Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience. >Disclaimer: This story and others from this author should only be enjoyed in a responsible manner. If you find yourself wanting to enact anything in these stories, or feel that you might develop a fetish, please do not read any further. Sex addiction is a very real problem, and the author does not wish to encourage this kind of behavior Worshipping God (chapter 4) Edward felt a bright light coming closer, out of the darkness. As it drew nearer, his consciousness seemed to slowly fathom its surroundings_Where am I? A room?_ Edward -(TM)s eyes focused, bringing the light into better clarity_A candle...and...her?_ Edward recoiled from the woman sitting beside him, who had the candle in her hand. He instantly recognized the face as one that represented danger...and something else. -You - he said, accusingly. Edward was still reclined on the soft furskins. His muscles felt weak, as if he had been combat training back at House Righteous. -Yes - the woman said. _Lily --_ Edward knew that the woman represented something powerful and threatening, and it took him a minute to remember -- -Yes - she repeated again, firmly. Edward didn -(TM)t know it, but Lily was watching him closely, and seemed to perfectly know what was going on. Edward saw the intensity of her green eyes, the same green eyes that pierced through his soul and had the power to control his mind. -No - Edward replied, with horror. He remembered now what she had done to him, and the shameful act of his masturbation made a pit in his stomach. -Yes, Edward - she spoke softly, but with strength. She displayed such resoluteness in her voice, like she was perfectly in control. -You remember it all, don -(TM)t you? - she asked. _I remember being so helpless, so overwhelmed by her,_ Edward thought. He noticed that Lily was still in her nightgown, the fabric hanging off her chest. _Her breasts...so smooth, so perfect --_ -It -(TM)s already begun - she said, smiling. She took her right hand and caressed her breast through the fabric of her gown- -It -(TM)s...irresistible - she intoned. Edward didn -(TM)t notice her coy smile. Edward didn -(TM)t notice much at all, in fact, his mind slowing down as a feeling of numbness came over it. Edward continued to watch Lily play with her breasts, tantalizingly. Soon, a new feeling emerged from deep in the recesses of his mind, a force that was both familiar, and altogether different. It was as if a different entity was slowly warping his thoughts, designing his mind to meet another, alien purpose -- Unconsciously, Edward -(TM)s left hand crept down to his breeches, where his erect cock waited. The compulsion to touch himself was too strong for him to resist it, especially when his queen was directly in front of him. -Yesss - Lily hissed, -Give in to your desire...fulfill the urge inside you. - Any thought of resistance faded as soon as Edward touched his engorged member, the pleasure of which rewarded his devotion to sex. -Do you remember my wordss? - she asked. She stopped her tease, knowing that there was no going back for her plaything. Edward nodded, dumbstruck, as he worked his hand up and down his cock_I will hunger sexually. I will have the urge to gratify myself, and will be hopelessly addicted to this feeling...ah...of pleasure. This feeling drives me, motivates me...I will lose myself to my sexual desire...and I will succumb to it, thinking of you, and your power over me. I will be driven mad with lustful thought of your sexuality, and your domination of my mind..._ Lily saw that Edward was back to reciting the mantra, further cementing the truth of the words. -You really had no chance, my dear boy - she said, with false sympathy, -I picked you out the very night you came in. - Edward continued his mental recitation subconsciously, only barely understanding her words. -You just couldn -(TM)t take your eyes off of me, and I knew you were ripe for the picking...so young, so naive, so..._passionate_. - -And once you had a taste of my beauty, your mind became obsessed with me- did you dream of me that first night, my horny little slave? - she asked, deprecatingly. Edward nodded. -Aw, how sweet - Lily smiled. -And the second night? - she asked, hopefully. Edward took a moment, and eventually shook his head. Lily seemed genuinely surprised- -Ah, well no matter. Our little rendezvous last night was surely enough to drive you madly in love with me. - Edward nodded. Lily beamed. -I -(TM)m so glad- uh uh, not