That they have to forge their own path. Make their own choices. From their first days here, as bearers, they were required to choose.

[ It is simple, and firm. ]

If I had my choice, I would not work with any who were previously aligned with Zenith. I would not allow them into the city at all. I would rend them with a blade if I could. I would excise them from Meridian's light and leave them to rot.

[ Sharp, like a hot blade. ]

But I do not have that choice. I am a leader, and I must make decisions independent of what will make one or two individuals happy. I must make decisions that guarantee the safety of my people and my city, and Meridian's victory. In the same sense, if such individuals choose something else, if they choose to forge a path, as long as it faces Meridian's light, then why should I stop them?

You do not have to like me, or my choices, to fight. Just know who it was that forced my hand. It was not the monsters you speak of, but Zenith. They flooded our streets with drugged enemies and slaughtered my people — family and friends alike — in the streets, and then they murdered Cyrus. Our Tribune.

[ That being said, after something that feels like the white-hot anger of the sun, it abates to something warmer, like it is waning. ]

If you find that monsters are what you wish to focus on, I will not stop you. I only stop those that hold us back from victory.