Jack shook his head, listening to the arguments of his "fellows". He stood again, addressing the crowd.

"I'm sorry my dear, but the solution of what to do with the scales is incredibly easy. We are following the Dozen's example by putting together a group of adventures, why not carry that further? The Dozen took the scales and split them into pieces; why not give one piece to each of our different factions? They can be split apart and still work; we've seen it happen. Why can't we do it that way?

Jack paused for a breath, his eyes searching the crowd.

"You know why they won? Why a small group of adventurers can cause such a difference? Because they can put aside their squabbles and work for the greater good. Well, why can't we put aside our differences and work for the greater evil? Who says? And if our masters don't like it, well, they'll be pleased enough when we succeed. You know why they sent second-stringers here? I'm not saying that everyone here is, but how many of the devil princes and demon lords do you see here? Any? None of us thieves are the heads of our guilds. We're here because we're good enough to get this done, but still expendable and replaceable. We're here because we can get the task done, but it won't ruin our master's greater plans. Isn't that how the 'good' groups work too? Did the Dozen start as the most powerful men and women in the world? No! They started as a motley crew."

Jack was on a role. He had never had a position of power or authority before, but the words poured from in a fountain, as he explained the things that were obvious to him. Adventuring was in his blood, wasn't it? It was his turn to change the world, his way.

"We don't really have a choice. We have to do this. If they have the scales, we're all doomed really. Because they'll remember... good always does. They'll turn it into a ceremony or something, and every fifty years or so, the Dozen's children will get together, and put the scales in place, and fix the balance in their favor. I've had enough of this argument. If you don't like what we're doing here, you can leave. If you do, you won't get a piece of the scales, and you won't get to send someone on the journey. But if you can't hack it, or you won't, get the hell out of here. Stop wasting our time."