"You know, I really don't hate them," Nico began. "I just don't understand. Clearly, I could give them everything they needed; why had they decided to betray me? Why? Is it because I'm too generous?"1

Charles cleared his throat with a hint of impatience to interrupt Nico's lamenting. "Nico, I'm more than willing to discuss your personal issues, but not now. Can we focus on the relic? Are there any other details you can share? Particularly, is there any way to avoid its side effects?"0

Charles was toying with the idea that perhaps he could avoid the side effects if he assimilated the relic.0

Nico shook his head slightly and looked at Charles. His pearly white teeth gently bit down on the end of the silver spoon as he said, "I don't know. The relic belonged to my first mate, but he's dead."0

Charles pondered for...0