so fast - she chided him, directing him to slow his stroking. -Very few men can resist my charm, you know - she explained, -I -(TM)ve been practiced in seduction for many years. And I knew as soon I marked you on the cheek, that you would be _mine_ - she emphasized, stroking Edward -(TM)s right cheek. Edward -(TM)s mind was now taken over, fully under the control of the dark energy that directed his sexual gratification. At this point, only LIly -(TM)s words and presence competed for his attention. -My hero - she said, mimicking the words she used last night. -I felt your energy last night, when you pleasured yourself to me - she admitted, -I -(TM)ve done this dozens of times, but the first time a man masturbates to me, I always feel it. It makes me feel...so _alive_ - -And that -(TM)s how I knew you would come to me tonight, my raunchy pet. My sex - she said, swirling her fingers around her bosom, -Is too _tempting_ to resist - -And thanks to your servitude, I can now use your -~energy -(TM) for my own devices - she said, staring hungrily at Edward -(TM)s cock. -The second cum is never as much as the first, but I -(TM)m so..._hungry_ for you - LIly said, throatily. Slinking over to Edward -(TM)s crotch, Lily prepared for her second meal. ----- _*SLAM*_ A loud bang awoke Edward from his reverie, the sound reverberating loudly in his brain. Edward took a step, and realized that his muscles were weak. Feeling exhausted, Edward had to muster up the willpower to take another step, and not fall down to the cobblestone road. Suddenly, tears streamed down his face, the shame too unbearable for him to control inside. The emotional toll was too much, and Edward fell to his feet, sobbing uncontrollably -Wh- why? - he stuttered. His eyes clouded with fresh tears, his nose starting to run. _Why did I do it?!,_ he wondered, _What -(TM)s wrong with me?!_ Edward tried to control the wailing that accompanied his sobbing, lest he attract others to his shame. -I -(TM)m...so --_*sniff*_...pitiful - he said to himself. Edward put his forehead on the cool cobblestone, unaware of the discomfort it caused. Edward continued to sob for a few more minutes, the pain of his betrayal still fresh in his mind. It felt as if someone had punched into his gut, and was squeezing his innards. Feeling the cold wind of the night biting against the exposed skin of his head, Edward welcomed the distraction, and eventually calmed down. Pushing himself off the ground, Edward pulled the hood of his robe over his head, trying his best to cover up the wet, inflamed skin of his face. Using the moonlight as a guide, Edward walked back to the _Bilgewater Tavern and Inn_. _I pray to Chirrus my Brothers aren -(TM)t here. I can -(TM)t --_ Looking through the window on the front of the building, Edward could make out Brother Amos, sitting alone at a table drinking_He -(TM)s waiting for me,_ Edward realized. Seeing how late it was getting, Edward surmised that Amos would soon be out looking for him. Giving his face another swipe with the sleeve of his robe, Edward steeled himself for the awkward encounter to come_The shame will be too great to share_, Lily -(TM)s words came back to him, _they will never look at you the same way._ Edward pushed the door open, and saw Amos dart his head in his direction -Edward! - Amos shouted, waving him over to his table. Edward came over. -Where were you? What -(TM)s wrong? - Amos asked, seeing Edward -(TM)s pink, puffy face. -It -(TM)s nothing - Edward tried to lie, unconvincingly. Amos gave him a look. -It -(TM)s just gotten stressful, is all - Edward said, which was the truth. -I -(TM)m sorry to hear. Did you want to talk about it? - Amos asked, concerned. -No -, Edward replied, wanting to get away. -You sure? - Amos asked. Edward was starting to get bothered by the intrusion, although he knew that Amos meant well. -Yeah, just need some rest. I -(TM)m going to eat some food in my room. - He waited for Amos to ask another question. -Alright - Amos said, after a pause, -I -(TM)m here if you need to talk. - He clapped Edward on the shoulder, and gave a half-hearted smile that signalled his level of concern. -Thank you Brother - Edward replied, softly. He walked to the bar, and ordered a bowl of soup and ale to take upstairs. When he was back in his room, Edward started eating on the floor, and his body felt better almost immediately. -Guess I was really tired - Edward said aloud. The warmth of the soup filled his stomach, and his mood improved slightly. Once he was done devouring his food, he set himself to the task of breaking down the past few days, relating what happened to him with what Lily mentioned tonight. -She said she picked me out that first night- was she waiting for someone like me? - Edward wondered. _Maybe she just likes to wait for travellers to come in on the main road? Show herself off to any man who catches her eye, and then pull that shoulder strap down, revealing the smooth curve of her shoulder --_ _No!