I

"So. Now'tha we got that outta of da wae, how'er we doin dis?" A strong Welsh accent spoke "We have plenty of time to ah goe about it. But we should spend these 5 years wisely. No point lookin for trouble when we can consolidate our grasp on a greater whole. Specially considering the rewards offered should we complete da tasks well."

"I concur." A crisp English accent punctuated "We may all have been given another chance, empowered beyond belief, and become dominant in our own right. But that is no reason we should be lax or grow arrogant and complacent. Similar to our… counterparts."

"No. Even if we are able, how are we sure this is not on the whims of a god?" A gruff, resolute voice spoke. His Greek accent punctuates his vowels "For all we know, we are on the whims of another who would love nothing more for us to do as expected and fail for their amusement."

"Agreed. How can we be living a new life if we'd be enslaved under another?" A clear, hardened voice spoke, clear of any accent to be easily noticed "I cannot stand the idea that we would be considering the whims of an unknown, regardless of all his gifts and assistance. This reeks of a scheme, even knowing advances and the people involved in advance, would this not cause unprecedented consequences for the future of this world?"

"I thaink yar reading tao deeply inta this." A suave female voice spoke with a cowgirl accent "He literally laid out all his cards and gave us all the option to do so without any want of payment from us.

"I agree with her." A young, brash voice rounded out "Even if he wanted to, he can no longer interfere any more than he already has." Lightning coursing through his figure tips, as he contemplated his newfound knowledge and abilities he has been given to easily supplement his already impressive skillset "Why not make the best of it? No one can oppose us mostly to the highest degree, all the leading countries are on the path to corrupting stagnation, the major powers behind the scenes monopolize their power for the powerful few in detestable ways, and millions suffer for their actions direct, indirect, or lack of. Why not make a difference with what we have? Why should we not?"

" *BLAM* ITS FOOLISHNESS BOY!!!" The Greek man slammed his hand onto the wooden table, spider-marks already spreading out from the point of impact "We would be no better than the gods that we would find ourselves aspiring to become. It is not our-"

"Not our what?!" The young brash man spoke out. Interrupting the line of thinking that pretended to be 'reasonable' "Not our place to assist!? To guide!? To ensure a better tomorrow!?" He scoffed in distaste "We all know what happens if we just do nothing. Planet side extinction-level event for this world at best, universe ending level event at worst. Possibly even worse than that. And you were just about to suggest we do… Nothing?"

The Greek man said nothing. Stewing in his anger as he reined himself in. Sticking to what he knows best and strikes when his opponent shows a moment of weakness, avoiding to become flat-footed due to his hypocrisy. There is nothing to hide.

"I fear my own control sometimes, hell, even detest it due to the amount of death and pain I have caused. But to see it with my own eyes? On a whole different level, no less? Well, now I know what it's like, and how to avoid becoming shackled to it. If we fear what we are and what we can do, how can we possibly do better in this new life of ours?"

There it is. His opening for attack

"And what will you have us do, boy?" He replied in distaste, attempting to further capitalize on who essentially was (technically) the youngest out of all of them. Trying to paint him as naive and idealistic to the rest of the seven "What you are suggesting is to become no better than the tyrants and animals we have vanquished and punished. It is not our concern to deal with the problems of this world." He finished with a scowl fitting all too easily on his face "We have all seen what happens for the most part. They managed to resolve it on their own end. Albeit with countless wasteful sacrifices and needless bloodshed. But they resolved it nevertheless. Why should it be our responsibility to act on something that is not our-" "I'm going ta haveta cut you there big man." The cowgirl cut off

"You may have a point. Hell, even I don feel too keen gettin back inta dis business. Had enough of cloak n' daggers for un lifetaime. But Ah can't exactly enjoy my retirement naow if ah don't do the stupid plumbing this world needs with… Our, tyape of capabilities." The cowgirl spoke "This is the kind of thing we shouldn'n entrust ta anyone but ourselves. After all, if ya wanna do it right ya gotta do it yourself. Doing nuthin n' allowin da situation ta git worse in da first place is jus foolhardy at best."

The Greek man scowled in response while the rest listened objectively.

"We have da means, we have da time, and we have da capabilities to come up on time with this fresh new starurt. Da yung fellar was rigaht (Hey!) this isn't something we should carelessly toss away. And dis is also discounting the "carrot" that is offered."

"And when everything is all said and done-" the hardened voice jumped in before anyone else could interject "-what would you have us do then, hm?"

"Why, I reckon we'd solidify our world as a foundation of our beginnin, n' reach for the star's." She answered smoothly in that rich country accent of hers

"What guarantee do you offer that you won't go behind our- no, MY back, to go off and do your own thing just to screw it up for everyone." The hardened pressed on to ensure everyone is completely aware and attentive to the cowgirl.

