[ The idea that the Admiral is not to blame is counter to Lucius' assumptions, chin lifting, guarded and listening with his fingers knit back together. ]

There is no final authority to contradict you, Marquis. I will have to accept your opinion for what it is and see for myself, now won't I?

Tell me, do you believe the actions that led to my being here before my death justify my presence on the Barge? Am I, for the things I have done, that you have read about, in dire need of redemption?

[ His tone is dry, but he's curbed 'caustic'. ]