_ Edward realized that he had been reimagining Lily -(TM)s appearance that first night. He remembered vividly the blue bodice that she wore, and how she struck him dumb with her beauty. -Focus - he told himself. If he wasn -(TM)t careful, he was going to lose himself in a daydream. _But she didn -(TM)t see where we were staying,_ Edward remembered, _so how did she know to meet me outside my inn?_ Edward tried his best, but could not remember seeing Lily between the first night, and when she bumped into him on the third day_Was she spying on us? Or did she pay someone for that information?_ Remembering her words, Edward got the feeling that much of what happened between them was staged, but the reason was still a mystery -She said she would use my energy for her own -~devices -(TM)...What the Hell does that mean? - -And what kind of person seduces a man just to have them -- pleasure themself. Where -(TM)s the money in that? - Edward recalled how Lily mentioned having -~clients -(TM) the night before, and assuming she was a prostitute, it just didn -(TM)t make sense. -And the trouble she was in? Was that a lie, too? - he wondered. _Probably just an excuse to bring me to her lair._ It was all a mystery to Edward, and one that he was unlikely to solve tonight, given how late it was and how exhausted he felt. -She was right about one thing, though- I can -(TM)t ever tell anyone from House Righteous what happened - Edward said with a sigh, walking over to his bed. He would have to handle this alone. Too tired for his pre-bedtime workout routine, and too ashamed to pray to Chirrus tonight, Edward pulled the blanket up and tried his best to get some rest. ----- Edward moved forward across the plain, quickly, as if on a horse Rolling hills of wheat whizzed past him as he went down the road Edward felt free, and now he knew he was riding a horse His feet were securely fastened to the stirrups, and he felt the strong physical connection to the horse, like he could never fall off. It was like the horse and Edward were one and the same On and on the terrain passed him- sometimes fields of wheat, sometimes trees It felt endless, without destination, like time itself Suddenly, Edward felt something behind him. Without looking, he knew it was a dark cloud, high above in the sky The dark cloud started sinking towards the ground, still behind Edward Understanding that the cloud was coming towards him, Edward felt afraid, and turned his attention to the road...and to moving faster But the road and terrain did not speed up, and the cloud came closer still Edward was angry at his horse, for it did not speed up like he wanted it to _Why?_ He wondered, _why won -(TM)t you go?_ But the horse did not answer Edward felt the dark cloud -(TM)s presence, as it came to float directly behind him He knew he would not escape Black mist appeared in his peripheral vision. When he looked, he saw wisps of smoke wrap around his arms, like tendrils. They pulled gently on his arms, which were still holding the reins. _What is this?_ It was then that Edward felt tingling on his bare skin, and heard something that sounded like sighing. Looking down again, he saw goosebumps on his arm, his hair pointing straight up. Edward felt his fear subside, replaced with the cool feeling on his skin. It felt...relaxing Edward loosened his grip, and felt the sensation move up his arms Edward liked the feeling Releasing the reins, Edward felt his arms being lifted up, and they began to lighten As his arms were being suspended by the black mist, he felt the cool tingling continue past his shoulders, down through his head and chest Feeling the sensation go through his chest, Edward took a deep breath, and some of the cloud enter his lungs As the cloud filled his lungs, he felt even lighter, and his body started to float up Noticing that his feet were still firmly placed in the stirrup, Edward understood that he had to become lighter to escape Taking another deep breath, Edward was finally able to free himself from the horse As soon as he lost contact with it, Edward looked down, and saw the horse continuing to run down the road A tremendous sadness filled him at the sight of his companion leaving him _Don -(TM)t go!