Seeing a way to bring the Emperor’s own words back into it despite disagreeing with the man’s comments on self-sacrifice, he said, “We are helped and protected by a society that enables us to have strength. I believe the individual has a duty to stand up and protect that way of life for everyone who would stand to lose something without it. Self-sacrifice is a noble ideal, but if everyone else believes someone else will carry the burden, we will lose the very thing that enabled our growth. No, I believe that everyone has the obligation to give as much as they got, if not more. We must stand resolute and protect what is important to us.”
Matt felt the world sharpen for an instant, but the feeling was fleeting, and quickly passed from his mind like a fading wind.
Emmanuel leaned back, and
