Dust clung to the black felt hat, along with starry spots of dried-up brain matter.
He took out a handkerchief, patiently wiping away the stains bit by bit, his movements gentle and meticulous, as if he were tending to a rare treasure.
Then he held the hat with both hands and placed it back atop his head.
The wide brim hung down, casting a shadow that conveniently covered the exposed pink brain outside.
Balk adjusted his collar, raised his head, and looked at the four newly born in front of him.
The smile on his face had completely shed the earlier deliberately mimicked human emotions of falsehood.
In its place was a pure satisfaction akin to that of a creator.
"Look." His voice echoed in the empty council hall, tinged with a resonance as moist as seawater:
"Without those brains filled with distractions, fear, and foolish desires... how perfect, how delightful you have become."
