My friend, I need your help. I have some sins to confess..

long since your last confession?

has been too long, my friend. Much too long...

Go on.

There are some... Things.. In my past that I am not proud of, and they have stayed with me too long, Father.

We all make mistakes. But the Pancreator is forgiving.

Father, I was privy to a massacre of such ferocity and gore, and I could do nothing to stop it..

And I feel so guilty..

Were you in command of the encounter? Or were you following the orders of your lord?

I was following orders, Father... My CO told me to round up the.. women and children.. Of a village after an engagement. I protested, but was put under the gun to do so.

The Don ordered you to do so at gun point?

No, this was before the Don.

Go on.

I was a CO in the Dervishes. After an engagement on the world of Kurga, in a small village named Lyseca, I was ordered to return when I heard something.. Disturbing...

Children, women.. Crying.. And being shot. By the Hazat forces. And by Dervishes.

I had heard that the dervishes could become mindless killing machines. But you did not take part in the killing? And what else happened?

I did not.. Well, as I saw the massacre, I could not stop it. I tried, but I could not.. **tearing up** Women and children..

Many evils were done during the Emperor Wars. And those who have conducted such must make amends with the Pancreator. While you did not kill them yourself, I can understand the need to repent you part of this action.

Is this why you are no longer on Kurga?

Tien.. It is one of many reasons. I am... Hunted... Also...

For my knowledge about the massacre...

Hunted for not wishing to kill? For knowing that such has happened?

Yes, and.. more... The Dervishes are hunting me...

I can not absolve you of this, for I do not see where you have committed a sin. Is inaction a sin? I would absolve you of your guilt, but that is something that you must do yourself.

And I swear that I will defend you. Have you spoken to the Don concerning this? As your lord, he has to power to defend you.

Tien, I need to know if the Pancreator could forgive me for..

For inaction? Yes, the Pancreator can forgive you. But you must also forgive yourself.

How can I do that?

::Sign of the holy jumpgate:: In the name of the Pancreator, I release you of guilt of this encounter. As penitence, I command you to defend the weak with your life. Let us pray...

::kneeling to pray::

Pancreator, maker of all the universe and knower of all dark secrets. I pray that this faithful soul be absolved of the pain and injury of the murders caused by other's hands. Guide him unto your light and aid him in avenging the wanton loss of life. Defend him from his enemies. Amen.

::making the jumpgate symbol over body:: Amen.

You must forgive yourself, as you would forgive an enemy.

you must help ensure that justice is met. This event can not be left unanswered.

the time is right, you must speak to the Don and seek his aid and guidance. He is more knowledgeable that I as to the inner working of your house. A dishonor done by members of the house, reflect upon all members of the house.

Let us not speak of this further, save you are ready to speak to the Don.

Thank you for your candor, Tien.. and your honesty. :grin::