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“That was Thistle, sir”

“Who?”

Thistle was the Hoho betrayed them and joined my brother’s Boneriders ten years before That’s how Sevro is Betray hied from existence

“The civilian toll was likely catastrophic,” I say, “but go on and make jokes”

“Civilians” He snorts “You haven’t met many Mercurians lately Mosquitoes, all of ’em If Darroants to die, he couldn’t pick a better planet to take with him Those freaks actually like chains” He yawns “Surprised Thought if anyone could get him to come back for his boy, it’d be you”

“Oh, so we’rehim a er, race back and rescue him because I’m not actually the most powerful person in the Republic I need my husband Boo hoo Weak and helpless am I Pax needs you” I look at Pebble “And Darrow replied, ‘Pax who?’?”

Sevro just sits there

“I didn’t ask hiree with his decision He’s where he should be”

His eyes narrow “You’re a mother, how could—”

“Careful, Sevro I’ve never questioned your love for your children Do you really want to question mine?”

“He chose war over his boy He’s gone Iron Gold on us Doesn’t care about anything else,” he drawls

“And you want to pretend that was easy for hi ride back from Venus” He looks away “Don’t tell uilt Electra is one person One You chose her over ten million who’d die for you Ten million you inspired Who chanted your name Who left their families behind to follow you” It’s risky, but he needs this slap in the face “What about your responsibilities? What about the faions? What about your oath to this Rep—”

“Fuck the Republic”

Behind hiht so

“Selfish jackass,” Holiday snaps at him