"I know… You were suppose to be what he should've been…" all the cocksure tone seemingly gone from her voice as she finally got serious "I know, what ah did was wrong. I knaow that ah took help, from his worse enemy. And in da process corrupted em for worse." She dared not show a change in tone or give signs of weakness. The rest in the room can and will take that as an attempt of deception that will end poorly for her. They know perfectly well she can keep an iron-clad composure, and thus she must. "I know ah was responsible for the corruption, even for dah needless sufferin-"

"*cough*"

"Ah rite fine, n'd exploitation n outright maki'n everythin literally ah'nd figuratively- n yes almost completely makin everythin worse-"

The hardened warrior grunted, satisfied

"-Buat I stand by what ah said. Suare, I do'h have somethin ta gain from it, but humanity will benefit from'ah it. Jus not at ouar expense. We have don'e enonaugh for'a so-called "righteous" cause. N'd i thinak we can all agree that altruism is unbecoming and completely wasteful of ouar new lives." She concluded.

None spoke as there was no need to. They were all as good as their word and knew better than anyone else that actions speak louder than words. It was simple enough to the point of the unspoken price for the slightest hint of breaking her word is enough to put her to the sword, without habeas corpus, without just cause, without question. That is the price she pays for loyalty within the group, and they do so as well in return without question. Though if moments where it does come into question, she must strive for the exception if she truly is wrongly accused.

The path must be dead-centered with no hesitation, no doubt, no reluctance.

But they are still at an impasse.

"So. Since we got that out of the way and are assured of our… Accord…" The Welshman continued before it got awkward/hostile "Since we ar all equals ere, we should put it to a vote since we ar innit for da long run." A round of grunts and displeased murmurings went around but no one voiced their displeasure of something as asinine and ridiculous as… Voting. All but two of them were alien and/or disgusted by the idea of it. How it could be easily corrupted by a bunch of stupid people who didn't and wouldn't think any better or the few who think above everyone but themselves and know what's best for everyone. It didn't help at all with the entire knowledge of the world's history laid completely bare in their own minds to easily prove why that is correct. But on a positive note, they have all this history to learn from.

"Simple enough ay?" He continued "An aye, nay, or an abstainment ta suit your fancy ta refrain somethin yore fellin for da best isn't somethin up ta yore measure." None audibly remarked on this but the silence in the air was telling of agreement.

"Nay." The Greek man stoically spoke out immediately. Almost seemingly to challenge anyone on his choice and no amount of arguing or reasoning will ever change his mind on the matter.

"Aye." The Englishman Valiantly resounded.

"Colt-" The Greek man tried to reason with him before the now Named 'Colt' raised a hand to deter him from continuing. It was a bit surprising he would respect him without question from the get-go. Though he remains doubtful he will be able to respect the rest in time as their, oh-so-generous benefactor believes he would. It was enough to respect a couple of his for him.

"I understand your concerns… Typhoon." He softly said the name that was currently given to the Greek man. As it was one that would be considered an insult to him rather than the compliment it was meant to be. Seeing no reaction along with proof of his impeccable discipline, he continued "As our benefactor has said, all of us, together, are without a doubt the best. Of the best" He reminded him what he told of him "That we are all truly unprecedented and unmatched in this world. We may have no responsibilities, obligations, or commitments. But. This is our life, our world, our, people."

He paused for a moment to drink from his glass of water as he allowed Typhoon a moment to digest it while he quenches his thirst, as a true gentleman would with the equities he was taught

When he finished, he watched with a small, amused smile as the clear glass refilled itself to a certain point. Then he looked back and paid his full attention to Typhoon once more. He always thought he had a mean stare bout a yard long enough to deter most, but none had quite a stare except a few in their group could match.

"We have the power, we have the means, and we the knowledge to make it work. We know how much order to apply so it does not become tyranny, and we know how much freedom to allow so that it does not become chaos. It's more than out of my own sense of moral obligation, not out of duty or honor, but what I truly believed in what's right. Not just because I had the power to do so, but because it was ultimately my decision to do so…" he soon had a faraway look, as his eyes focused on a memory. A memory long since forgotten by men only to pass off as legend.

"…I… I have once made such a decision so long ago. Just when I have lost what was important to me, and still had so much more to lose…" his voice scarcely a whisper, on the verge of tears. Before it hardened in silent anger "… of course, I made the right choice, but as I'm sure you are no doubt aware. That it was done out of retribution to rub on my decadent ally, and some form of vengeance upon those who think such deplorable actions are a viable tactic would be used as something praiseworthy." He spouted with such venom it was seen as something unbecoming a man of his stature. It did not phase the rest as it was something they all were too familiar with

But as quickly as it came upon him it left just as fast as he focused on Typhoon once more, a slight sense of understanding could scarcely be seen in his eyes. "In the end… it cost me my life. My bloodline was now in danger of being snuffed out. And last I remembered before my… death…" Out of all of them, he was the one most troubled with their current development, the rest weren't but were kind enough to give him a moment to continue "Was my stubborn niece, the last of my family able to see me off…"

"Even if there was no chance of… this-" he waved a gesture around them "-happening, I still would've done the same regardless, without question. Yes, I would hesitate, as I am not a perfect man, as it would be foolish to not consider how they shirked their duties in accordance with our alliance, my oath to my people that came first before theirs, and the threat of the enemy may prove too great on our lonesome. But the truth of the matter was that I would not have still lived and breathed alongside my people were it not for the intervention of their estranged heir." He chuckles at that, at the bizarre notion that he alongside two others making the strangest company he ever laid eyes on. "He along with two others offered their aid with no army, no grand object of powar, nothing but what they could carry on their backs."

