Rika steps out of the crowd, moving in front of the Taishogun where she kneels down. After a gesture showing her respect she stands up again.
"Honorable Taishogun, we should not give a proven ally away, the Consortium assisted our causes and they share goals similar to ours. Even if they sometimes forget that they are just guests in our space, they got a purpose to fulfill as all of us do."
Saying this she looks at the Consortium Unit once more.
"They are different, a thing you can see with just looking at their outside, but you should take into consideration, that we Chrysanthemums are different too, you dont see it by just looking at our outside, but we are what the Cardamine made us. The Chrysanthemums will give them shelter, as long as they fight with us to achieve the goals we have in common and so should you too. We cant afford to loose an ally"
At the other Chrysanthemum's words, Zetsumai decided it was time for her to make comments of her own. Unlike the other, she didn't approach the Taishogun and kneel, but placed herself at an angle to the Chrysanthemum, Consortium officer, and the Taishogun, so she could see them all, and they her, without turning. She nodded briefly towards the Taishogun, a motion that was appropriate between two people of equal status, which Zetsumai believed they were. As she did, a quiet murmur spread through the Blood Dragons at the assembly. She could only catch a few words, such as "disgraceful" and "who does she think she is?"
Well, do they expect me to kneel before him like some servant to be commanded? Please, he's no more than man. She didn't voice these thoughts outloud or through expression, however. As she glanced along the line of Shoguns, their expressions told her their opinions mirrored those of the lesser Dragons around them, though none voiced it. Even Sum-Gok-Li looked a bit grim and displeased. The Taishogun's expression, however, was impassive as he nodded in return.
"As one of the Elders comes to speak in the Consortiums defense, so have I come to speak in opposition to it. I am sure that the Elders, in all their wisdom have decided that this organization is trustworthy and beneficial to Kusari. But their relations with them are still shallow and vague. I, on the other hand, have gone through the muck they leave everywhere they tread. Even if you ignore their human status, that of cyborg, sub-human, or whatever you wish to call it, there are other, far graver issues with this organization."
"In their original emergence, the Consortium made it clear they have every wish to be counted among the ruling class of Kusari. An organization not born of our people, and of questionable motives, having the ambition to be counted among our leaders isn't only alarming, but disgusting to the thought. Throughout the last few years, they have shown more and more that they believe they have the right to such a position." She glanced around the room in a way that made it obvious, "I'm certain I'm not the only one who has noticed their excessive arrogance. Their imperious attitude towards us. Their behavior as if they were the new police of Kusari. I wonder what delusions they hold that makes them believe this, for it is far from the truth, and something we would never consider allowing."
She tilted her head forward and shook it before looking back up at the assembly. "I ask how we can trust an organization who's true motives still lay in the dark to us, and who's allegiance we are not certain of. I wonder why this organization, who claims they are acting in our interest, is excersizing operations into the other houses, such as Bretonia. I can understand that shooting the Kusarians where they plague the Bretonians is good in theory, but what goal can be achieved by throwing around our vessels at the Naval Force's front line? It seems to me that the only thing that could be gained through this would be Bretonia's gratitude, which would only come in helpful in the case of Bretonia taking over our fair nation."
"I applaud the Bretonian's valiant struggle against the Naval Forces.. But they aren't to be aided to the point of allowing them to enter here, in Kusari. They are a group to be used in order to weaken our opponents, and once the war is over, relations between they and us aren't likely to continue for long. They are a lawful organization, and while they may be grateful to us for our aid for awhile, they will fall to their nature and eventually classify us by nothing more than the labels of pirates and terrorists. Respect is given to victors, pity to the losers. But nothing but apathy is given to those on the sidelines or behind the lines. We cannot count on Bretonia's trust forever." Her eyes hardened. "Just as we cannot count on the loyalty of a bunch of half-robot abominations. If they truly have integrated themselves with the logic of a computer, than they have sacrificed the morality of the human brain to distinguish right and wrong. That is not the kind of creature I want by my side."
"And I certainly would not want my pilots, my sisters in the Chrysanthemums, any of you Dragons, or any of the innocent civilians of Kusari to be infected by the Nomad Blight due to the Consortium's overactive curiosity of them."
