Page 75 of The Pacifist
Raven tilted her head. “I think I remember that video. Christina and Kya made Archer and my dad shave and they insisted that they couldn’t wear any leather that day.”
Khan pointed to Magni. “We need to make another video.”
Magni’s hand flew to his beard. “I’m not shaving!”
“You don’t need to. The more gruesome you look to the Motlanders, the better. All your scars are great for this.”
Laura was quick to defend my dad. “Hey, those scars make him look sexy, not gruesome.”
“I’m talking about the Council members, Laura. They already fear Magni and we need to use that to help Jonah.”
Magni gave a crooked smile, and grinned to Leo. “Khan’s right. They once called me public enemy number one.”
Leo grinned back. “Wow, that’s an impressive title!”
“Dad, it’s not something to brag about.”
“Magni, focus!” Khan stabbed his hand in the air. “We’re going to take advantage of the fear and resentment they have for you.”
Magni squared his shoulders. “You had me at fear and resentment… I’m in!”
“Good, you’re going to talk about how you were always against democracy and how Jonah changed your mind. And then you’re going to talk about how you respect him and that he has become someone you trust and admire.”
“Wait, what?” My dad pushed himself to the edge of his seat. “I can’t say that.”
“Why not?”
“We’re talking about a five-foot-eight Motlander who pisses me off with all his positivity shit. I can’t say that I admire and respect him.”
I didn’t even think before I defended Jonah. “He’s six foot tall and you just said that you respect him.”
“Yeah, but that was because he didn’t take any crap from the women.”
“He doesn’t take any crap from you either,” I pointed out and my mom was quick to support me.
“And what about that quote he left you? Don’t pretend it didn’t inspire you to get the operation.”
Khan came over and sat down on the coffee table. “This isn’t really about how much or little you respect Jonah. It’s about getting what we want, which is males on the council.”
“Thenyousay it. You’re the ruler, that’s much better.”
“Let me paint you a picture.” Khan swiped his hand around like he was physically painting in the air. “You’re a Motlander woman watching the biggest most lethal grizzly bear growl and roar, and you’re terrified.”
Magni frowned. “Go on!”
“And then as you’re watching in fear, a brave person steps in front of you to protect you.”
“Me?”
“No, not you, Jonah.”
Magni gave a grimace. “Jonah doesn’t know shit about bears.”
“Nevertheless, as you’re watching in fear, he walks in and reaches out his hand to pet the bear.”
Magni growled low, “That’s not brave. That’s stupid! Told you he knows nothing about bears. He’s gonna need one of these.” He wiggled his new hand.
Khan sighed. “As you watch him pet the bear, something unexpected and unexplainable happens. The bear sniffs Jonah’s hands and settles down. It’s a miracle and you’re impressed with him.”
