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The Councilors erupted in protests, their voices clashing in an unintelligible din. The audience, emboldened by Rory’s defiance, began to shout as well, their voices rising in a unified demand for answers.

Winn’s chest swelled with a mixture of relief and awe as she watched Rory’s holographic form hold her ground. The tide was turning, and for the first time since this nightmare began, hope burned brightly in her heart.

Rory’s holographic image flickered slightly before becoming sharper, her voice resonating through the chamber.“To all who are watching this broadcast,”she said, her eyes locking onto one of the hovering drones.“Know that the truth is no longer in the hands of a few. It belongs to everyone now. The Council’s lies will not stand.”

As her image grew brighter, the Councilors’ desperation became palpable. One of them shouted, “Shut it down! Shut it down now!” Enforcers scrambled to disable the hologram, but Rory’s image remained unyielding, her presence a beacon of defiance.

The enforcers scrambled toward the control panels at the base of the dais, their movements frantic. Rory’s holographic form seemed to grow larger, more commanding, as if the very act of attempting to silence her fueled her resolve.

“You cannot silence me,”Rory said, her voice echoing with an almost divine cadence.“The truth has already spread across the Nine Galaxies. This Council’s grip is slipping, and no amount of suppression will undo what the people now know.”

Val’Ander stepped forward, his presence grounding the escalating chaos. “The original document is hidden,” he declared. “Its contents already shared with trusted allies across the galaxy. Every attempt to stop this revelation will only amplify its reach. The people will rise when they know the truth.”

Winn’s heart pounded as she watched the interplay between Rory and the Council. The Head Councilor’s face contorted with barely restrained fury. He slammed the governing stone repeatedly, shouting, “This is treason! Every one of you aiding this farce will face the consequences!”

The audience, emboldened by Rory’s defiance, erupted into chants. Voices began calling for justice, for accountability, for freedom from the Council’s oppressive reign. Winn could feel the energy shift—apalpable wave of rebellion surging through the chamber.

One of the Councilors turned sharply toward the enforcers. “Arrest them all!” she barked, pointing at Val’Ander, Rory’s projection, and Jo’Nay. “This sedition must be stamped out!”

The enforcers hesitated, their gazes flickering between the Councilors and the restless crowd. It was clear they were torn, caught between their loyalty to the Council and the rising tide of public dissent.

Jo’Nay, still shackled but standing tall, spoke at last. His deep, resonant voice cut through the cacophony. “The people are watching,” he said, his words directed at the enforcers. “Will you serve justice, or will you serve lies?”

The enforcers froze, uncertainty etched on their faces. The leader of the squad, atall Vettian with sharp features, stepped forward. “We serve the Nine Galaxies,” she said, her voice steady but conflicted. “And the Nine Galaxies demand truth.”

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the enforcer’s words settling over everyone. The Councilors’ protests grew more frantic, their authority crumbling before Winn’s eyes. She could hardly breathe, her chest tight with anticipation.

Suddenly, Rory’s projection shifted, her gaze locking directly onto the Head Councilor. “You’ve held power for too long, hiding behind lies and fear. It is over,”she said, her tone cold and final.“The Nine Galaxies will not suffer your tyranny any longer.”

The Head Councilor slammed the governing stone one last time, the sound ringing hollow. “Enough! This Council declares—”

But their words were drowned out as the chamber’s doors burst open. Aflood of figures poured in—representatives from across the Nine Galaxies, their attire marking them as emissaries, leaders, and warriors. Their presence made a statement, their expressions grim and determined.

One stepped forward, awoman with striking gray eyes and an aura of authority. “This Council no longer speaks for the Nine Galaxies,” she announced, her voice carrying over the chaos. “We demand a full accounting of your actions. The era of silence ends now.”

Winn’s breath caught. The Councilors looked cornered, their power slipping further from their grasp. Rory’s projection shimmered again, her smile faint but victorious.“The Nine Galaxies stand united,”she said softly, her words a promise.

Jo’Nay turned his head, meeting Winn’s gaze. In his eyes, she saw hope—aflicker of what they had fought so hard for. She reached for him, wrapping herself aroundhim.

And for the first time since the trial began, she allowed herself to believe.

Chapter 23

THE CHAMBERbecame a sea of chaos. Cries of outrage mixed with shouts of defiance as factions within the audience began to clash. Enforcers, unsure where their loyalties lay, faltered, some stepping aside while others held firm at their posts.

Rory’s holographic form shimmered in the air, her defiant words still echoing:“The truth belongs to everyone now.”

Jo’Nay stood shackled in the center of the dais, his eyes scanning the room. He could see the cracks in the Council’s authority widening, the precarious balance tipping further into unrest. Val’Ander, standing beside him, seemed ready to act, but his gaze shifted to Jo’Nay as if waiting for a cue. Winn clung to her mate’s hand, calm and resolute to abide by whatever decision hemade.

The Head Councilor slammed the governing stone repeatedly against the bench, his face a mask of fury and fear. “This is a travesty! Order must be restored! Enforcers, arrest the instigators—now!”

But the enforcers hesitated, their uncertainty palpable. Some glanced at each other, their hands on their weapons but unmoving. The captain stepped forward, looking directly at Jo’Nay. “What should we do?” he asked, his voice barely audible over the commotion.

Jo’Nay’s chest tightened. The moment he had fought so hard to reach was here. Shackled, facing the people he had once sworn to protect, he felt the weight of their expectations and the fear of what could come next. He took a step forward, the manacles on his wrists clanking loudly enough to momentarily silence theroom.

“You must choose,” Jo’Nay said, his deep voice cutting through the noise. “Not for me, not for them”—he gestured toward the Councilors, whose anger simmered—”but for the Nine Galaxies. For the future of all who live in them.”

The enforcer captain wavered, his hand trembling on the hilt of their weapon. Jo’Nay turned his gaze to the crowd, his voice rising. “This is not just about me. It’s not just about the Primes or the Council. It’s about what kind of galaxy we want to live in. Agalaxy ruled by fear, where truth is buried and power is hoarded? Or a galaxy where all voices matter, where justice is real, and where we can hope for something better?”

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