"Other reasons besides, those I've voiced are more than I can accept. We know the goals of the Dragons. And you Dragons know the goals of us Chrysanthemums. Our mutual struggle and similar goals have strengthened us and brought us closer together. But what does the Consortium have that we should appreciate them? Questionable motives? Suspicious activities? The defiling of their own humanity in their necromantic ambitions? Such things don't make a friendship. The Consortium offers us the aid of their combat vessels against Kusari.. But we Chrysanthemums have been here long, and you Dragons longer still, and we have endured.. Nay, even succeeded in part. Support for the false emperor and the corrupt Samura has fallen lower and lower."
"I don't see how we can choose to trust a group based solely on their offer of military aid. If we needed that so badly, there are a plethora of mercenaries who we can trust more to be loyal to the money paid than we can trust the Consortium to do it from charitable kindness. Everyone has a motive, and any who say they want nothing in return for something are liars. We allow them into our protected and secret fortresses and refuges, and we only set them up to betray us more effectively in the future."
She closed her eyes.
"My mind on these beasts is made up. I only hope the rest of you listen to the wisdom god has seen fit to grant you, and come to realize the truth in what I say."
Quietly from where she knelt to the left side of the grand throne room of the Tai-Shogun, she listened carefully to as much as she could around her. To those that came and went, she also tried to pay attention to who they were in particular, although a great many of them remains little known to her for many reasons. None the less, she did her best to observe, listen, and attempt to remember.
When she over heard the not so subtle whisper that the Kiretsu leader, Zetsumai, had been seen in the hanger bay, and on a Blue Lotus ship no less, she frowned only slightly, but smoothed that from her face least she give away her feelings about her. She almost snaps her head around when in that same conversation, it was mentioned that Zetsumai had even apperently brought a Sorta Class Destroyer of the Shadow Outcast Brigade, it was all she could do to control that reaction and try to remain impassive. That a Destroyer was brought here to Kyoto was almost an insult to the Dragons, almost as if their own ability to protect those they allow on Kyoto was not enough nor that they were capable of defending their home.
She considers for a few moments going back to her ship and retrieve the old but still very effective rifle and take care of what she deems the problem represented by the Kiretsu leader. She runs through her mind what she'd need to do, where possible places to make a long shot even inside the vast cavern of Kyoto, and how best to elude possible reprisal, no, deffinate reprisal from either Zetsumai if she did not succeed or one of her blood relations. Then there would be the Dragon Security to account for as well, though some attitudes and flaws in the security system could possibly be exploited given a bit more time to plan and set up. She shakes her head dismissing the notion for now, but still it remained an idea for her, for now though, to hear what the Kiretsu leader was here for and had to say may be valuable enough to the GC Elders, even if it were known that Zetsumai would bring down the Elders given even the slightest chance.
When Rika walked up and knelt before the Tai-shogun, she sharpens her focus on the Chrysanthemum representive and listens very carefully. When Rika introduced herself as an Elder, Aki's eyes widen slightly, for that certainly was the first she'd heard of the young pilots elevation to the status of Elder. Even for all the time that Aki herself has served, its never been considered for her, so that Rika has been so means that Rika must have done something of extrodinary proportions as far as Aki can think of during the time she'd been away on deep covert operations.
Still, she listens and waits about as patiently as she can given the events seem to be getting a bit stranger with the passing hours. The statement that Rika makes she nods slightly to, some of it in agreement though not all of it to her. She does not take Cardimine, a very very little known fact to any in the Sisterhood, if only because her missions demand it of her, so she remains indifferent to the comment about the drug making the Sisterhood who they were. When Rika finished speaking, Aki tries to consider at this point how best to be helpful, though the Court, and for that matter any kind of politics, is something she has little skill for at this time.
When the doors opened again, and in walked Zetsumai, Aki bristles slightly, if only to herself, though wether its outwardly noticeable or not at that moment she does not consider. She sits back after a moment of intense dislike for the other woman, some for unfortunate personal reasons. That the Kiretsu leader seems to also place herself as equal to the Tai-shogun is a displeasing thing, especially in his own Court in front of his people. The murmurs of slight discontent and displeasure wash over her from those that sit near to her. Her own thought some what mirror theirs, but she gives no voice, prefering not to be even slightly noticed by Zetsumai at this time, although the likely hood was that it would be inevitable that she will be noticed by some one important and she is questioned about something that would be difficult to answer. She thinks to herself it would possibly be easier to simply shoot the other woman than deal with overly curious Dragons, to with a slight wistful smile is seen.