_ He cried after it But the horse, continuing on the road without him, did not stop or slow down As Edward slowly floated up, the horse became smaller and smaller, and Edward knew that he would never see the horse again _Goodbye,_ Edward said No answer came back, as the horse disappeared over the horizon Still Edward floated up, and when he turned his thoughts to it, he felt the cloud -(TM)s energy coursing through him Sensing that the cloud could help him feel better, Edward turned his head to the sky, to look forward to where he was going On another cloud above him was a woman, her body facing towards his Edward felt her raw power emanating from her body, like the heat of the sun _So beautiful --_ Hearing his words, the woman looked towards him and opened her eyes, which were green as emeralds. He felt her eyes lock onto his, and his ascendancy quickened I will give you what you desire, she spoke into his mind Edward felt his mind reach out to her, his body desiring to touch hers As the distance between them closed, Edward -(TM)s longing for her touch intensified _Yes,_ he said As he came closer, Edward saw that the green-eyed woman was naked, her perfect body awaiting his Edward felt a familiar feeling in his loins, and knew that he was ready to be with her _Give me your soul,_ she commanded Edward -(TM)s will was no match for her beauty and power _Yes..._ Edward watched as the woman -(TM)s right hand slowly moved, moving away from her genitals, then towards them. Back and forth, back and forth -- _Who commands you?_ The woman asked _Lily,_ Edward responded. The pressure in his crotch was increasing, and he felt himself losing control _Who commands you?_ The woman sternly asked again _Lily!_ The pressure was almost more than Edward could handle, like his crotch would soon explode _WHO COMMANDS YOU?_ ----- Edward opened his eyes, his focus solely on his cock. -LILY - he responded to the darkness of his room. His right hand was still pumping away, when suddenly, spurts of semen started shooting out. -UUhhhhhhh - Edward moaned, furiously rubbing his cock in ecstasy. His eyes rolled back towards his brain, which was wracked in pure pleasure. The explosions in his brain continued for a time. When they finally subsided, Edward rolled his head to the side, and started breathing heavily. An image of Lily kneeling over him, just as she did earlier that night, formed in Edward -(TM)s mind. He felt as though he was back at her residence, lying on the floor. Her thick, luxurious hair swirled around his vision as her face came directly above his. He watched Lily -(TM)s wicked smile, waiting expectantly for her to place him into another trance. -Lily - Edward whispered. Lily -(TM)s eyes seemed to glow for a second -Repeat the words - she commanded. Edward nodded meekly, powerless to resist her. ----- Edward slept in the next morning, and would -(TM)ve slept for half the day if Amos hadn -(TM)t knocked on his door. -I -(TM)ll be down in a little bit - Edward answered. He felt so drained, he didn -(TM)t want to go through the effort of going downstairs. -I -(TM)m coming in - the muffled voice said. _Oh shit,_ Edward thought. Quickly, he bundled up the covers and threw them to the side. Checking himself, he saw that the masturbation session from last night had not stained his bedclothes, only part of the covers. -Good morning, Edward - Amos said, sitting down on the bed next to Edward. -Good morning - Edward mumbled. He eyed the blanket, which was directly behind Amos. A long silence pervaded the space, until Amos finally broke the silence -Listen, Edward -, he started, looking at him, -I know you -(TM)re going through something, and it -(TM)s tough right now. - _He doesn -(TM)t know,_ Edward thought. _No one knows._ -And if you don -(TM)t want to tell me, it -(TM)s fine - Amos continued, looking straight ahead, -I don -(TM)t need to know everything that goes on in people -(TM)s lives. - -But...please know that you are never alone, even if there is no one beside you. - Amos looked back at Edward, who knew exactly what he meant. -Chirrus is more than a deity that guides our societies -- he also guides our lives. - Edward saw the sincerity in Amos -(TM) face- _Then why isn -(TM)t he guiding me now? Where was he when I needed him?