Once again, the leader's laughter fills the air, joined by the chorus of the gang. Tom, bewildered, stammers.
TOM (gasping)
Why?
LEADER
If we were to kill you outright, we would be nothing more than common murderers. However, by releasing you and granting you the chance to escape, your fate rests in your hands and in the will of your God. And if it so pleases your God? (Smiling, he slides his finger across his throat in a clear gesture.) Then your journey will come to an end, over the fire. (Pause) Eat, eat (in a paternal tone).
Silence prevails, broken only by the crackling of embers in the fire.
LEADER (turning to Tom)
Unless… (Pause) you desire otherwise.
Tom gazes up at the leader.
LEADER (smirking, fully aware of his superiority)
In our group, it is an acknowledged norm that the one who commands all holds the utmost strength, akin to the hierarchy observed in the animal kingdom. If you wish to challenge my leadership, we can engage in a face-to-face fight until one of us perishes. The victor will govern the tribe until another contender steps forward to contest for leadership. (Amused) Would you care to fight me?
Suddenly, from the darkness, the severed head of the android guard stationed at the tunnel entrance is tossed into the heart of the fire. The androids around are startled, except for the leader, who continues chewing the meat without a care. A deep voice resonates from the darkness.
LEROY (Voice Over)
Being the leader of this pathetic bunch suits me quite well, actually.
The group of androids, along with Tom and Lara, remain seated, utterly astonished. The leader casually addresses his group.