Page 301 of Mercy Written in Blood

Haruki became very still. Renji felt his own disappointment deepen. Not surprise. He had known what institutions were. The Accord had never claimed innocence. It claimed necessity. Still, hearing the choice stated so plainly made loyalty feel like something decayed.

"Even now?" Renji asked.

Mori turned towards him.

"Especially now."

"The Takahara records could allow controlled reform."

"They could also fracture every vampire authority before anyreplacement exists."

"Perhaps they should fracture."

Haruki looked at Renji. Mori did too. Renji continued.

"The Archive demonstrates that the Accord's central argument is false."

"No," Mori said. "It demonstrates that coexistence worked under specific conditions in one territory six centuries ago."

"It spread."

"Yes."

"That is why it was destroyed."

"Yes."

"Then you understand its value."

"I understand its power."

Mori's gaze hardened.

"And I understand that power is not made safe because its purpose is just."

Renji looked at the false city beyond the windows. The Commander's argument was coherent. That made it more painful.

"What would you do with the Archive?" Haruki asked.

"Secure it."

"Meaning?"

"Remove the records from the estate."

"You cannot open the deeper chambers."

"Not yet."

"And when you can?"

"Restrict access. Authenticate the material. Determine which portions may be released without destabilising the First Law."

Haruki gave a quiet laugh.

"You mean release nothing that weakens you."

"I mean release nothing that kills people merely to satisfy the moral clarity of those who do not have to bury them."