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Concepcion said, "You and Alejandra have been the closest of friends since your nursery years, Victor Inseparable I've watched you We've all watched you In large gatherings, you always seek each other out You talk to each other constantly Sometimes you don't even need to talk It's as if you know precisely what the other is thinking and you need share only a passing glance between you to communicate it all"

"She'sto exile her because we communicate ith each other?"

"Your friendship isn't unique, Victor I know of several dozen such friendships on this ship And they are all between a husband and his wife"

"You're sending Alejandra away on the basis that she and I have a romantic relationship When we don't"

"It is an innocent relationship, Victor Everyone knows that"

"'Everyone'? Who do youabout us?"

"Only a Council I would never make this decision on my own, Victor"

Not much of a relief The Council consisted of all the adults over forty "So ree to this?"

"And Alejandra's parents as well This was a difficult decision for all of us, Victor But it was unanimous"

Victor pictured the scene: All of the adults gathered together, aunts and uncles and grandparents, people he knew and loved and respected, people whose opinion he valued, people who had always looked upon him fondly and whose respect he had always hoped to ether and discussed him and Janda, discussed a sex life that Victor didn't even have! It was revolting And Mother and Father had been there How e for theain? They would never be able to look at hi the accusation and shame

"No one is suggesting that you two have done anything i now, before your feelings further blossom and you realize you're in love"

Another slap "Love?"

"I know this is difficult, Victor"