But he felt he had listened quite enough. "Alright, first thing's first. What bloody qualifications do a single one of you have to honestly think you can weigh any odds of anyone's plans of success? I've Captained ships. Commanded ground troops. I may have been stuck on this rock for 16 years, but I can still remember my formal education in tactics, strategy, and statesmanship. The only other person here who I would assume comes close to that is Otis due to his working with the Guardians. So when I have a plan, it's not some bloody half-cocked rambling based on superstition or wishful thinking." Ash hadn't moved at all during his rant, but the bite was very clear in his words.
"Secondly, have we all completely disregarded the bloody intruder in our meeting?" He said shooting a glance at Falcon. "Perhaps I'm insane, but I don't feel comfortable detailing any plans in front of a complete stranger. So as far as my plans go, I think I'm quite done verbalizing them. I'm still learning to trust all of you, so I'm absolutely not going to open up about this subject to someone we should all be incredibly suspicious of. No offense intended."
Ash stood taking another sip of his water, and clearing his throat once more. "I understand the fears each of you have. None of us want people on this planet to suffer, but there are millions in this galaxy who have been slaughtered for centuries by the colossal empires that rule it. I want to protect The Rock as much as any of you do, but I also want to protect the millions of other innocents who don't live on it. I've heard what you all have to say, your plans and solutions, and I for one am willing to consider them all and talk more about them. For now though, I sugges-"
There was a knocking at the door as one of Arubak's men entered the room. An army was here at the Holy Land. And so was the gun.
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Ash rode out with Arubak and the Lords of Rock, uneasy about the whole situation. If the canon didn't have any ammunition, it wasn't a threat. Nonetheless, the gun's presence here meant something was very wrong. Perhaps they were here by accident, but...
A small part of the army approached them, and it wasn't long before Ash recognized the horses and armor of the knights. His eyes narrowed slightly as his hand went to rest with his revolver. All thoughts of his hatred for Sor started to return at the sight, but they did not overshadow the thought in his mind that something deeper may be going on. Why were they here handling the situation with the gun? Escorting it even? And it sounded like they were preparing to hand it over to Zambob? For what purpose?
"And what do the people of Sanctuary believe the answer to this question is? Or is it perhaps you and your fellow knights who have the answer?" Ash feinted in a friendly tone.