"But what good are diamonds when no one can cut them? What use is knowledge when none among us can unlock it? That is why we are weak. That is why we cling to others, begging protection from so-called Tier One powers, instead of standing as one ourselves. And now look where it has led us—ruin, fire, slaughter.
This is the fault of the Supreme Elders and the Council they preside over. Their failure is the root of this disaster."
His voice lowered, a grim final note.
"And if these enemies tell us we are not the only ones of our clan being attacked, I would believe them. They have the power to burn our entire clan into ash—what is a single star system to them?"
