Sighing with sympathy, Mac nodded in agreement, and spoke in an understanding tone. "I feel for your loss, brother. Such a circumstance is unfortunate, though I will defend the case that my actions were unjustified. As you may or may not know, I have seen other soldiers, maybe yours, and maybe not, take the lives of the innocent without due cause. These dark times have brought out the best, and worst, in the hearts of men. i seek only to do what I can, for the good of the just. Perhaps you would do well to do the same."

The father sat upright in the chair, and glanced over to the dog tags, unblinking. "i regret what happened to your men, as this is not the first time I have failed my fellows, even today. If you so desire, I will carry the burden of honoring those who die because of me, as God as my witness, and will gladly take them. Now, if you would be so kind, release me, and I will carry out your wishes." With this explanation given, Mac waited to be untied, hoping that the sergeant understood why the events of today had transpired.