Page 26 of Lorenzo & Lily

“I’m always shipped out and abroad. I was on Vallerian soil maybe six times in the last year until Papa fell ill, and I’m lucky to even get that. Most soldiers would see their families once a year, if that. What do you think it does to me, being so far away when assholes try to kill our family?”

Ethan turned to the group. “Some of you know. You know what it’s like to leave your family, to know something horrible has happened and you can’t leave your assignment, or your ship, or anything to go and help.”

Laura cleared her throat. “Yes. Yes, we do, Captain Santoro.”

Humbled, Lorenzo spoke softly. “Our family, the monarchy, we want what’s best for the country and for its people. A strike would not be good for anyone. Peter, you’re the regional head for the union. Surely, you understand this.”

Peter nodded. “David Field, our union leader, however, does not. That’s what Gaston is referring to, and why he feels the strike will take place.”

“You know the union won’t be able to cover strike pay for very long. The MARC can help, but only so much. And workers like yourself, Gaston, wouldn’t be eligible for MARC benefits.”

Gaston shook his head. “It’ll work out in the long-term. I can live with less. I have lived with less, and I haven’t a family. I’ll have more later.”

Lorenzo tried appealing to Gaston. “And will all the other workers affected by this strike be able to live with less, too? Those with children and extended families they care for? Do their lives not matter?”

Gaston’s defensive posture relaxed a little, but not enough. “It won’t matter. They’ll vote for the strike. Field’s the only one who can help them. They’ll see that.”

Ethan frowned. “When is the vote?”

“Two days,” Laura said. “If the vote favors a strike, it will begin the following day. If it doesn’t favor a strike, then we’re all screwed. Field doesn’t want to show weakness, and he’s been a big proponent of the strike. He’s been campaigning for it for months now. If the members show they’re not behind him, then his job is also at risk.”

Andrew nodded. “Not to mention, union voting is not exactly anonymous, no matter how much people think it is. The same measures enacted to prevent voter fraud can also be used to trace a vote back to an individual. Union members who oppose the strike are fearing retribution, and some have already decided not to vote, rather than pick a side.”

Though Lorenzo had only briefly met Field, he could see him exacting ‘vengeance’ against his own members for voting against him. He was ruthless, powerful, and hungry for more power – an unwelcome combination, to say the least. “Where’s Field now? Is he campaigning in Masillia?”

“Gone up to Valentia, hasn’t he?” Gaston said smugly. “Trying to get the support of the other unions, too. Shipbuilders union is on board, don’t know yet about the steelworkers or the transportation workers unions.”

Laura sighed. “He’ll be back in Masillia tomorrow, would be my guess. He’ll want to make sure he’s bullied his own members right before the vote.”

Lorenzo’s keen gaze raked over her face. “What about the female union workers? How do they feel?”

There was disturbing fervency in her voice when she spoke. “They hate him. They might not say it – they definitely wouldn’t say it, actually – but if voting against the strike would remove him from office, they’d do it.”

Lorenzo had heard that tone before. Abuse and assault against female military members occurred, even in the Vallerian military, unfortunately, and he’d heard other women use that same tone when discussing their attackers. Since Ethan stiffened beside him, he supposed Ethan also knew that tone. Hell, he’d probably seen it firsthand and treated women who’d suffered through it. “Field abuses his position in more ways than we originally thought, I’m guessing.”

Laura’s lips were pursed in a hard, thin line, and she nodded.

Fucking hell. The MARC wasn’t just for those recovering from wounds; he’d seen and met several assault victims – both men and women – who had convalesced there as well. He didn’t know what Laura had gone through, but he’d try to help her if he could. What he couldn’t do was help her while she stood beside six men. “Thank you again. I appreciate all of you meeting with me.”

Gaston put his fisted hands on his hips, his stance wide. “So, what do you plan to do then? Try to talk Field out of it? You won’t stand a chance.”

“I’ll do what I need to do to protect the workers and protect Valleria.”

Gaston scoffed. “Good luck with that,Your Highnesses.” He executed a sarcastic bow and strode away.

Peter watched Gaston disappear into another row of containers. “He doesn’t speak for everyone. There are many I’ve spoken with who don’t want a strike, for the reasons you mentioned and others besides.”

“I won’t ask how you’re voting.” At their astonished gazes, Lorenzo continued. “It’s your choice, though I hope you’ll consider all of the implications before you cast your ballot. I’ll also ask you consider the impact of your decision, and I hope you understand how many could be hurt by it, rather than helped.” He held out his hand; Peter shook first.

“Thank you, Captain. We know better than anyone you’re sincere in what you say. We’ll keep you updated, if there’s anything to be told.” He shook Ethan’s hand and then, with a last glance at the others, walked away. Andrew followed suit, followed by Laura.

Lorenzo called out to her. “Come by the MARC when you can manage it, all right? We’ll talk.”

Her eyes widened. “Captain–”

“Whenever you’re ready. If you don’t want to speak to me, you know we’ve got counselors to help.”

“I–well–I’ll think about it.”

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