‘But individual suffering, as we know, my lady, has little effect. It neither repairs the wrongs perpetrated by the individual, nor alleviates the consequences for those who have been wronged. It serves only to satisfy the emotions, truly a base consummation.’
The Regent’s face regained the mask-like perfection she typically presented to the world. Not a muscle twitched. Not a diamond feather of her eyebrows was out of place. Even her pupils had contracted, and were only just a little more dilated than those of any other citizen, deeply set inside her violet irises. Her appearance was one of calm and reason. She looked at Jaxon until he continued.
‘As we know, inflicting pain upon the erring individual has limited value to the policosmos. In particular, it serves no purpose in dissuading
