[ That's what it took, though, wasn't it? It wasn't kindness, camaraderie, or even community building that did it. Nothing but that base violence, a shock to the system violent enough that there would be no coming back. Change did not happen slowly, or gradually. He knew that better than anyone.

He met his eyes right back, that old, unblinking stare — that pit of an eye looks like pooling toxins in dark water. ]

Freedom, a nation of our own. Maybe not paradise, but... [ A small shrug of one shoulder. ] As close as a bunch of Trenchers could get.

[ It would have been enough. Even just that. ]

I still haven't given up on it.