>>5313706>>5313740{Art:Herb Kawainui Kāne}
“Father Kāne, do you remember our first fishing trip?”
Kāne: You cried when it came time to kill the catch.”
“Yes. But then you told me that if I let it live, I would sentence every fish *it* would ever eat to death. A cruel act can be kind, and a kind act cruel. A true leader must trust their choices, no matter what judgment comes.
You give a deep sigh. The same one you did before you bashed that fish’s skull against your Wa’a.
“SURROUND THE HALE!”
Keoki: What is this?!
Wiji: Peacekeepers!
The sounds of chaos and conflict echo through the walls. Peacekeepers yell as your Elite Guard humble them with superior weapons. The cheers of the Pilgrims thunder like rain and muffle the screams of your family’s attempt at escape from capture.
And in the center of the storm, Father Kāne stands, calm and still as ever.
___
The ”battle” was brief. Even without the Elite Guard, two squads of peacekeepers weren't equipped for a riot.
They were prepared for peacetime, a force the size of your crew hasn't been assembled on The Island since The Great Wars.
Nizax: Captain, I...
“It had to be done. The plans they were taking would have brought ruin to the Island.”
Nizax: What happens now?
“I need to see Kaiali'i.”
____
She’s staring at the ocean, her mind moving as swiftly as the waves.
“How are you feeling?”
Kaiali'i: Shocked more than anything. I’m not naive. I knew conflict was bound to rise again, but here, between you and... her.
“If you aren't comfortable with this, I understand.”
Kaiali'i: The Great Peace, you’re truly for it?
“Some days it’s the only thing I have left.”
Kaiali'i: The moment you show a single sign of betraying it, I’m gone. But as long as you serve it, I serve you.
“I’m glad to hear that, I still need your help on this campaign.”
Kaiali'i: Is this a campaign, or a conquest?
>BEGIN INTERMISSION 