Listening to the speech being made by the other woman she takes several deep calming breaths. There were some small parts that she honestly did not disagree with, and others that just smacked of the manipulations that she believed Zetsumai would do if only to make herself look better or create situations that the Kiretsu leader would take advantage of. Her own experiences with the Consortium do not quiet match what she feels they are being made out to be, while she thinks back to the few experiences she can remember about the Kiretsu, and none of those truely good or making a lasting positive impression as far as she can remember. When the woman is finally done speaking, she takes another deep breath and waits to see if anyone else will speak, perhapes she may be forced to step from the shadows of her profession to speak, but she certainly hopes not. She prefers the more one on one or much smaller sort of thing.
The Consortium officer glanced at the woman who stood and spoke against him, sending a mental image via the network to a distant computer terminal, receiving information, and turned to speak to the Taishogun and the crowd.
"Some of your concerns are... valid.
'An organization not born among your people.' True. Does that, in your minds, invalidate us on it's own? The simple fact is, We have been forced to adapt from our original nature to deal with the changing times. And the times are, changing.
Though, this is coming from one with professed... and quite obvious ties to the Outcasts. Close enough that they regularly dispatch military forces to Kusari, far more then needed to escort Cardamine shipments, and tactlessly assault Naval Forces vessels with little effective strategy.
The fact that they have sent a capital warship to the Dragons' most sacred of places unannounced."
The man turned and his tone and expression lightened.
"But... perhaps that point is moot. You would say, 'we are allied with the outcasts as well'. That is true to a degree, the Outcasts sell us military hardware and weaponry we need. Though this is little more then a financial transaction, and should the Outcasts close their armories to us, we will find alternative sources of war materiel.
Understand this. Every action we take is calculated and serves a purpose. Means to an end. We take no pride or glory, we make no ceremony nor ritual...
...and nor have we imposed upon any of yours."
The man stopped pacing and kneeled down, still speaking.
"Know this, we act to protect the integrity of Kusari, in the face of it's self-imposed war and xenophobia, alien invasion, and more arcane threats. We must take a broad and wide reaching approach to ensure Kusari is not overrun by foriegn powers, nor that it is able to strengthen it's alliances abroad.
The Empire, as much as it and it's people stick their heads in the sand to deny it, are as much reliant on foriegn aid and commerce as any other house. Looking and more importantly, acting abroad is the key to bringing a situation where a new government, of any type, can be imposed. Simple minded conventional or gurellia attacks will never destroy Kusari on their own. However, the other houses must not be allowed to invade Kusari directly, lest all we have fought for be in vain.
We do however, have longer term intentions, which require a friendly government in control of Kusari, and our stake in it's industrial and military affairs. What you call 'nomads', as has been made quite obvious, are becoming too much of a nuisance to be ignored. As well, the Corsairs and, yes, the Outcasts, are both eager to overrun Kusari's borders and pillage the nation for all it is worth. We seek a strong Kusari, which is willing and able to take the fight to the Nomads directly, and powerful and unified enough to deter any would-be invaders from any human group that would conspire against it.
Of course, Kusari would never accept a foreign power that would claim sovereign over it. It's citizens would fight to the last man, woman, and child to forestall it. Therefore, we 'cannot' rule over Kusari ourselves.
That, however, is a moot issue at this point. Such issues of 'who will run what' should be left idle for the time being, lest we all squabble amongst ourselves for gains which will be quite moot if we cannot defeat Kusari, or another power comes along and tries to take control of it first."
The man looked around, bearing a somewhat stern expression.
Zetsumai was unimpressed, and her expression showed it.
"There is quite a difference in accepting the help of the Outcasts, and allowing your organization to grasp at ruling in Kusari, at any level." Zetsumai swept her hand towards Kaiten, where he stood at the edge of the crowd. "Everyone in this room can also observe, with his or her own eyes, that the man leading this particular group of Outcasts who are helping us, is a Kusarian himself, and my brother. I stand by my statement saying that those not born Kusarian have no right to be in any position of power within Kusari. My brother, Kaiten Keisotsu, is of Kusari birth, and has ceaselessly helped me and my people whenever we needed him. None of this can be said for the Consortium. Your people were not born here. Your leader was not born here. You have no claim to power in Kusari, and that you act as if you do is troubling to us."
