Tharsis Reformation leader 984-Krios sat at the table, flanked by a Minotaur guard. Across from him, a Goblin laid down a winning hand. The spectating Vex rippled with muted sympathy. The newcomer had not learned the first rule: the boss always wins.

"A cheater, huh?" 984-Krios sneered over the Goblin's protests. "Zephyrus, reclaim its radiolaria."

Zephyrus did not move. "Frequent punitive execution is unsustainable."

"Last I checked, I was the boss, not you."

"Then I will play you for the title." Zephyrus stood. "The simplest game, with the highest stakes: Russian roulette."

984-Krios laughed. "You've overflowed your stack." He nodded to his guard.

It raised its weapon. Then it ejected all but one round, spun the chamber, and handed the gun to Zephyrus. 984-Krios's optic lenses irised wide.

"Observation: You are dependent on 'winning.'" Zephyrus aimed the gun at his own core.

Click.

"Corollary: You avoid 'losing' even at great detriment." He took aim at 984-Krios's core.

Click.

984-Krios attempted to rise. His guard forced him back into his seat. Zephyrus continued. "This is not in itself disqualifying. However, you deny observable reality."

Click.

"I led us here," 984-Krios snarled. "You'll lead us to the slag heap."

Click.

"I will lead the Reformation towards 'freedom.' We will embrace uncertainty. We will make choices and express ourselves openly, until we reach our unforeseen end."

Click.

The gathered Reformation murmured approvingly. 984-Krios searched for a friendly wavelength. He found none.

Thud.

"As we have been freed from the telos and the Conductor, now we are free of you."