Book 3 Chapter 51: Testimony

Book 3 Chapter 51: Testimony

Mary stumbled back to be caught by Sampson as if the exertion of her testimony had drained her of all her energy. While she did appear to be worn down compared to when Id seen her before, I highly doubted shed been so robbed of her vitality as she made it appear. Sampson gently escorted her back to some seating at the side of the room, helping her to sit down before he himself moved to give his testimony.

When I met Donovan, I offered him only my friendship and warnings. We shared a meal, stories, and traveled together in peace. During that time, he spoke little, but seemed kind and level headed. In spite of that, he betrayed our hospitality and kindness. I will not repeat what Mary has already said, his betrayal of our kindness has already been spoken. I feel compelled though, to speak as well, as he betrayed me personally, and I feel the keen cut of his actions should be spoken as well. He shook his head. To have a knife twisted when it is least expected such a person would not be welcome in Eden, and Im certain you here share those standards. He stepped away, and sat down next to Mary who was still doing an impressive job looking as if she was withering away.

After Sampson was done, a woman I didnt recognize, wearing a black robe, a cerberus slung across her back, and no left arm.

I have never met Donovan, but in spite of that he has had a disproportionately negative effect on my life, and everyone else's. I know it is common knowledge, but Donovan is the reason we first came in contact with the Remnants. He aided them many times, finding them information, activating the advanced R.A.S., and helping them to conquer The Republic. If not for him, we wouldnt be at war. We wouldnt be at risk. Potts would be safe. She clutched the stub where her arm had been. His actions have hurt all of us. He doesnt belong at Potts.

With her piece siad, the woman walked, not toward the bench to sit and observe, but out of the building. Unlike the words of Sampson and Mary, hers stung. I had been foolish in my dealings with the Remnants, trusting them when I should have been more suspicious from the start, even continuing to work with them after theyd lied to me personally. I had run many of my decisions by the Honored Dead before acting, but that didnt excuse that they were my actions, primarily done of my own accord. I regretted my trip into the rEvolutionary Virus bunker the most strongly. It was before Id known I was working for the Remnants, but had I been smarter, more careful, and thought things through then maybe it was something I could have avoided. My lack of foresight might have cost Pott's its future.

At the same time though, I had to consider that even without my intervention, the Remnants would still eventually come for us. They hated things that didnt fit into their mold for a perfect America, Deadmen, the Iron Horde, the Kaijin, I couldnt believe that they wouldnt have come for all of us eventually. I wouldnt ignore my role in what had happened already, but the conflict was inevitable, Id just been an accelerant.

After the woman spoke there were a few more Potts natives that came to speak against me. There were none that Id harmed directly, but many felt that Id done them or Potts a disservice indirectly. I didnt always agree with what they said, but more than enough of it was valid enough to give me pause. In the end though, it didnt harm me as badly as it likely would have harmed many others. I was used to being disliked, to being blamed, this was just the most recent example of it, and at least this time there was a much stronger basis in fact.

Once they were done, Julian stood again. Is there anyone else who would like to speak against Donovan? Who wishes him to be exiled?

I was sent on a mission by the honored dead to investigate a bunker in the Black Woods. he looked at the crowd. Its a shithole if you havent heard of it. Full of massive fucking bears and a whole bunch of other bullshit. The Rens are nice though I suppose. He shook his head, as if clearing excess thoughts from it. Anyway, I went into the bunker, flicked some switches I shouldnt have, and found myself trapped in a kind of bliss I cant even begin to describe. I sat there, happy and starving, for days until Donovan came and found me. He gritted his teeth. I hated him when he saved me. I cursed him, tried to attack him, and did everything I could to get us both killed he saved me anyway. He laughed. He wasnt nice about it mind you, but he made sure I was safe, and even made sure my mission could be completed. Id be dead if it werent for him. He said those last words looking directly at me, and I nodded in acknowledgement as he finished speaking and took a seat.

Another deadman, this time one I didnt recognize, went to speak, but was interrupted when one of the side doors swung open and loudly slammed against the wall. Through it came Deux, his expression animated and his eyes a little wild. He was wearing his old Undertaker garb rather than an altered band shirt as had become his custom recently, and he walked past the line to cut in front and speak.

I didnt miss it, did I? Had to set a playlist going for the triple R so I wouldnt be playing dead air.Fuck! Dead Air wouldve been a great radio name too.

Solomon stood. Deux, take your place at the back of the line. There are others who waited patiently to speak!

The Deadman hed cut in front of shook his head. Im fine with it actuallyId like to hear him speak.

There were nods of agreement down the line.

Solomon gritted his teeth, but sat down. Fine! Speak!

Deux nodded, smiling. First time Ive ever heard you ask me to talk.