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“Then release the archives,” Val’Ander countered, his voice unwavering. “If my claims are false, you have nothing to fear. But if they are true, the people deserve to know.”

The Head Councilor’s expression darkened, his composure slipping. “This Council does not answer to the whims of rogue archivists.”

“No,” Val’Ander replied, his gaze piercing. “You answer to the people. And they are watching.”

The hovering broadcast drones zoomed in, their lenses trained on the Councilors. Winn felt her pulse quicken. The Council’s reactions were being transmitted to billions across the Nine Galaxies. They couldn’t hide fromthis.

“Accused, step forward,” the Head Councilor barked at Jo’Nay, his tone laced with barely restrained fury. “This matter will be addressed here and now.”

The enforcers hesitated before obeying, guiding Jo’Nay back to the center of the chamber. He stood tall, his manacles glinting under the chamber’s lights as Val’Ander joined him on thedais.

“Present your evidence,” the Head Councilor demanded. “But be warned: any attempt to deceive this Council will have consequences.”

Val’Ander inclined his head, his confidence unshaken. “The only deception here is the one you have perpetuated for centuries. The truth will speak for itself.”

The emissary produced a slim data crystal, holding it aloft for all to see. Winn’s heart pounded as she watched one of the enforcers retrieve the crystal and insert it into a port on the dais. The chamber lights dimmed, and a holographic projection filled the space abovethem.

The image that appeared was of a document, its text ancient yet perfectly preserved. The words glowed faintly, written in a script that seemed to pulse with its own life. Val’Ander’s voice carried over the silence as he began toread.

“This is the Covenant of the Primes,” he said. “A founding document, drafted long before the rise of this Council. It outlines the original purpose of the Primes, not as warriors but as leaders. Their enhanced abilities were not meant for battle alone but for governance, for guiding our people toward unity and prosperity. Their longevity, far beyond the 400 years they are currently limited to, ensured it.”

Winn’s head spun. She glanced at Jo’Nay, whose expression was unreadable, though his hands had clenched into fists. Theaudience remained deathly silent, every eye trained on the projection.

Val’Ander continued. “The Council has hidden this document, rewriting history to serve its own ends. They took the Primes birthright and twisted it, turning them into tools of war rather than the leaders they were meant to be.”

One of the Councilors stood, his voice shaking with anger. “These are fabrications! Ancient writings misinterpreted!”

“If they are misinterpreted,” Val’Ander said calmly, “then why were they hidden? Why were they buried in archives no citizen is permitted to access?”

The Councilor faltered, his rebuttal dying in his throat. The Head Councilor slammed his governing stone again. “Enough of this! This proceeding is to address Jo’Nay’s crimes, not to entertain the ravings of a deluded archivist.”

Jo’Nay’s voice rang out, clear and powerful. “If these documents are delusions, then prove it. Release the archives. Let the people see the truth for themselves.”

The Head Councilor’s glare could have melted steel, but Jo’Nay did not flinch. The audience began to stir, murmurs growing louder. Winn felt a flicker of hope ignite within her. This had turned into more than a trial. It had become a reckoning.

Val’Ander stepped closer to Jo’Nay, his voice lowering but losing none of its conviction. “You are not alone in this fight. There are others who know the truth, who have waited for this moment. Together, we can expose the lies and reclaim what was stolen.”

Jo’Nay’s gaze softened, and he nodded. “Then let us begin.”

The chamber erupted once more, the noise deafening. Winn’s heart raced as the Councilors scrambled to regain control, their authority slipping further with each passing moment. She knew, deep in her bones, that nothing would ever be the same again.

Suddenly, ashadow moved in the chaos. One of the enforcers darted forward, his hand reaching for the crystal embedded in the dais. Before anyone could react, he yanked it free, the holographic projection vanishing instantly. The enforcer smashed the crystal against the floor, the sound of shattering data ringing out like a death knell. Acollective gasp swept through the chamber.

“The evidence is gone!” the Head Councilor declared, his voice triumphant. “This farce is over.”

Winn’s heart plummeted. All was lost. The proof, the hope, it lay shattered at their feet. Her grip on Jo’Nay faltered as despair creptin.

But then, anew light shimmered in the center of the dais. Aholographic figure began to materialize, its form flickering for a moment before solidifying. Winn’s breath caught as she recognized the face:Rory. But not as she had last seen her. This Rory was far different, her form a seamless blend of human and Vettian features. Her presence appeared ethereal, yet commanding.

“You think destroying the crystal will erase the truth?”Rory’s voice rang out, strong and clear.“You underestimate the resilience of those who seek justice.”

The chamber fell silent, every eye fixed on the holographic figure. Rory raised a hand, and the same holographic projection that had been displayed earlier appeared once more. Gasps echoed through theroom.

“How?” the Head Councilor demanded, his voice trembling with rage and confusion. “The crystal was destroyed!”

“That crystal was but a copy,”Rory replied, her tone sharp and unyielding.“Val’Ander ensured the original remains well-hidden. This recording was taken from that copy, and it is more than enough to reveal your lies.”

Val’Ander stepped forward, his expression unreadable but his voice steady. “The original Covenant of the Primes is safe. You cannot destroy what has already been spread. The truth will reach the people, no matter how much you try to suppress it.”

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