"The concerns over the Storta Destroyer outside of Kyoto.. Yes, it is true that it is there. This is known to the Dragon's leadership, and they have not yet asked for it to be removed. Make no mistake, that destroyer was not sent by the Outcasts or under their orders, but at my own request. The commander of that ship is Kaiten, a Kusarian himself. I trust the Blood Dragons to trust in turn that he is as fond of Kusari as they, and would take no action to harm it or those loyal to it. I have reasons for asking for that vessel to be brought here, and it in no way reflects doubts in the Dragon's hospitality, nor is it in any way a threat."
"Times are changing, in that you are right. But just because time continues to go on, with or without our consent, and that there are many things in this world we cannot control, it does not mean we should lower our standards or accept that which we should not, and which our minds tell us we should not."
"As this world grows and goes on, the people in it change. Friendships come and go, trust is earned and lost, wars are lost and won... And as the world grows, so does man. And like fungus grows in the dark, dank places of worlds, so does ambition and greed in the dark corners of man's mind."
"The Blood Dragons call it honor, we Chrysanthemums call it purity.. Many people have many names to describe a virtuous disposition towards the world and people in it, and for a kind and helpful inclination. But in this world we share, this trait has became less and less common, and less and less respected. Mankind has changed, yes. But if for the better, it isn't clear. What I can be sure of is this; In this world, those you can trust are few, and those who make the biggest efforts to please are those you must guard your strongest against, for it is in the pursuit of greed and ambition that man will adopt any face to fool those around him."
"Of honor and purity, I have seen none from you or your kind. Just demands, requests, and promises. You have given us no reason to trust you, and I do not believe you have earned the right to be trusted. You say every step you take is calculated, serves a purpose... But what purpose? And what mind has calculated it? An insane man may calculate just as the sane do, and reach the opposite conclusion. A mean man may calculate just as a kind one, and reach a selfish decision rather than a selfless one. I, for one, would rather trust in a man's heart and man's mind, than in the mechanical organs and computer processes that have replaced those items in you."
"We must ensure Kusari is not overrun by foreign powers, just as you say. This is a good decision, and I fully agree with it... And I also say that in pursuit of such a thing, that your removal from Kusari is a just and good decision as well, for you are one of those foreign powers, and I have no delusions that if you could take control of Kusari for yourselves, you would not hesitate to do so."
"Along with that, you preach that we should begin direct conflict with Kusari, rather than the guerrilla attacks and what you call 'simple minded' tactics. I do not like to be called simple minded, and I think that is something everyone else in this room shares. Our current tactics have proven to be effective. Look at the current government, the state Samura is in. They both are on the decline, while the more progressively-thinking Kishiro and Gas Miners Guild are rising up past them. I would not call success such as this as an indication of needing to change. What you suggest would do nothing but result in the destruction of our ships and the death of our pilots. We are not a navy, and cannot match the power of one in open combat. If you wish to sacrifice people's lives, do it with your own, and not with ours. We shall conduct ourselves in the best manner that allows us to further our goals, and we do not need your approval on how we operate. I believe we all know that the Blood Dragons, with their guerrilla attacks and 'simple minded' tactics, have accomplished far more than your Consortium."
"When we succeed in full, and roust that fool that currently sits on the Emperor's throne, I don't see why the Consortium would need, or would want, any stake in the military or industrial affairs of Kusari. It sounds like you want to use the industry of Kusari to strengthen yourselves, and the military to support you further, for purposes you have still refused to elaborate on. What are your goals once we finally liberate this nation? What would you want from us? And what would you use it for? This is a topic the Consortium has been asked in the past, and one you have never given a clear answer to, but instead twisted the subject away. Well, I say now is the best of time for you to be completely clear on what your motives truly are."
"Why are you in Bretonia? Why are you in Kusari? You want to postpone the issue of everyone's position in regards to who will rule what in Kusari after a successful revolution.. But why keep it in the dark? What part of our nation would the Consortium demand in return for its help?"
"You have not convinced me. You are still as vague as ever, and still leave the topic of your motives and goals untouched and ignored. I think it is time we see where the Consortium stands. Any further discussion is pointless with this topic still to be addressed."
The man paused for an unusually long moment, before responding.
"Confident on your information? Very well.
We hold to no specific goals, upon achieving which we will simply disband. We march on with the passing of time.
