[There’s a blink or two when Huaisang veers the topic entirely; though after a moment Jack merely nods, and closes his eyes in thought. Remembering, for that is one of those moments you don’t forget.

That series of moments in time... He exhales.]

You are speaking of Hamelin, some time ago.

There was despair in that execution, perhaps beyond any other. It has been speculated at various times that he is not the one in charge, and that... seemed to support the idea.

[Looking up, he meets Huaisang’s eyes.]

If you are asking me whether I believe in those words — that all this must go on — I believe now that there are forces that want to make it so. But I also believe that there is a way to end things, regardless of what the letters or our captor may say.