_ -You -(TM)ve been with us enough time to know our ways, but our ways are not always how people out here live. I know it can be a shock to witness, but you need to stand strong in your faith. - Amos put his hand on Edward -(TM)s shoulder. Edward nodded. -Discipline is our character, and discipline is what bears us through hardship - Amos said. -And if we lose our discipline? - Edward asked, his voice choked up. -Then we build it back up, brick by brick - Amos said, firmly. -Using Chirrus -(TM) teachings as our foundation, we build ourselves anew. - Edward heard the conviction in Amos -(TM) words, and wished he shared his devotion- _Now my loyalty belongs to some witchy woman --_ -You are not the first to feel this way, Edward - Amos said, standing up, -And you won -(TM)t be the last. Know that we are here to help you, but ultimately you must make your own decisions. You must choose to do right, no matter how small the decision is. - Amos walked over to the door, -As long as you keep doing good work, you won -(TM)t be led astray. - -And if I keep making mistakes? - Edward asked. -Start small- every decision counts - Amos responded, walking out. _Start small --_ Once Amos was safely out of hearing range, Edward bowed his head and closed his eyes -Fair and just Chirrus, hear me as I pray for your guidance. Deliver me from my affliction, and bring me your impartial wisdom, so that I may do your work among the people of this world. Please bless us, your servants, so that your teachings may be known to the people once again. Grant us your wisdom and strength in this endeavor, until we pass from this world. Amen - Edward opened his eyes, and for once, in what seemed like a long time, felt more at peace. _I should -(TM)ve done that before,_ he realized. _I -(TM)ve felt so ashamed, that I didn -(TM)t think myself worthy of communicating with Chirrus._ _But now I realize that when I am at my lowest, that is when I need Chirrus the most._ All of a sudden, an epiphany hit Edward_That -(TM)s why I didn -(TM)t have a wet dream that second night! I was spending time on Chirrus..._ _I was so worried about the next day, that I was reciting Chirrus -(TM) poems and verses. That -(TM)s what saved me._ Edward felt as if a door had been unlocked and opened for him. A solution to all his problems... _But will it work tonight?,_ he wondered. There was more to Lily than what she seemed. Something...sinister. He was dealing with something he did not fully understand. Looking outside at the rising sun, Edward realized he would have to deal with her later. -I -(TM)ve got work to do. - ----- In order to pass judgement fairly, the Brothers knew they had to rely on more than just hearsay. They needed to see injustice with their own eyes. Which also meant they couldn -(TM)t walk around in their conspicuous, heavy grey robes. Otherwise, the guards would be on their best behavior. Edward stationed himself in the market square, along with Jethros. As Amos had instructed, the four Brothers split into groups of two, so that they could keep an eye on each other. _I don -(TM)t envy Laramis and Amos right now_. They were roaming the slums, looking for guards to observe. A small commotion at one of the tented stands on the other side of the plaza caught Edward -(TM)s attention_Jethros sees it too, and he will get there first._ From so far away, Edward could only make out one of the armored guards pushing a merchant in the chest- I need to get closer, and quickly. Edward fast stepped his way over in that direction, focusing on taking the shortest path to the merchant stand_He better not throw himself into it,_ Edward thought, worried about Jethros. As he got closer, Edward could hear yelling -I don -(TM)t ever wanna see you here again! - -No! Please, I belong here! - -Gentlemen- - Edward passed a couple more people, who were standing near the rapidly-developing event, to see the guard holding the merchant by the front of his shirt. The merchant was on his knees, appearing to be pleading with the guard. -My name is Brother Jethros, from House Righteous of the Chirrus Order- - Jethros tried to explain. His hands were open and outstretched, in a sign of peace. -Back the fuck up, or I swear to all the gods above, I -(TM)ll drop you - the guard replied. _Wow, this is tense._ -I have the same authoritiy here as you do, sir - Jethros explained, taking a step back, -What is the issue here? - -Get the fuck out of my sight - the guard growled at Jethros. Something in Edward -(TM)s mind triggered- _He -(TM)s going to attack Jethros,_ Edward realized, subconsciously. Without time to