Duke Valen nodded, beginning to transmit information to Schrodinger.
A terrifying Living Quantum, its form existing in seventeen states simultaneously…turned toward them with attention that made probability itself pay notice. "What do you plan to do?"
Schrodinger's smile deepened, containing layers of meaning that contradicted themselves at every level. "I plan to display a show of force... and then a show of mercy."
HUUM!
He stood, his beggar's robes somehow managing to convey majesty despite their tattered state.
"You see, sometimes after a display of overwhelming force…after showing what devastation could be unleashed, what horror could be made manifest, showing mercy instead makes others breathe such deep sighs of relief that they actually thank you. They thank you for not destroying them, for showing restraint, for being merciful. They forget that you shouldn't have threatened them in the first place. They're so grateful for what didn't happen that they overlook what did."
