[ A long time coming, and when Genesis finally addresses the network again his melodic purr is laced with amusement. ]

Blood?

[ There's a pause as a vulpine smirk works its way onto the General's lips. ]

... Of course.

An unimaginative twist of fate -- I would have thought that our arrival might have invoked a little more creativity from these Guardians ... though apparently I was mistaken. This, on the other hand, has been written time and time again; plays, poems and other such stories of fancy, in which tribute in the form of bloodletting is demanded.

--Hardly as romantic in practise as in written verse. Like most things, the enchantment is lost with its attaining.

The allure will be missed.

...

[ The thrum of irritated curiosity simmers quietly in the silence preceeding the gentle hiss of static; Genesis turns a soft, succinct 'hum' over on his tongue as if tasting the words already forming on his lips. ]

Wings of light and dark spread afar
She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting.

A test, perhaps? After all, only in the midst of the most dire situations can one truly prove their worth--

And this is dire.

[ His patient purr takes on a little touch of frost. ]

Though I do wonder ... have my senses turned to deception? I know you're there, because I know your presence. His, too. We can play Angels and Demons in this would-be Paradise, but how long will it take for us to run out of pieces?

All that awaits you is a somber morrow
No matter where the winds may blow ...