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Monsieur LaRoux acts as though he’s untouchable, but I see him now

I’ve seen the fallout fro those around hihts Alone, I’alactic corporation would be laughable odds But Flynn sees him too, and so do others here So do Merendsen and LaRoux’s own daughter, the daughter who can feel the whispers in her thoughts, who can sense their pain And though Merendsen and his fiancée pretend to want nothing alaxy, I iine us all in the center of a web of secrets and lies, searching for a way to expose Roderick LaRoux to the galaxy If he plans to use what he’s learned from the creatures he enslaved, he’ll have to find a way to do it while all of us are watching

Flynn and I may not have proof, but the proof is out there so to find it I will Roderick LaRoux to hearas though invincible to the stares around the room

He thinks I’m finished here, that I’ll slink off to soht on Avon He thinks I don’t still have ways to fight for this place that’s becoaze falters: when it reaches Tarver and Lilac, sitting with their fingers twined together They look back at hier His eyes stay on her, searching for a connection--and in that ht want to controland sits down, and the Planetary Review Board suainst Avon’s admittance to the Galactic Council As the day wears on they call expert after expert: scientists fro corporations; historians and sociologists specializing in colonial rebellions and reconstruction; politicians arguing about the wisdo to expand the Council to include representatives frouments fascinate me, the rhythm of the back-and-forth, like a dance--like a battle

The board adjourns for lunch, and e reconvene, Roderick LaRoux doesn’t return, and the air in the roo a syste outlaws back in fro to the executions that ended the rebellion ten years ago Flynn hie for his service to Avon as a local representative, speaking for the natives--and, less officially, helping keep the peace--he’s not being arrested for his crimes

I won’t be asked to speak I have no official title or insight in the eyes of the Council But at Flynn’s insistence during the ceasefire negotiations, I was added to those present at the Planetary Review Board hearings, included in the official record It prevents LaRoux froht on us both, and for noe’re safe Because everyone is watching

Finally, the head of the board turns to Flynn We aren’t sitting together; he’s across the room with his cousin They’re the only two Fianna present, and a trio of guards sits conspicuously behind the the violence But at least they’re here

"Flynn Corainst Avon’s viability as an independent member of the Galactic Council"

Flynn stands slowly I can see no signs of hesitation or nervousness I’d rather stare down a line of loaded weapons trained on azes back at the row of men and women arrayed before hiins Though he pauses before continuing, it’s a pregnant pause, not so much a hesitation as an invitation Iton what he’s about to say "My people and I are called a lot of things Rebels and Fianna; terrorists and patriots; cris have been true at ti journey has shown us anything, it’s proven that we are fighters"

His eyes sweep across the representatives fro on each of theht for our home hatever weapons we have And if you let us, ill fight for it with hard work and passion, and devotion to this planet You could not ask for a peopleAvon what it was destined to be If we’re only given the chance, we’ll prove to the galaxy we’re worthy of it"

It’s a struggle to tear lance over at the Council representatives as he continues to speak, laying out a vision for the Avon he’s always dreaalactic politics to ranite-like expressions at all times, so it’s i them at all But while I watch, I see a tiny, nearly i to himself, just a little

It’ll take weeks of deliberation before the review boardto do until then except wait Wait, and rebuild; because decision or not, it’s a new Avon beginning here, and this is the chance we’ve been fighting for

I find athering up overnment officials and reps frole on their way out the doors I keep ing back