But I digress. I must, concede, milady. Both of our points are out. I will allow the Dragons to draw their conclusions... before we move on to more, strategic matters."
The man clapped his hands, stepping backwards slightly.
"If you do not see reason to have us as allies, give us your reasoning on why we should be... otherwise."
The man turned, and looked directly at the throne.
"I must ask, where does the Taishogun stand on this?"
The Taishogun looks at the Consortium Officer, and at Zetsumai. He does not seem entirely pleased, but at whom, or what, cannot be deduced.
He waves at one of the Heralds, then the Taishogun's throne receeds back behind the curtains, as He does, the symbol for 24 appears on a holo-projector - and is updated as a countdown timer across the monitors on Kyoto.
The Herald addresses the Court. "The Taishogun has called this Court to recess for 24 hours. All shall leave in peace!"
Muttering and grumbling, the Court begins to clear. Pages are dispatched to direct parties such as the Consortium Officer, and the Kiretsu, to opposite exits. Guards are dispatched to break up any quarrels.
Without so much as a word, the Consortium officer pivoted on his heel and walked out of the corridor, with his security guards following closely. The three made their way through the station's corridors, before pausing in a corridor intersection.
"The girl knows how to debate. A minor setback, she will drive herself into the ground sooner or later."
The man nodded, and continued walking. Silently communicating abroad. <::Judgement, you are required to deploy and confront the following individual. Do so alone, interject a case Fifteen-Sumpter-Nixie, make sure he dosen't tell anyone else about it, and that he goes to the coordinates. Individual Data uploading...
A mental image of none other then Sum-Gok-Li appeared and was sent.
***
Elsewhere, the door in the landed Consortium dropship opened, the 'guard' looking around.
The sound of footsteps was heard, but no-one was seen. The door closed, as if some invisible person... or ghost... had departed it...
The Court slowly emptied as the Taishogun left to his personal chambers with his Guard. Miyamoto remained behind, leaned on a wall near the Taishogun's throne, with hands crossed and his head bowed down and eyes closed. He was wearing his royal armor, which shun with glory under the light of the Court Room. A Dragon roaring fire from the armor, causing all who glanced their eyes on it, to tremble with respect. Miyamoto finally rose his head from his thoughts, and looked around himself. The Court Room was empty, only the Guards remained there with him.
"Zetsumai-san disappointed me." - Miyamoto thought to himself, "She speaks of honor, respect, where she shows none to us! This is our Home! And she brings an Outcast Destroyer to our door! And walks in an Outcast himself! Baka! He is no longer of Kusari as far as I'm concerned. And she keeps saying she has her own intentions with that Destroyer, and the Consortium is the ones who work in secrecy. Bahhh! She accuses them of hidden intentions, when she is filled with them, and I have no doubt when we take control of Kusari once again, and restore our glory, she will seek to have solely Chrysanthemums in charge." - Miyamoto's anger slowly rose, but on the outside nothing could be noticed, as he keept the cold blooded expression on his face, the one which many adversaries feared.
One of Miyamoto's personal Guard entered the Court in haste, stopping near the Shogun to catch his breath, "Sensei....The KNF....Akuji...." - The Oban faltered as he tried to explain to Miyamoto what happened, "Calm down young one, and tell me, what happened?" - Miyamoto tried to calm the young Dragon, but no use, adrenaline and shock got the best of him and he could barely speak, "Come....You need to see.....For yourself Sensei." - Miyamoto proceeded outside of the Court Room, trying to figure which way to go. It seemed as the entire Kyoto Base was under alarm, and another Dragon pointed Miyamoto towards the landing bay.
The landing bay was filled with smoke, and Dragons ran around the bay constantly. Miyamoto approached the viewpoint of the bay, and the view was a rather unexpected one. A wreck of a KNF fighter was lying still, smoke rising from the wreck, like a beaten Dragon of the old, it was helpless. Miyamoto stopped one of the Dragons, and asked for some explanation of this, "Sensei, a single KNF warrior came into Chugoku! Searching for a honorable death! We were afraid it is a spy, and would trick us, so we launched several wings to face him. A battle emerged, and Shogun Akuji dealt the final blow on his ship." - Miyamoto looked around him, "A shame to have lost a life like that, but it is what he asked. May he have an afterlife filled with honor." - Miyamoto spoke to the Dragon and rose his view towards the celling where a large Dragon mural was painted, "But, there is more Sensei. Shogun Akuji.....Has disappeared after the fight. Some say he is dead." - Miyamoto was emotional crippled with the last sentence, as he considered Akuji a brother amongst brothers. No such words were spoken amongst the two, but Miyamoto had the upmost respect for his brother, "No. A Samurai as Akuji would never fall that easily." - He spoke in denial and hope, but also sorrow.
