[There's a sort of graininess in the sound quality of the recording, like you're listening to - for those familiar with the technology, anyway - a radio. How Charles is accomplishing this is totally your call.]

My friends, [And that's where it really becomes apparent that something is up, because instead of the posh British accent you've all become accustomed to, Charles is speaking in a perfect American accent - specifically, one common to the upper class of upstate New York - and doesn't seem to notice there's a difference at all. He speaks slowly and deliberately, but with undeniable charisma and interest, like he's trying to make sure everyone can understand every word he says because they won't have a chance to hear this again.] This is not a fireside chat on violence. It is a talk on our continued security as a community; because the nub of the whole purpose of keeping this as safe a place as we can make it is to keep you now, and other people later, and those who come after us much later, out of a last-ditch battle for the preservation of whatever order we have here, and all of the things that matter to you and to me and to ours.

This week, in the face of the crisis we all faced, my mind goes back to seven months ago in the night of all out crisis. It was a time when both wardens and inmates were punished through the actions of one person, and I well remember that while I attempted to give aide to those unjustly imprisoned in Level Zero, I had before my eyes the image of all those so deeply affected. Once it had been resolved, I tried to convey what the best course of action was moving forward, and what it meant in our daily lives. Tonight, I want to do the same thing.

We have a responsibility, to this community and to each other, to protect and support those that need it, and to dole out punishment when we see fit. But we also have a responsibility to understand that revenge is not the best or only solution in the face of such terrible acts of violence, and that we must set an example, so that others might come to accept that truth as we do. We must be the great arsenal of democracy.

We have no excuse for defeatism. We have every good reason for hope - hope for peace, yes, and hope for the defense of our well being and for the building of a better community in the future. Let not the defeatists tell us that it is too late. It will never be earlier. Tomorrow will be later than today.

[Open Spam, throughout the flood]

[Thorough the floor, Charles can be found in all of his usual haunts - the library, the dining hall, the common rooms, he might even stop by the infirmary to see if he can lend an extra hand. But there's definitely something different today, and it's pretty much immediately noticeable.

Namely, for the first time in over a year, he's pushing himself around in a wheelchair. On top of that, he seems to have switched out his usual sweaters and collared shirts for a pretty fancy looking suit and tie, and has found a pair of glasses somewhere. He's also got a plush Scottish terrier on his lap, and will keep up with the American accent if you engage him in conversation like this is all perfectly normal.

He also might start trying to sell the New Deal to you. Sorry about that.]