Richard forced a smile in response to Rorschach's "witticism."
Bart caught on, an expression of disbelief on his face. "Don't tell me you don't want to stay with the Alliance?"
"The Alliance? It's just a tool for rebels, a small group of people realizing their ambitions." Richard shook his head. "It flies the banner of ending war, but its method is to start one. It claims to seek equality and reform, but its founders are all children of prominent Nobility. Even if the Alliance succeeds, the Nobility will still be pulling the strings, just steering things in a slightly different direction. So why must the Empire and its people bleed for that?"
Bart's expression turned resentful. "Do you have any idea what you're saying? Do you know who's leading the Alliance now?" Then his expression changed, and he spread his hands toward Richard.
