[Salone]

Lev Gurevich stepped inside the personnel carrier, his heavy footfalls announcing his presence. He paused as he saw Diogenes, giving him a nod of acknowledgement before sitting down on the floor. He unslung the ancient rifle from behind him and lay it across his lap, removing the cleaning rod from the front. From one of his many pockets he produced a beaten rag and oil, and began to clean the gun. He went on for some time, using strips of smaller cloth and forcing it down the barrel to remove any dirt or corrosive powder. He broke the silence after a while, not bothering to look up as he spoke.

"I expect lots die here. The information provided is...vague. I..."

He trailed off, pausing as if he had heard a sound. He continued to listen to nothing, his mouth forming a wicked grin. After a while he laughed, nodding his head in approval to whatever it had been.

"Perhaps."

Looking up, he continued as if he had never stopped talking to Diogenes.

"I want you to understand that I will execute any means necessary to see this task through. Any means. I live when others die. I do not intend to change that."