章 202: Chapter 202: Welcome

Jared hesitated a moment longer before Crew's voice, much softer and without the harshness of before, agreed.

"It's an option," he said. "Though, again, we're thin on staff." I turned to find him squinting at the crowd, shaking his head a little. "I can't promise protection from vandalism."

"It's fine," Carmen said, lips a narrow line, "don't worry about that." She looked up at Aiden who nodded, smiling faintly. Her face brightened and she grinned at me. "Thank you, Fee. The voice of reason. It's a great idea." She turned then and strode for the protestors, Aiden scrambling to keep up, Jared joining them while I followed, Crew at my side, the council drifting after us. I caught Olivia's flash of relief, the way she wiped at her upper lip, fingertips trembling slightly and welcomed empathy for her. I even smiled when she looked up, nodded to her in solidarity and accepted the tight grin she shared in return.