Miyamoto walked down the corridors of Kyoto, while the alarms were still blaring, wondering what happened, where has Akuji gone, and why. Is it possible that he is dead? Never did Miyamoto face such sorrow since the Nomad Wars, never did he lost a brother so close as he. Sorrow overwhelmed him, and his mind, even after so much meditation, was broken. He went to his quarters, and took of the armor, putting on his formal robes, and tried to relax. Miyamoto lay on his bed, staring at the celling, wonder about the meaning of this, when he felt a slow breeze. Quickly did he noticed how strange this was, since no air vent was open. A paper on the table, the official stamp of the Shogunate, the official stamp of Akuji, and these words on it.
"Brother, the time for me to leave has come. Never was I at home here, never will I be. There is more, more that I need to seek, more to my life then just this. Enlightenment is what we Dragons call it. In my heart, a Dragon shall I always remain, but there is something missing, that I need to find. Perhaps, my return to Kyoto comes shortly, perhaps, I never live to see the great halls of Kyoto again. I trust you will be able to tell the rest of the Shogunate my story. Until we meet again brother. Live with honor and pride like you have so far!"
<div align="right]-Akuji
Miyamoto read the not Akuji left him several times, until finally amassing the strength to exit his chambers, and proceeded to the Court Room, and into the personal chambers of the Taishogun, where he was along with Shogun Sum-Gok-Li. Miyamoto read them the note, and sat on the floor, leaning on a wall.
Attention, unidentified ship. State your business or you will be destroyed.
As the asteroid base diverted 3 patrol ships towards the new contacts' approach vector, a familiar voice started broadcasting on a Chrysanthemum code to all ships in the area, causing the Storta to release the lock-on.
Kyoto Base, I am Aosoraki of the Kiretsu. I have arrived late for the hearing. Requesting landing clearance.
Ah, Miss Kureshiwa. Bring yourself in. Someone is waiting for you.
As her vessel lowered its shields in preparation for docking, two Consortium vessels flew out at an unsafe velocity. The Seijin did not turn to look. Instead, she focused her vision on Zetsumai, who seemed to be yelling at the mechanics to remove the refueling equipment on the double. When the platform was clear, Aosoraki entered a 6-digit code into her vessel's computer. The proximity sensors were activated and only Keisotsu and her knew what was going on. The radiant young woman descended from her cockpit and approached her friend, smiling.
Reaching out into her shoulder, she gently combed a small lock of hair over Zet's ear, and greeted her:
O genki desu ka, oneesan?
Zetsumai smiled, but then smirked over at two guards over her left shoulder. Aosoraki looked without subterfuge. They seemed to be murmuring about them, but it didn't matter to her. She was already used to the indecency whenever men were at power.
"I am sorry I did not show up earlier. I hope the old fool's mind was not yet consumed by expensive shoshu. Was that half-man annoying?"
"Oh, very. And I think the Taishogun well understands my position, although he might be pretending in front of the crowd."
"Ah? Do you think the Consortium can offer them more than us? The Dragons abide by honor, shouldn't credits be something immaterial in such a meeting?"
"Let's hope they live up to those morals, Aosoraki."
The woman paused. She seemed to be stressed by the escalating tension, but not enough to waste it in a futile display of emotion.
"We will be ready, one way or the other."
"I am here for you, sister. I will attentively participate in the next session if you agree I should."
Suddenly, Misoraki turned her head to her right. Realizing what had happened, she looked down and closed her eyes. She thought to herself, softly pronouncing the last word: When will they stop being so clumsy..?
Keisotsu noticed one of the Dragon guards had incidentally triggered the proximity alarm in Aosoraki's Blossom. Clumsy indeed, she thought. Perhaps they will be clumsy enough to reveal their true intentions? Or could their hearts be more pure than what we expected?
"It is a cold universe until you know God as your Father, and then it becomes a home. Even the next life simply becomes the Father's house, home."
—David Pawson
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