My fellow senators,

Although my lord's plan to secede from the Empire was not known to me when I swore an oath to him, I will nevertheless stand by that oath. When one does not come from the many great families of the Empire, he has only his honor and his word. I choose to keep both intact, even though it might cost me everything in the end. You may ask me if I agree with my lord's decision or not, but I will choose not to answer for it is not relevant. I will only say that I have some understanding of my lords motives. I wish I could have served in this illustrious body for a great many more years, but my time with you is at an end.

Now that I am not only no longer a Senator but also a traitor, I would ask of our Basileus if he could have me arrested.

Markos waits passively in the center of the Magnaura for the guards to seize him.