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'Because you're not thinking straight, right now,' she said. 'We've done many good things, Parson.'

He shook his head. "Have we, really?"

'Of course we have. Don't let your failures blind you. What have you always told the new recruits to the CID?'

Hmph. He didn't even want to answer that. Having his own words weaponized against him in a moment of weakness? That was low, even for Overra.

Damian answered for him, though. "'We exist in a space between black and white. In a world of grays. But that doesn't mean the extremes don't exist at all. It just means they're more difficult to keep track of, sometimes.'"

Parson stared at him. "How do you even know that?"

"What, you think I haven't been keeping tabs on you?"

'Having everyone think we're dead has had its advantages,' said Feromas. 'Thankfully, we didn't waste ALL of that opportunity.'

'Don't lose heart now,' said Overra. 'We're finally nearing the goal line, after all these years. We got so close this time, and on the next attempt, we'll do even better.'

Parson was far from convinced, though. "Shallow words. Do we even care about Morgunov, anymore? After everything we've just learned?"

"Good question," said Damian, earning a bit of surprise from Parson. "These Primordials seem like they might be an even greater threat than Abolish. And we still barely know anything about them."

'You would have us abandon our centuries-long quest?' said Overra.

"For now," said Damian. "It's not like we're in any condition to mount another attack. I say we take this opportunity not just to lick our wounds but also to learn as much as we can about this other threat."

'That's not your sympathy for Morgunov talking, is it?'

"Please."

'You ARE one of his pupils, after all.'

'One of his test subjects,' said Feromas. 'Don't question our loyalty to the cause, Overra.'

'Oh, I'm going to be questioning a lot more than just that, old friend. You'd best get used to it, if we're going to be sticking together for any length of time.'

'Hah. Are we, though? Or shall we go our separate ways again? It won't look good for you, if you're seen with us. We're still associated with Abolish, technically.'

'True, but we also have plenty of enemies within the Vanguard ourselves. Parson and I should return and report back, but that can be delayed. And I don't think we would want to stay long, either.'