The Angel of Absolution lowered his gun and looked obviously unsettled with this damnable decision. He frantically shifted his eyes around the room in contained horror as he scanned the inhabitants. Human beings they were, and they had already seen the space marines, their survivors. Those that could were pressed up against the bars of their cages, reaching out for salvation toward the black-clad warriors they believed had come to deliver them. It was gut-wrenching. This decision was Emperor-damned horrid! 

Within the span of heartbeats, Aldaric considered his choice as if he were truly captain. Zaphiel's logic was sound, and no one would have faulted the kill-team for delivering mercy.... But Aldaric didn't give the order. Another heartbeat ticked by, and Aldaric felt something change deep inside himself. The sight of so much human suffering had sparked a flame of fury within the man that flickered and burned and grew within milliseconds, until it increased into a raging inferno, one he fully intended to unleash like a cannon against his enemies. 

Shock and pity gave way to resolute rage and vengeance in Aldaric's heart. "Hold your fire." He suddenly commanded, halting every one of his squadmates. They obeyed, not because they owed any deference to Aldaric, not because they even agreed with him, but because not a single one of them actually wanted to pull the trigger. "We can't do that, Zaphiel." The delay was secretly a relief. Aldaric had little time to sway his men, but he gave a damn good argument. "We're heroes, brothers! We're not executioners. These people can be saved, and that is what we are expected to do. Don't forget that that is our duty! Brother Kurt..."

Aldaric swung his helmt in the scout's direction. He was the perfect man for the job, but accomplishing it was going to put his life in danger. "I want you to stay behind and get these cells open. Use grenades if you have to, and save all you can." Aldaric spoke quickly. "If you encounter any enemies, hide, I'm ordering you to do this alone." He looked at Kurt for a moment that indicated his respect for the man, despite his lack of powerarmor. This would be Kurt's moment of glory. 

"Kill-team, we press on for the bridge. Let the xenos have their psychic energy, for it will be nothing against our rage!"