think, Edward quickly assessed that the guard in front of him was larger than most, and would be physically strong. He also carried a long sword at his belt, which could kill Edward in a single blow. The guard -(TM)s right hand was holding the merchant, but would probably be the hand to hit JethrosEdward instinctively pushed himself forward, accelerating quickly towards the guard. Using his momentum to his advantage, he launched himself full force into his back, placing the center of his mass on the guard -(TM)s upper back. The guard, having swung his right arm towards Jethros, was easily off-balance enough for Edward -(TM)s momentum to topple him over. The guard, and Edward, crashed to the ground. Wasting little time, Edward scrambled to stay on top of the guard -(TM)s back. As the guard went to all fours, Edward saw his opening and wrapped both legs around his torso, keeping his chest to the backpiece of his breastplate. -Aaahhrr - the guard yelled. Unintimidated by the guard -(TM)s temper, Edward quickly snuck his right arm across the guard -(TM)s exposed throat, and squeezed. Edward saw that the guard was reaching for something on his belt, and realized with alarm that it was likely a dagger. Fear made Edward grip tighter, and he jerked his body to the side, rolling the guard over. The momentary distraction was enough for the guard to forget his dagger, and panic must -(TM)ve taken him over, because he clawed frantically as Edward -(TM)s bulging arm, trying to restore blood to his brain. The guard -(TM)s frantic flailing slowed down, his arms stiffening. Sensing that the guard was passing out, Edward released his hold, and pushed the guard to the side. Knowing that a crowd of strangers were surrounding him, Edward quickly pulled the long sword from the guard -(TM)s belt. Brandishing the weapon in front of him to ward off would-be attackers, Edward scanned the crowd for potential threats. The adrenaline was still fueling him -Back up! - he yelled, flicking the sword side to side to show he was well-versed in its use. Whether from the force of his voice, or the sword, the crowd responded almost immediately. Once he had enough room, Edward took stock of the guard, who was still passed out_The dagger_. Edward went to the lying form of the guard, and fished out a small knife. Looking to the side, he saw Jethros was sitting on the ground, hand on his face. -What is this?! - a voice bellowed. Edward saw the crowd split apart, letting another armored guard into the scene. -One of your men attacked a defenseless man - Edward told him firmly. Seeing Edward was armed, the guard pulled his own sword out. -Put down the sword! - Edward crouched down, and rolled his sword wrist, swirling the blade in a circle in front of him -Your man is unharmed - Edward explained, -But he has assaulted a Brother of Chirrus- - -I don -(TM)t give a shit about your Chirrus - the guard interrupted, -You are all under arrest! - Seeing that the guard was not going to relent, and soon he would be outnumbered, Edward stood up straight and addressed the crowd, -You are all witnesses to the charge of assault brought against this man. Chirrus will have his order. - Edward then tossed his sword on the ground. -You -(TM)re gonna regret this, boy - the guard snarled. Edward saw that the first guard was starting to sit up. -With these people as my witness, I have not committed any crime, and have suffered no harm. Any retaliation henceforth is on you - Edward declared, going to his knees. The guard took another step, sword at the ready. When he looked at the waiting crowd, however, he decided to sheath his sword instead of what he really wanted to do. Edward put his arms behind him, and felt the rope being tied tightly against his wrists. Edward watched the crowd, which seemed amazed at the development. Although he wanted to speak more, Edward thought better of it- _Best I not antagonize the guards further with my preaching._ Edward heard the scrape of metal on stone, and instantly turned to see what it was. -No, Roger! - the second guard yelled. The first guard was holding his sword above his head, ready to swing it at Edward. -Not here - the guard said, stepping in between Roger and Edward. -AAaahh - Roger yelled, chopping his steel sword into one of the wooden posts that held the tent covering up. By then, another guard had showed up, baffled by the situation. -Get him up - the second guard called to the new soldier, pointing towards Jethros, who was still dazed from the blow he took. -Roger, take