[i]A life for ten lives. But it isn't just 'a life.' It's Ahkrin. The Sangheili I have grown up with, my brother in arms. Would I not kill hundreds to ensure his survival?[/i] But this was different. [i]The ten who would replace Ahkrin are my warriors. They trust me... trust that I will do my best to serve them and keep them safe from harm. I can't just forfeit their lives for my own selfish gain... can I?[/i] "Time is ticking, Elite. Make your choice soon or there shall be none at all," Cole hurried, a malicious glint playing about his eyes as the Admiral tightly gripped the glass of bourbon he held in his hand. "Why are you doing this?" Zharn demanded, eyes watering as he wrestled with the impossible choice before him. Either one would weigh heavily upon him for the rest of my life. Cole's eyebrows rose. "Because I enjoy seeing you in pain, Elite. Your kind are destroying everything mine hold dear. Billions have died, and you won't stop until every last one of us is dead. Why are you doing this? For nonsensical reasons involving blind devotion to an absurd religion. My reasons for doing this may be senseless, but no more than your own." "I did not start this war," Zharn breathed heavily, knuckles turning white as he tightly grasped the wood of the chair, cracking it. "But you do not protest against it, or even question it. Your ask 'how high?' before your Prophets even tell you to jump. It's pathetic." "I--" "Enough. I don't expect you to reach an epiphany at my hands. Make your choice, now." [i]Curse this man to eternal torment! I wish that I were a great leader but it is not so. Try as I might I can't place ten faceless warriors under my command above a Sangheili I have known all my life. There is no other choice. Forerunners forgive me.[/i] "The ten--" Zharn began to answer, before choking up as fresh tears sprang into his eyes. Cole glared at him. "I'm sorry?" he demanded, leaning in closer. "I choose the ten!" Zharn shrieked, losing control. "Kill them if you must, just spare Ahkrin!" The Sangheili Ultra broke down after those words, collapsing onto the desk and weeping uncontrollably into his arm. The choice had been made, and he would forever hate himself for it. A soft chuckle came from the other side of the desk, triumphant and mocking. Cole observed the broken Elite for a full minute, before picking up the communications device with a smile and pressing it to his mouth. "Captain, escort the Elite back to his cell and return to my quarters to take the Ultra here back to his own. Be gentle with him, he's had a rough time. If you need me I will be on the bridge." And with that Cole put the device down on its stand, before easing his chair out from under his desk and standing up. Zharn drew his head out from his arms, looking up at the Admiral. "But you said--" "That I would kill ten in your friend's place? They are prisoners of war, Elite, and I will not harm them without good reason. Contrary to your kind's belief we are not barbarians. But you didn't know that. I think we both found out something very interesting about your character today, hmm? So ready were you to kill ten to save your friend. You don't deserve the command you wield." "You bastard!" Zharn spat, glaring through puffy, reddened eyes at the Admiral. Cole looked down at him with a sad expression. "Think upon it and you will realise who the real bastard here is, Elite. I am needed on the bridge. Raines will be here for you in a few minutes to take you to your cell; rest well, because in a few hours I think you'll be ready to order your troops on Eridanus II to surrender. If not... well, there's still time enough to throw those ten out of the airlock. And more can follow. Farewell for now, Elite." And with that, the Admiral left the room, chuckling softly to himself as he did so. The door to Cole's quarters swung shut, leaving none in the room aside from the two marines and Zharn, who sat at the table shaking. Zharn didn't utter a single sound. When Raines took him to his cell, the first thing he did was crawl into the corner and huddle there, shaking uncontrollably. The broken Sangheili Ultra continued to do so until Cole called for him once again.