by Claudia Gray
The Liberty War is over, and a new era has begun.
39
TWENTY DAYS LATER, NOEMI ONCE AGAIN STANDS ON planet Genesis, within the Hall of Elders.
But it’s not the same Council any longer. Elder Cho, and every other member who voted to use the Bellum Sanctum strategy against Earth, has been forced from office.
Genesis has chosen new leadership. The planet is connected with the greater galaxy now, and always will be. Its future will look very different from its past… which is the point this hearing is supposed to make, as it’s being broadcast across the entire world.
Elder Zhang looks down at Noemi. “You chose to disobey every standard military protocol by moving to disarm Genesis forces. Normally this would be treason on the highest order. But the Bellum Sanctum strategy was one this planet should’ve abandoned decades ago.”
“It should never have been entertained at all,” says Elder Pergolesi. “It is to the enduring shame of this planet that any of our leaders would ever have stooped to such brutal tactics, even in the service of our people.”
Noemi remains silent. She knows there have to have been others—many others—in the government and military who condoned Bellum Sanctum. But they were a minority, a powerful minority but hopefully a small one. The rest of her people will be the ones determining Genesis’s future.
The war is over, but the work isn’t done. Earth is in the middle of a political revolution, and the other colony worlds are setting up independent leadership of their own. (Even those worlds that plan to remain allied with Earth—Cray, and possibly Stronghold—want to be more than mere colonies from now on.) Haven requires more medical supplies, more basic settlement provisions like plumbing and energy generation, and all the planets are banding together to help them.
Ephraim Dunaway is coordinating the medical efforts on Haven, with the help of Delphine Ondimba. Thanks to him, the Cobweb regimen is being distributed planetwide, and soon throughout the galaxy. Virginia Redbird is back on Cray, taking part in the massive elections there, and celebrating with Ludwig and Fon, who have instantly gone from traitors to heroes.
But Noemi is happiest thinking of Harriet Dixon and Zayan Thakur, who have chosen their home on Genesis—one in Goshen, not far from where she grew up. When she visited yesterday, they were unpacking their few belongings into their new apartment in one of the smaller communes. Neighbors had donated some small pieces of furniture, and Abel sent down Mansfield’s finer furnishings from the Persephone. Both Zayan and Harriet were aglow with excitement. Maybe only people who’ve had no choice but to wander the stars are the ones who find the greatest joy in finally standing still.
Elder Pergolesi leans forward. “Your efforts were not sanctioned—but under the circumstances, initiative was called for. We’re now entering into an alliance that brings us more settlers, but allows us to require that any and all settlers obey the ecological rules currently in place, and swear the Oath of Religious Tolerance. We’ll be able to set the number of settlers at an amount we can support without damaging our world.”
This is grandstanding, of course. Her fate was determined long before the public hearing was set. The newly established Council just wants to separate itself from the decisions of the past, and help make Genesis ready for its part in a bigger galaxy.
Noemi doesn’t mind playing a role. It’s one last thing she can do to help her planet. After this, she will have fulfilled her Directive One.
Pergolesi adds, “We are capable of changing. We can preserve the best and most necessary elements of our society while still opening ourselves to new people, new ideas, and new possibilities.”
The crowds gathered outside—who are watching via screens set up in the main pavilion—murmur in approval, loudly enough for the noise to reverberate in the hall. Noemi’s chest swells with pride.
Elder Waititi says, “As for Earth, it no longer has the military means to dominate the colony worlds by force. On those worlds, people who helped fight against Earth’s tyranny are being celebrated as heroes.”
“Earth is undergoing considerable political unrest,” Elder Zhang adds, sounding a little too pleased. “No doubt a new, better government will eventually emerge. But in the meantime, they’re unable to send basic supplies to Cray and Stronghold, the two planets that can’t feed their populations without outside help. Neither Kismet nor Haven can provide as much as those worlds will need—”
“But we can,” says Elder Pergolesi. “Let us ensure the freedom of others from Earth’s control, as we ourselves have been freed.”
Cheering erupts outside, so loud it’s deafening even from here. Noemi laughs out loud—which isn’t exactly protocol when addressing the Council of Elders, but nobody seems to mind.
Later, after the hearing has ended and the biggest celebration in Genesis history has begun, Elder Pergolesi approaches Noemi. Pergolesi is as friendly to her as anyone on the Council could be, and yet her tone is ominous. “We’ve yet to settle the question of Darius Akide’s death, and the culpability of the mech Abel.”
Noemi brought the Persephone down to the surface, but Abel remains in deep space, on a Consortium ship. Both of them knew better than to risk his coming here again. She looks Pergolesi in the eye. “After all Abel’s done for you, you still treat him like a criminal.”
“We recognize the mech’s contributions.” It cost Pergolesi to say that; Noemi can tell. “But none of it is a justification for murder. A Genesis court should hear this matter, and decide.”
Noemi lifts her chin. “Abel can’t be charged with murder.”
Pergolesi’s impatience is clear. “Yes, yes, you claim he acted in self-defense—”
“This doesn’t have anything to do with whether or not Abel acted in self-defense. I mean, you can’t charge him, any more than you could charge… a door. A toaster. Any other inanimate object.”
Confusion appears in Pergolesi’s face, but it’s easy to see that she’s begun to catch on. Encouraged, Noemi presses her point:
“The government of Genesis denied Abel permission to settle on Genesis, because he wasn’t a human being and couldn’t have human rights. Well, if he doesn’t have the same rights as anyone else, he doesn’t have the same responsibility either. As far as the Council of this planet is concerned, Abel is a piece of machinery that only acts as programmed. Pieces of machinery aren’t responsible for their actions, so they can’t be charged with crimes.”
