Book lingers as the attendants and members of the Court filter away one by one, and although the Throne Room is going to close, he tries to catch as many eyes as he can. What he has to say is for as many ears as he can get. Luckily, the edginess of the locals is working in their favor. Undoubtedly, the courtiers are going off to gossip about the Otherworlders just as the new arrivals are going to gossip about what they've just learned.
"Although I just walked out of that meeting with everything I could have hoped for? I would still urge everyone to remain skeptical."
His hands clasp one another. "Where I came from, there was a war, on a grand scale, likely grander than any that you have experienced. In retrospect, they called it the Unification War. One powerful ruling force, the Alliance, they fought to draw in all of the independent colonies and lands under one rule. No matter how hard they fought, or damaged a colony when they attacked them? As soon," punctuated with a snap of his fingers, "as that colony came under the Alliance? Whether through agreement, or conquest?"
"The Alliance was never more generous than in that moment. After war, or after a colony struggling on their own for so long? Suddenly there was food aplenty. Medicine, doctors, and hospitals. New buildings being built. Even if the Alliance was the one to tear them down. They spared no expense in that moment to make sure everyone knew. The Alliance was the way."
Book holds up one hand, a finger in the air. "The Court's generosity is wonderful. But remember that it serves a purpose." His hands spread out to the sides. "By all means, take what they are offering. There is no reason not to. And if you feel right about this war, then you do what you will. But keep your eyes open."
The most eloquent way Book could come up with to remind everyone that they are being bought off.
Shepherd Book - Near The Throne Room
"Although I just walked out of that meeting with everything I could have hoped for? I would still urge everyone to remain skeptical."
His hands clasp one another. "Where I came from, there was a war, on a grand scale, likely grander than any that you have experienced. In retrospect, they called it the Unification War. One powerful ruling force, the Alliance, they fought to draw in all of the independent colonies and lands under one rule. No matter how hard they fought, or damaged a colony when they attacked them? As soon," punctuated with a snap of his fingers, "as that colony came under the Alliance? Whether through agreement, or conquest?"
"The Alliance was never more generous than in that moment. After war, or after a colony struggling on their own for so long? Suddenly there was food aplenty. Medicine, doctors, and hospitals. New buildings being built. Even if the Alliance was the one to tear them down. They spared no expense in that moment to make sure everyone knew. The Alliance was the way."
Book holds up one hand, a finger in the air. "The Court's generosity is wonderful. But remember that it serves a purpose." His hands spread out to the sides. "By all means, take what they are offering. There is no reason not to. And if you feel right about this war, then you do what you will. But keep your eyes open."
The most eloquent way Book could come up with to remind everyone that they are being bought off.