Fallen Grace

[Dane Summers]

Richard listened impassively to the words of man before him. The other people in t room, Belka, the various aides, and Intelligence Personnel, listened too - it was impossible not too. Belka remained as a statue, unreadable. Others could not hide their feelings - whether disbelief, sympathy, and some even contempt. These people didn't represent the varied whole that was the Colonial Republic - but just about every person here was born in diaspora. Thats the thing, Richard throught, Its Crayter. None of us were born here. It's hard for us to care about these people - and so easy to despise them for not caring about us. The persecution complex against outsiders? Maybe.

When the words were done, Richard looked into the eyes of Lelouch.

"You have my sympathy for the situation. No man should have to suffer what you are suffering. But for men such as us, who have chosen to be the atlas with which we balance the fates of so many on our shoulders, that is the life we have asked for.
Now. You intend to assassinate Charles. While I can believe that not every gallic citizen wants this war, and from our relationship with the Council, we know what happens with dissenters. However, for a man such as you, to rise to the position you hold, It makes it hard for us to believe that you would be trusted in such a role, if you were not totally loyal to the Monarchy. Everything you have said, and everything you have offered for this task, could be a very elaborate trap. The Colonial Republic, for all our losses, is not backing down from our opposition to Gallia's imperialism. With the focus of our attacks going to the shipping that Gallia uses to maintain its war economy, It's not a stretch to imagine we have become a priority now."

Richard looked straight at Belka.

"However, this may be an opportunity that the Republic can not afford to dismiss."

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