"Which is a flat lie." Cortin nodded. "All right, between that evidence and your claim that your support is due to your own self-interest, I'll accept it as real. What about the Brotherhood?"
"I have ordered it disbanded and recommended the members repent their sins and return to the Church." Lucius paused, smiling again. "Don't expect much from either order or recommendation, however; I recruited among, and accepted only, the most disaffected of those susceptible to the idea of becoming terrorists. I can think of only one major error in that selection process, and he is presently a member of your team and Family."
"Me, right?" Degas said.
"Yes. I would tend to believe, now, that I was under outside influence when I selected you—but I doubt very much any of my other selectees have your characteristics."
"Considering the ones I met, I'd tend to agree," Degas said.
"To get back to the subject," Cortin said, "which of your personas ordered the Brotherhood disbanded? And what reason did you give?"
"Shannon gave the order, of course, as you'll see in the news. That is the only one with any chance of influencing them, though as I said, the results will be minimal. 'Peace and Justice' may be their slogan, but it is not their true desire, and it is extremely difficult to lead such men where they do not wish to go. As for the reason—Lawrence Shannon seldom gives reasons, but I did say the Brotherhood had outlived its usefulness."
"That's easy enough to understand. What about Shannon himself?"
"Good question. I'm sure, given what I observed today, that your choice would be for him to repent and surrender?"
Cortin nodded. "It would, but considering Shannon's true identity, I'd say that's not likely."