Because Zenith cannot be allowed to claim two Oracles while Meridian has none, we can't risk one side having that much of an advantage over the other. If the balance shifts too far, it may never be possible to recover it, so it has to be maintained as long as possible.

At the very least, until we know more than we do right now.

[ john answers plainly, having no reason to lie about this. that's also why he didn't bother to be sneaky about his earlier betrayal of his fellow Zenites, and he has no plans to change that. ]

I've been working on the necklace, too. How's a fifth of the Oracle for leverage?

[ because if they're being honest, that's exactly what it is. he's negotiating for his survival — which is not a great feeling — but at least he has something worthwhile to offer. ]