He could not let his obsession slip into credibility-guaranteeing violence in front of the base, because his power depended on the illusion of safety and order.
He raised his voice then, too carefully restrained, "Enough. This… this does not have to end in bloodshed. Lady Ling, you are leaving. Just take what you need. Let us part with civility. Shall we?"
Her laughter spilled out again, rougher this time. "Civility?" She spat the word. "After you told my healer to abandon me? After your men laughed when I was covered in blood? After they tried to strip off my things just now? You want civility? From you?"
"Then, what do you want me to do? Give up my things as they said and leave the base, as they wished?
The remaining people of the entire base shuddered at the cold voice, which felt like death itself.
