Immaculate NES Five: Blood From A Stone

The Stranger was meeting Rachel to discuss the remaining arms he has stockpiled, but things were not going well. The aides from both sides have already been shouted from the room, quickly followed by their generals.
“Why can’t you just hand them over? You would still have access to them, not to mention the government armory”
“Because, dear Priestess, then I wouldn’t have them. I still don’t trust this little cult you have going.”
Rachel sighed, “I wish you wouldn’t call me that. We’ve been through too much to go by titles. I can guarantee this room isn’t bugged”
The Stranger snorted “Hah! Like you don’t have a dozen lackeys that wouldn’t mind a bit more leverage. You can toss your name about if you want, but I’m keeping mine.”
She sighed again “Fine ‘Stranger’, have it your way. Can you at least tell us where they are hidden and how much is there?”
“Well excuse me, but doesn’t telling you mean that it wouldn’t be hidden? The weapons are hidden where no one but me and a few trusted associates can find them.”
“But what if we need them?”
“Then I’ll use some. In the meantime they’ll remain safe, away from your sticky little priests. These weapons have killed millions of innocents and I don’t trust any government to hold them. Look at California”
“Yes, California. Do you remember the nice little town of Los Angeles? Or how about Edmonton? Plenty of innocents lived there.”
“The guilty must be punished, regardless of the collateral damage. They deliberately targeted civilian populations with bloody bioweapons. Have you seen a friend die from Anthrax? How about radiation poisoning?”
“Oh, so it’s all right when you kill thousands but when the Man does it suddenly it’s a no-go. What’s the difference you and them?”
“They struck first” The Stranger shouted, his face contorted with anger. He looked down at a clenched fist and forced it to uncurl before sitting down. A cold silence reigned for a minute.
“So, how is Anne?” Rachel eventually said, voice cool
“She’s good, still resting at Whitman with a few friends. The trip west took a lot out of her.”
“That’s good.” The silence stretched between them for a few minutes before The Stranger abruptly stood.
“Well, its been good to see you again. I’m sorry that we couldn’t come to an accord. Until next time dear Rachel” and the Stranger tipped his hat and left.
An aide scurried in as he left. “Your holiness, why do you let him speak to you like that?”
Rachel smiled sadly “Because I can trust him.”
“But he’s out of control!”
“Yes, that is why he’s valuable. So long as he’s independent he will give me what no one else can, a frank answer”
“I don’t understand”
“You will someday. Now, be a good assistant and fetch me a cup of tea”
The aide sighed “Yes your Holiness”