a walk - the second guard said. Edward and Jethros were escorted out of the crowd, and Edward had a good idea where he was going. -What in the Nine Hells is this? - Wayford yelled, as soon he he saw the two Brothers being escorted in. -This one interfered with a lawful arrest - said one of the guards, nodding towards Jethros. -And this...assaulted the same officer. - Wayford -(TM)s eyes bulged- -Oh, you did it now boys. You -(TM)re gonna get a lashin -(TM) like no one -(TM)s ever gotten. - Jethros had his eyes cast down to the floor, but Edward was not flinching -How _dare_ you touch one of my men - Wayford yelled, standing up. Edward remained silent, staring Wayford down. -You got something to say, _boy_?! - Wayford said, challengingly. He started striding up to Edward. -The guard in question hit my friend here, without provocation - Edward replied, -I stepped in only to protect him. - Wayford was now in front of Edward, a good head taller than him. -So you hit back, right? - he told Edward. -I didn -(TM)t hit him at all - Edward replied simply. Wayford seemed to be looking in Edward -(TM)s eyes for the truth. -Devin? - Wayford asked. The guard who was first on the scene, who was now presenting the two Brothers, answered, -I saw this one with Roger -(TM)s sword. Roger was unconscious. - Wayford took a second to understand the situation- -You still assaulted an officer, which is punishable by public lashing. - He started walking towards his desk. -Will Roger be receiving the same treatment for hitting Jethros? - Edward asked. Commander Wayford turned on his heel, fire in his eyes- -Roger was doing his job, unlike you two. You don -(TM)t have any right to interfere with our responsibilities. - -Our agreement with Lord Taggart says otherwise - Edward answered smoothly. He knew he was walking on thin ice now. Wayford was about to say something, but thought better of it- -No matter what your -~agreement -(TM), it is against the law to assault an officer, and you will have to be punished. - -If that -(TM)s how you feel, then maybe I should present my case to an arbiter - Edward replied. He noticed that Jethros -(TM) head was up now. -You wouldn -(TM)t - Wayford growled. -It -(TM)s in our right to request an arbiter, and I have a good feeling about winning our case. - -Not to mention the public embarrassment - Jethros added. _There -(TM)s your spine._ Before Wayford could respond, Edward pressed on- -Think about it- a respected Brother of Chirrus asks a simple question, wanting to know what the situation is, when out of nowhere the guard smacks him full in the face. - Edward nodded his head towards Jethros- -Anyone can see the damage inflicted. And now here comes his fellow brother in faith, trying to protect his friend, and when the conflict is resolved, without any bloodshed mind you, and the Commander of the Guard wants to publicly punish their acts of self-defence, what do you think will happen? - Wayford snarled, but didn -(TM)t answer -I can find at least a dozen witnesses to the facts I -(TM)ve described. Who is going to support Roger -(TM)s side? - Edward asked. Wayford slowly walked back towards the Brothers. -And what are you proposing we do? - he asked. -Roger will be reprimanded, privately, so your guards can save face. - Edward saw Jethros giving him a look -In return, your guards will be instructed to treat us as fellow peacekeepers, affording us the same detaining privileges that you do. This is already in the agreement with Lord Taggart. - -And - Edward continued, -You will make a public announcement, reiterating the terms of our agreement. - -You ask too much - Wayford said. -You -(TM)ve overreached, Commander - Edward responded, drawing the Commander -(TM)s ire, -We are simply having the existing rules reinforced. - Wayford looked Edward hard in the face, and Edward knew he was being measured. -Let them go - he said, without taking his eyes off of Edward. -Sir? - Devin asked, confused. -You heard me - he said, looking sharply at the man. While their bonds were being undone, Wayford took another intimidating step -Let -(TM)s get one thing straight, _boy_ -- I am still the commander here, and my guards run this ship. As soon as one of you steps out of line, you -(TM)re done. Understood? - _Now is not the time for cock-measuring,_ Edward thought, calming his competitive drive -Of course, commander. We serve the people, same as you do, and we all must abide by the same rules. - Wayford face didn -(TM)t seem to agree -Get out of my sight -