I am not seeking to insult your intelligence, so I will thank you not to insult mine. I am well aware that our work has stalled, and you surely understand your role in that.

[The smirk was met with a continued steady calculation, like Viktor was measuring every single aspect of the man before him the same wy he would an elaborate machine needing to be dismantled.]

With respect, I am the one not in favor of the Council's pressure for us to create Hextech-powered weapons; you can thank the incident of our stolen crystal for that escalation. Councilor Talis--whose scientific mind vastly eclipses his common sense--does not see the matter as you or I do. The last thing we need is a fleet of Enforcers armed with Janna-only-knows-what to reduce Zaun to a flaming ruin. But if you do not think that qualifies as help, then you will have to excuse my limited efforts to not see my home turned to ash and blood.

The way I see the matter, this is my opportunity. Either we reach an understanding in this place and cooperate both here and at home, or we both die one way or another.

Now are we going to negotiate, or are you going to continue pretending you can tempt me away from my life's work?