The fourth screen turned its attention to Owen.
"The second accused. You claim no knowledge of the vault theft?"
Owen met the obscured projection's gaze. "Correct. That happened centuries before I was born."
"Yet you traveled with Gorvax. Aided his escape. Fought Enforcers on his behalf."
"I made a choice to Help a friend or abandon him, and I chose to help."
"A friend who destroyed worlds. Harvested billions."
Owen's voice was steady. "A friend who's trying to save someone he loves. Yeah. That friend."
The screen pulsed. "Love does not excuse genocide."
"I never said it did." Owen's lips twitched. "But it kinda explains it. And understanding why someone does something doesn't mean you agree with it. Just means you're not an idiot who thinks the universe is black and white."
The fifth screen spoke. "You speak carelessly for someone on trial."
"I speak honestly. Thought that was the point of a trial."
The first screen: "Your honesty is noted. As is your insolence."
