What the threat of "Retribution" feels like.

[2naSalit]

2. I lived under the same...

Sword of Damocles but had the promise of physical harm included.

One thing I learned then and lectured about - only I was talking about predators of the wild animal realm - is that a predator usually engages in a cost benefit analysis before the attack. They look for the weak and sick, prey that stands its ground and/or fights back is often left alone because it costs too much to pursue.

When you stand your ground and fight back, predators usually back down... only those with a death wish continue the chase.