[Suzerain of Sheol]

Not bothering to look at Dante, Diogenes conveys to him,

It hears no one. Its sensory association has been eradicated. The eyes see, the ears hear, but the mind remains deaf and blind. A solitary existence. It cannot even feel the pain of its isolation.

Growing disinterested with the angel -- it can tell them nothing, and is hardly any threat, he projects back to Thomas,

We waste time here. What is our next move?

I will determine that in a moment, comes the priest's response. There is a more pressing matter at hand.

Diogenes looks behind to see the priest approach the young woman and her pet, and without even trying can sense radiating hostility.

"What... is that?" he asks without inflection. "This beast of iron. It cleaves to you as a living hound. I can conceive of but two possibilities: a vital soul is bound to this... insulting frame, which though repellent, is neither crime nor sin. Or... it is possessed of a synthetic digital intelligence, the penalty for the creation, ownership, and tolerance of is summary execution, and immediate destruction of the abomination."

All at once, his rifle is in his hand, the tip of the barrel mere inches from Rurik's head.

"Do tell me."

Diogenes looks away from the spectacle and back to the protestations of the angel.

Is this truly the time, priest? You said it yourself, we are in Hell. What sway hold the laws of men, here?

I am an instrument of the Law. In my sight, it cannot but hold sway. Do not test me, I have not forgotten your insubordination earlier accepting the presence of that vagabond among us.

And what if I did test you, priest? There is a brain nestled somewhere in that titanium skull, a mind that can be crushed. Could you call forth your fires before I struck?

Has some infernal madness taken you? What is this talk? We are immersed in Hell and you speak sedition? I suggest you master yourself, and remember whom you serve.

Looking up to glare into Kadia's eyes, he slowly pivots the rifle until it is fixed on her head, her death mere microsecond away should she fail to answer to his satisfaction.

Judge not, that ye be not judged... Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you...

...thou hypocrite.