Page 7 of 3013: Wonderland

Despite her reservations, she agreed to appear in front of the Council of Regents. Since it was a matter of great public interest, the council had been pressured to broadcast the meeting so everyone could watch it. She gave her speech to the council and was merciless with her censure of the system. She didn’t just challenge the bonding rules. She also questioned the Alliance regulations that allowed them to take children away from their parents after they were tested. If fertility was no longer a widespread issue, there wouldn’t be a need for testing children when they turned ten.

After her speech, she had to answer a barrage of questions. It was clear that a few of the regents had taken exception to her accusations, but they couldn’t deny they were at fault for leaving regulations in place that were detrimental to women and children. Sure, there had been a time when those regulations had been necessary to combat the declining population. Worry over the future of the human race had taken precedence over personal freedom.

But that was no longer the case.

The whole experience had been difficult, but she had gotten through it. Thankfully, a huge group from the sanctuary had also attended the meeting to support her and the other speakers.

“I was hoping the interest in me would die down now that the meeting is over,” Juliet said, earning looks of sympathy and incredulity from the others.

“Wishful thinking,” Melody scoffed.

Emma nodded in agreement. “I don’t think things will die down until the council makes a decision on whether or not they are going to change anything.”

“We will give them a deadline,” Jade announced.

Juliet’s eyes widened. “What?”

“While I do not mind the protestors since everyone has a right to their own opinions, that does not apply to those harming others. There are too many people who are suffering from the current regulations,” Jade explained. “The regents need to make their position clear on the subject so we can declare ours.”

“What exactly does that mean?” Emma asked cautiously.

“That means we will start rescuing those who are suffering like Juliet was,” Alestra declared. “By force, if need be.”

Melody grinned. “Like vigilantes? Fucking frosty. Sign me up.”

“Something like that,” Alestra said with a laugh. “The sanctuaries have always been a safe haven for people in trouble. However, it might be time for us to be a little more proactive.”

“In what way? You want to declare the entire city of Zion a sanctuary?” Juliet asked.

Alestra cocked her head to the side. “That is not a bad idea. I like how you think.”

“Holy nova,” Emma groaned. “Please do not declare war on the Alliance.”

Jade snorted. “Not war. However, if the Alliance continues to allow their females to be treated like slaves, then we shall treattheir captors as enemies and hunt them down like the beasts they are.”

Juliet was thrilled to hear that, but she was also a little worried that she was going to end up being blamed for all of it. Stars, she suddenly realized that was exactly what was going to happen.

She sighed. “The protestors are never going to leave me alone.”

Alestra reached out and patted her shoulder. “You may be right about that.”

“Actually, this might be the perfect opportunity for you to take a little vacation,” Emma announced. “While I would love it if you stayed at the sanctuary, you’ve mentioned several times now how much you miss going out and doing things. With everything that has happened, you still aren’t able to do that. Even if the council decides to do the right thing and change the regulations, you might never be able to walk around Zion without getting mobbed by a crowd.”

That was true enough.

After being imprisoned and isolated for so long, Juliet wanted to go out. She wanted to take a walk down the street, go running in the park, lose herself in a crowd, and immerse herself with the noise and energy of the city. She wanted to feel the sunshine on her face and dance in the rain until she was completely soaked to the skin. But she couldn’t do that now that literally everyone on the planet knew who she was.

“Is there anywhere you wish to go?” Jade asked. “Perhaps somewhere off planet?”

Juliet didn’t even need to think about that for long. The moment she had started feeling normal again, she had desperately wanted to see the friends she had grown up with at the group home. It hadn’t taken her long to track them down, but unfortunately, they were no longer living on Earth.

“There are a few people I’ve wanted to go see,” Juliet explained. “I’m not sure they’ve even heard the news about…my situation yet.”

Melody’s brows furrowed. “Where are they?”

“The new planetoid owned by the Artanes, Evo.”

“I should warn you, the Artanes were recently mated to my friend, Brielle Lee. Well, I guess she is Brielle Artane now,” Emma corrected. “They’ve been in love with her for a long time. Almost as long as she’s worked for them.”

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