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Winn felt a shiver run through her as Jo’Nay spoke. His words were not just for the enforcers or the audience. They were for everyone watching the broadcast. Billions of lives hung in the balance, and Jo’Nay, even shackled, stood like a beacon of resolve.

“Do you not see?” he continued, his eyes locking onto each enforcer in turn. “The Council fears the truth because it will strip them of their power. They have lied to you, manipulated you, and used you as tools for their own ends. But you are more thanthat. Like the Intergalactic Warriors, you are also the protectors of the Nine Galaxies. Protect the truth. Protect the people.”

The enforcer captain lowered his weapon, his jaw tightening. “You’re right,” he said softly. Turning to the other enforcers, he added, “We took an oath to protect. Not to oppress.”

The Head Councilor’s voice rose in a furious screech. “This is insubordination! Treason! You will all face execution for this betrayal!”

Another enforcer spoke up, their voice firm. “We serve the Nine Galaxies, not your lies.”

A ripple of agreement spread through the enforcers. One by one, they stepped back, refusing to obey the Council’s orders. Some even moved to the edges of the dais, creating a protective perimeter around Jo’Nay, Winn, and Val’Ander.

The crowd erupted into cheers, but Jo’Nay raised his hands, silencing them. “This is not a time for division,” he said. “We cannot let our anger consume us. The Council may have betrayed our trust, but we will not become what they fear. We must rebuild. Together.”

Winn felt tears sting her eyes as she watched Jo’Nay take control of the room, his presence calming the chaos. His words reached into the hearts of those around him, pulling them together. Even Val’Ander seemed moved, his usual stoicism softening into something like admiration.

But the Council was not finished. The Head Councilor rose, his face twisted with desperation. “This is not over!” he bellowed. “You think you can overthrow centuries of rule with words? You are fools! Without us, the Nine Galaxies will descend into chaos.”

Jo’Nay studied each Councilor in turn, his expression calm but unyielding. “The chaos you speak of is the natural order trying to right itself after centuries of oppression. It is not chaos. It is growth.”

Another Councilor stood, her voice trembling with a mix of shock and trepidation. “If you dismantle the Council, who will lead? Who will ensure peace and stability? You? Arenegade Prime who defied every law we created?”

Jo’Nay straightened, his presence towering even in shackles. “Not just me,” he said. “We will lead. Together. Representatives from all species, all worlds, all walks of life. ACouncil built on trust, not fear. On unity, not domination. Vetta is but a single world. Why should they have authority over all the galaxies? Power should be shared or it corrupts.”

The crowd roared their approval, the sound shaking the chamber. Winn felt a surge of pride as she watched Jo’Nay, her heart swelling with love and admiration. This was the man she had fallen in love with—the man who refused to accept injustice, even when it would have been easier to stay silent.

The Councilors huddled together, their whispers frantic. Winn could see the cracks forming in their resolve, their authority crumbling beneath the weight of the moment. One Councilor, her face pale and drawn, stepped forward.

“I—” she began, her voice shaking. “I will not be part of this any longer. The lies, the manipulation—it ends here.”

Gasps echoed through the room as the Councilor stepped down from the dais, stripping off her ornate robes. She walked toward Jo’Nay, her hands raised in supplication. “You are right,” she said softly. “The Nine Galaxies deserve better.”

Jo’Nay nodded, his gaze steady. “Then join us. Help us rebuild.”

The Councilor hesitated, then nodded. Behind them, more Councilors began to falter, their confidence shattered by the defection. The Head Councilor, now alone, looked around wildly, his authority slipping through his fingers.

“This is treason!” he shouted. “All of you! You will regret this!”

But his words fell on deaf ears. The people had chosen their path, and it no longer included the oldways.

Jo’Nay turned to Val’Ander and Rory’s hologram. “We have much work to do,” he said. “But we will do it together.”

The chamber was still buzzing with energy when Jo’Nay and Winn slipped away. Rory’s holographic presence lingered, keeping the crowd captivated with her steadfast declarations of truth. Val’Ander had stepped into the spotlight, already outlining the first steps for restructuring the Nine Galaxies’ governance. But Jo’Nay and Winn knew their part in this fight was over. It was time to think about their future—their family.

The corridors of the grand Council building were eerily quiet as they walked, the distant sounds of the chamber fading behind them. With a powerful snap, Jo’Nay broke free of his manacles, and though his wrists bore the marks of their weight, he walked tall and free. Winn clutched his hand tightly, her other hand resting protectively over her belly.

“Could you have broken free at any point?”

“Of course. Just as I did with the Marauders.”

She grinned. “I wish you’d done that in front of the Council. It would have shocked them to their evil little cores.”

They reached a private docking bay where Jo’Nay’s ship, asleek vessel with smooth lines and a matte-black finish, awaited them. Rory’s doing, no doubt. Winn stopped for a moment, turning to look at him. “Are you sure about this?” she asked softly.

Jo’Nay cupped her face gently, his expression resolute. “I have never been more sure of anything,” he said. “The Nine Galaxies are changing, but that change will take time. Time we cannot afford to risk with our child—or children.” His lips quirked into a rare, soft smile. “It is no longer my duty to fight for them. My duty is here, with you.”

Winn’s heart swelled with emotion. “I never wanted to be the reason you gave up your calling,” she whispered.

“You were never the reason,” Jo’Nay replied. “You were the answer. You gave me purpose beyond war, beyond service. You showed me a life worth living.”

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