[i]After what was perhaps a minute of utter silence, Victoria broke the quietness with yet another sigh, opening her blue eyes as she looked upon Vance sadly. She smiled a little, speaking up with a quieter voice so that she did not disturb Ike.[/i] "...I'm sorry, I...just take things too seriously at times. I can't exactly explain why I want to help, it's just...there. Every day in the Imperium and on the battlefield...I just slaughtered. From the wildest of maniacs to the most innocent of civilians, I kept slaughtering. I shot down those that screamed for my blood to be spilt. I shot down those who begged for my mercy. ...I'm.. I'm a monster. I'm no better than the Contractees that attacked us. Yet, I...I want to help people. I want to do something that might make an actual difference, that might benefit something other than a senseless cause that the Imperium supports. I wanted to help Ike, I.. I wanted to help you. I don't mind if you're a Contractee, but you're the closest that I have to an actual ally - no, not an ally, a friend. ...I hope that you understand." [i]Victoria clasped her armored hands together, looking down at her palms and allowing the silence to continue. Perhaps it was best that way, she thought - Vance was the type that she could respect, and thus she would respect his quietness.[/i]