Now Ray and Kira were talking via video link in her office.
"I didn't think they'd accept it so calmly," the girl said, sighing with obvious relief.
"The truth is, they clearly understood they had no choice. From the very beginning, they knew we wouldn't let them go for nothing," Ray said.
"When you assigned me to gather a team to develop this poison, I briefly thought you'd lost your mind."
"The first generation of 'Devils,' many of whom lost their children, are those ready to do anything for justice."
"So it's unlikely there'll be traitors among us. But even so, the probability isn't zero. In future generations, there will certainly be those who might be tempted by power. This poison will be a deterrent for such people."
"Now I need a reason to make the council accept the new rules, but part of me is afraid of the circumstances under which that reason might appear."
"I understand what you mean," Kira said calmly. "But no matter what happens in the future, the girls and I will be by your side."
There was so much determination in her tone that anyone could see: even if the sky started falling, she would stand by him.
"By the way, how's Sam? Are you sure you don't want me to come?"
"She's fine, don't worry. Part of me really wants you here, but we both know it's best for you to be in public right now. They've already started digging, and the story of this unit won't intimidate everyone."
"If," she paused, "I were on the other side of the barricades, knowing your story, you'd be the first suspect. I know you're worried about us, but we'll manage. It's better for you not to take risks."
After that broadcast, many left their jobs in law enforcement. An elderly man sat with his family and friends, watching the show.
The host addressed the guest:
"I understand your point of view, but the fallen soldiers surely had families. Don't you feel sorry for them?"
"You know, I can tell everyone for sure: if tomorrow your child is killed, and it causes public outcry, or if we know about it, the 'Devils' will come for the killer. And it doesn't matter who it is — the son of a prosecutor, a wealthy oil magnate, or even the president's son."
"Police need evidence. Even if they have the opportunity to arrest someone of that caliber, their guilt still needs to be proven."
"We also gather evidence, but we don't need to prove anything. We simply make the culprit pay."
"I'm sorry for everyone who lost loved ones because of us, especially if they were innocent. But everything has its price."
"During the history of the law enforcement system, there have been many innocent people convicted, even some sentenced to death. All the state gave to those whose innocence was proven was a little money."
"The 'Devils' deeply regret every innocent person who suffered as a result of our work, including law enforcement officers."
"During our activity, only twelve civilians have been affected, with three fatalities. I'm sure if we take the years of our existence and the same period of state law enforcement work, the number of affected civilians would be much higher."
Hearing the guest's words, the elderly man nodded. He had left the police soon after the "Devils" appeared. It didn't take him long to see where things were heading. He was a man who had honestly served in the police all his life.