Auberon (The Expanse #8.5)

by James S.A. Corey

And because it was the most habitable of the new planets by orders of magnitude, it was developed. Because it was developed, it was influential. Because it was influential, it was wealthy. And because it was wealthy, it was corrupt.

A calligraphic print of one of High Consul Duarte’s sayings—Effort in Discipline. Effortless in Virtue—in gold leaf.

Bless You tried to say something. Before he could, the old man used him to send a message.

It’s the basic problem with religion, be it Jesus or Vishnu or God Emperors. Ideological purity never survives contact with the enemy.”

“What happened?” she whispered. She felt him shrug. She watched him look into her. “I’ve committed to the process,” he said. The handheld chimed again.