Page 106 of Moon Tamed

“That is currently how it is playing out, yes. It doesn’t hurt we’ve made it easy for them to leave. Allasandro set aside excess funds to relocate citizens and refugees alike. That’s the dirt you’re looking for, by the way. He’s selling his body to the women of our world and using the money to relocate the unhappy or refugees who can’t stay in Moonriver with the excess funds.”

I raised a brow. “How is that dirty?”

“He didn’t tell anyone, outside of the faction leaders, he was doing it. Of course, we all agreed with his decision. If they’re unhappy because we saved lives, they aren’t really the kind of people we want here.”

“How many people do you think will leave?”

“We have to unload fifteen thousand refugees; we can’t support as many as we have long-term. For every citizen who leaves of their own volition, we can keep an extra refugee. We’re estimating ten thousand people or so will take advantage of the aid package to leave the city-state.”

“Leaving us with five thousand refugees who must leave?”

“Correct.”

“How many people can the aid package support?”

“Allasandro will be able to assist thirty-five thousand people with a basic move package.”

My eyes widened. “That many?”

“And he could do more if he dips into the other funds. That’s just the funds he put aside before he distributed checks. And everyone got the payout, even those wanting to leave.”

Well, I could solve many problems with a single stone. “Can I have a copy of the relocation package details, so when my report is released, this data is available to the public? That should get rid of the thirty-five thousand, clear out the budget, and make sure people know what he’s been up to. And there are no catches to the package?”

“There is a five-year ban from returning to Moonriver if a citizen accepts the relocation package. But the relocation package can get them off-world if they would like to leave. It’s a good deal. And once the five years are over, they’ll be permitted to visit although they will not be able to regain citizenship.”

“And their tax liability?”

“The instant they take the money and sign the paperwork, they’re no longer citizens of Moonriver and are not beholden to Moonriver for tax purposes. Allasandro has also secured application spots with most of the city-states around the world for those who wish to remain on the planet.”

I could make a few guesses about what the faction leaders wanted, and it involved me using my report to clear the air and give Moonriver and its loyal citizens a fresh start after the disaster of Earth’s destruction. “When do you need the document to be released?”

“Ideally, a copy will be leaked to the public tomorrow afternoon to early evening after the announcement regarding the election is given. That will give the report the most visibility. It will also give the other faction leaders a chance to nudge the appropriate people into running.” Kirkland’s expression turned wry. “If we can get anyone to run. The report might result in a no-show. It depends on what you’ve found.”

“Beyond his tendency to seed the petty cash with money so he can prank his son with petty cash expenditures, I haven’t found a damned thing he’s been directly responsible for. We’ve uncovered some corruption in various parts of the faction, but that’s being dealt with by the department leaders. That’s on Mr. Stephans’s orders, of course. But he isn’t the one reining everyone in.”

“That’s just how he operates. You’ll find he will press the appropriate charges against those who betrayed his trust and the trust of his faction, which is why people keep electing him, even when the polls claim they hate him. It’ll be a clean sweep on the votes.”

My brows shot up at the thought of everyone in the city all voting for Allasandro Stephans to continue leading Moonriver. “It won’t be a clean sweep because I plan to abstain from the vote due to personal involvement.”

He laughed. “Allasandro will vote against himself because he thinks it’s funny. Calden will either vote against his father or abstain. Your parents will vote against Allasandro because of the same reason. Did you know that? They have a ritual of voting against him because they think it’s hilarious. They write-in their votes, and then they talk about who they voted for. I know who they’re voting for this go around.”

My parents voted against him because it was funny? I could see them doing that. Why take something as serious as voting seriously when a good laugh could be had. “I’ll bite. Who are they voting for?”

“Allasandro is voting for Lucky the Doom Bird.”

I raised my hand and slapped my palm against my forehead. “You have got to be kidding me!”

“Your entire family, yourself excluded, plans on voting for the peacock you foisted on them.”

I slapped my forehead a few more times for good measure. “What are the voting rules about peacocks in leadership roles?”

“It will go to the highest voted human, and the animal voted in will have an honorary status as the city-states ruler, paid in room, board, and feed appropriate for species, issued to the bird’s owner.”

“I will pay you to abuse your powers as Legacy’s leader to make a campaign for Lucky the Doom Bird. And I will even vote for someone sensible in case the entire city-state takes leave of its senses and votes the peacock in.”

“What are you paying?”

“A promise not to bring over the Children of Lucky the Doom Bird.”

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