"How can I not reciprocate when he risked it all at nothing to gain? I am not so vain to use my people as an excuse to shirk my debt." He sighed deeply at that, breaking eye contact with Typhoon, shaking his head from the past. Giving himself a moment to compose himself, before focusing on his comrade again. "Thus, I do this not out of moral responsibility or obligation, not out of righteousness nor moral ambiguity… But out of integrity of who I truly am, it's just not in my nature to do otherwise."

A round of clapping sounded out, bringing the attention of the other six to clarify that it was exactly one pair of hands clapping belonging to one jaunty Welshman. It was not mockful applause but rather one of grand admiration. Some were a bit confused about what reason he was clapping but knew better to assume than to expect the worst from how scrupulously he was dressed in some of their eyes.

"Hats off ta ya mate." The Welshman spoke, respect oozing out of every word making it clear what his clapping was, some of them chiding themselves internally for assuming the worst of him. Even if they knew (almost) everything about him, his line of business was not exactly… well received amongst the more strong-headed between them, even if all of them were morally ambiguous. "If ya were da lord of my country, rather than dat fat bastard with mercury in iz brain and completely failed to do his job'a, aye would've no doubt been more than glad ta serve with full zeal for King n'd Country. Regardless of my'e peoples…. History."

Almost all of the band that were gathered were skeptical of his brazen claim. It was admirable, and plausible, but not very likely due to how much his circumstances would've changed. Though Colt was surprised by the conviction in his statement. "Thank you Sliver. I appreciate the sentiment, but for what it's worth, I would've no doubt joined you as well to sail the seas."

The named Welshman could only be grinning a semi-crooked smile in response, before chucking in response "Then I would have no doubt I would have you be my second mate. Im shure you would've made ah great navigator."

Colt could only chuckle good naturally. "I guess I would be." He agreed "I wouldn't want to deal with the troubles of leading even if I haven't experienced it at all. A lot less to worry about and all that."

"Hm, if you say so." Silver said as he took a swig of rum from his flask. Quietly smirking at Colts twitching eye, no doubt annoyed at him drinking at him drinking an "inappropriate" moment. But he digresses. There's always time for rum. Always. Though he does have a fancy for whiskey as well and whatever spirits and alcohol he can get. Otherwise, he'd tire of rum, and he doesn't want that to happen all too soon.

Nobody spoke for a bit. The score was 1-1, it would be simple enough to decide if they were foolhardy enough. Or bullheadedly resolved. Only time will tell. But after a moment or two, Silver finished his pull to speak.

"Nay."

That didn't surprise anyone. They knew already why he wouldn't most likely. They knew all but reasons that are his own to keep.

"Aye." The 'young' man followed soon after, deflating a bit when no one tried to convince or dissuade him, much less react. Though it wasn't degrading as they respected him as a capable warrior on all their levels, so it wasn't unearnt. Though Silver was silent chuckling at his expense to which he frowned to the point where it totally wasn't a pout

"Aw~, come on Dusk laddie! Don't be like tha't! You can't deny with how your lauife turned out you would be shortsighted of experience for these sorta thiangs."

At which the aforementioned Dusk could only scoff in distaste but could only look to the side. Unable to refute a good point founded upon truth. While some of the others who still have humor to spare could only offer a small smile at the interaction.

"Abstain." Puma the Cowgirl could only fold. She wouldn't want to choose anyway, even with her argumentative speech. It just wasn't worth the trouble

"Abstain." Snake, the man hardened to platinum by life, grunted his response. Surprising everyone, since he was one of the few that there would've been no doubt of going for aye. Seeing their confusion, he decided to clear it up. "Before I didn't have a choice, only an illusion, regardless of the most likely decision I would've made. Now that I can choose, I rather not at all. Though I agree with being proactive, I would just as easily turn my back on it all. Either or works for me." With such a curt yet straightforward response was expected of him, it was rather easy to accept, but still dumbfounded them with his reasoning.

All of them turned to the final member of their group. One who kept silent the entire time. Only listening

"Well? What will it be my analogous-minded friend?" Silver prodded

The rest gave their undivided attention, as this is the pivotal point to decide all that is to come, all that is to begin, all that is to end.

"......…..Aye."