arguments. "I cannot judge too harshly, we were much like you, at first. When diplomacy failed, however, we chose unity over this strife. At the cost of freedom, we chose to become something great."<br/>His voice rose with conviction, mantras or not, he knew he'd choose no other than his people, who essentially tortured and broke their own to prepare them for future duties.<span style="font-style: italic">Not broken, Nash, but fractured. Broken into many, working pieces.</span><br/>Nash frowned at the Cryx's statement, "Hostiles? Do you speak of my kin?" That somewhat unfocused, dazed look returned to his face, "I heard not of any attack, other than in the fields of war."<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">The scout watched the adversaries as they moved. A nearby band rode up beside him, watching the citadel. <br/>"Frax isn't acting. We'd hear them by now. What do we do?"<br/>The six kept their position, while the scout lowered his scope, "Frax enjoys freedom of choice, he can leave or slaughter them, giving us the advantage in this war."<br/>A short, uncomfortable silence ensued, "So what do we do? Isn't he supposed to...you know...do something? He's talking."<br/>"Stop your tongue. You know our role in this skirmish, we do not seek victory, but usher the coming. Our work is simple, do not fear death, or it will consume you." <br/>"...Death will consume me, or fear?"<br/>The scout turned to the youngling, "Do I need to shoot you now or let you die with honor, Youngling?"<br/>The other fell silent as the scout raised his crossbow yet again, loading a canister this time, and aiming for the window, "Operation Flush and Enamor is underway."</span>