Varkesh never exaggerated Noah's actions, nor did he attempt to lessen the responsibility carried by his own party.
As the story continued, Varkesh gradually found himself paying less attention to the memories themselves and more attention to the people listening.
Paul visibly relaxed when Varkesh described Noah attempting to avoid a fight.
Amara's eyes sparkled with a strange sense of worship.
Even Ishii released a breath that he hadn't realized he had been holding.
The three of them looked almost relieved.
Relieved that the Noah they remembered still existed somewhere beneath everything he had become.
That reaction alone told Varkesh something important.
Whatever relationship they shared with Noah, it wasn't built upon fear.
Unfortunately, not everyone reacted the same way.
Bailey's expression gradually became harder to read.
Every time Varkesh explained another attempt Noah made to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, she seemed to grow increasingly irritable.
