"I realize trust doesn't come easy," you admit, "but I hope that my record since arriving on Cerberus will prove that I'm no pawn."
Tethong and De Silva share a quiet look.
"You do have our respect," he says finally. "Any report I've seen that mentions your platoon describes you as a worthy opponent."
"I'm not your opponent now, sir."
"We understand that this is war," he says, "and that soldiers must follow orders. So we are not going to dwell on any of your actions against Cerberans undertaken in the line of duty." De Silva shifts in her seat, staring at the floor in stony silence. Tethong glances at her again before continuing. "And we agree that your actions to come here on your own demonstrate courage."
"Thank you, sir," you say, still not sure exactly where this is going.
"But tell me, Trooper," Tethong says, staring directly into your eyes. "What is your purpose in coming here today? Why come to us now?"