Watching Pergolesi struggle with that logic is delicious. She clearly wants so badly to find a way to punish Abel without granting him personhood—but there isn’t one. The prejudice of Genesis’s leaders protects Abel as no other force could.
“The question of Abel’s personhood may be raised at a future date,” Pergolesi finally responds. “At which point, he may be asked to stand trial.”
Noemi folds her arms. “At that same point, you’ll have to concede that what Akide tried to do to Abel was attempted murder. Of course, Akide shooting me has always been attempted murder, but you guys seem okay with that.”
Finally, Pergolesi drops her eyes, and her cheeks flush. “Your heroism will not be questioned again, Vidal.”
Noemi remains silent as she wonders, Does she expect me to thank her? If so, too bad.
“One more thing,” Noemi says. “As angry as I am with Darius Akide—I finally realized why he tried to use Abel to close the Gate. He wanted to keep Genesis from ever using the Bellum Sanctum strategy. Even after years of war, he knew nothing could justify the destruction of a world. Akide was the only member of the Council with that much decency. I think that deserves to be remembered.”
Stiffly, Pergolesi nods. “It has been noted.” Noemi turns to go, but the Elder adds, “Some members have said that—as you are still more organic than mechanical—the decision to refuse you residence on Genesis should be reconsidered.”
“Thanks but no thanks,” she says. “My future is in the stars.”
As Pergolesi walks away, Noemi’s face fa
lls. Leaving Genesis isn’t as easy as she made it out to be. This planet will always feel like home. When she thinks of the rolling grasslands of Goshen, and how she’ll probably never see them again, she feels close to tears.
But she won’t compromise who and what she is for Genesis ever again. It’s hard to think of never returning here… but her planet is on the verge of even greater change. Millions of new settlers will arrive over the next few years. Those settlers will obey the basic rules, but they’ll also bring their own influences. The culture will shift; the leadership won’t always be so inflexible.
Someday she may return to Goshen. If she does, she’ll bring Abel with her. Then, Noemi will truly be at home.
She looks up into the sky—where Abel waits for her—and smiles.
One Year Later
“No matter what happens,” Noemi says, “this should be more fun than our first trip through a Gate together.”
“Unless the new star system has unexpected hazards, such as an asteroid field, violent solar eruptions, or other intelligent life that reacts with hostility to unannounced alien visitors.” Abel pauses, then adds, “But this will probably be more fun.”
Noemi grins. By now she knows he’ll never entirely drop this more formal way of speaking, and she never wants him to. The past year has been the happiest and most exciting of her life. Noemi always scoffed at people who mooned around like being in love was the only worthwhile thing in life. It isn’t the only thing that matters… but love’s the most incredible feeling she’s ever known. She wouldn’t trade the experience of loving Abel, or being loved by him, for all the worlds.
The Persephone is holding position in the Kismet system. In front of them is the newly completed Gate, currently being tested and checked by a team from Cray. While early scans showed promise, nobody will really know whether the planet beyond is habitable until it’s checked out in detail. Unknown health hazards are a distinct possibility.
That’s why a mech and a hybrid are the perfect team to visit that system for the very first time.
“It’s going to be an adventure,” Noemi says.
Abel takes her hand. “You wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“No. I wouldn’t.” She smiles.
The comms crackle with Virginia Redbird’s voice. “Okay, both unmanned probes have come back in one piece. All readings come back normal. Looks like you guys are cleared for departure.”
“Thanks, Virginia,” Noemi says as Abel ignites the mag engines.
“Bring me back a souvenir!”
Abel gives Noemi a look. While he may be outwardly calmer than she is, she’s learned to tell when he’s as excited as a little kid, like he is right now. “Shall we?”
A wave of gratitude flows through her, for Abel, for this adventure, for every part of the life she’s leading. She says only, “Let’s go.”
The Persephone shoots forward toward the Gate. Noemi and Abel fly together toward a brand-new planet, one they’ll be the first to stand on, a world the two of them will name.
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About the Author
Steve Hammond
Claudia Gray
is the New York Times bestselling author of many science fiction and paranormal fantasy books for young adults, including Defy the Stars, Defy the Worlds, the Firebird series, the Evernight series, the Spellcaster series, and Fateful. She’s also had a chance to work in a galaxy far, far away as the author of the Star Wars novels Lost Stars, Bloodline, and Leia, Princess of Alderaan. Born a fangirl, she loves obsessing over geeky movies and TV shows, as well as reading and occasionally writing fanfiction; however, she periodically leaves the house to go kayaking, do a little hiking, or travel the world. She will take your Jane Austen trivia challenge any day, anytime. Currently she lives in New Orleans.
Praise for
THE DEFY THE STARS SERIES
“Nuanced philosophical discussions of religion, terrorism, and morality advise and direct the high-stakes action, informing the beautiful, realistic ending. Intelligent and thoughtful, a highly relevant far-off speculative adventure.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Poignant and profound… a tale that examines the ethics of war and tackles questions of consciousness, love, and free will. Gray’s characters are nuanced, her worldbuilding is intelligent, and the book’s conclusion thrills and satisfies while defying expectations.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Replete with rebels, bots, and battles, this top-notch space adventure features a well-developed plot and an unexpected, satisfying ending. This is a complex and well-told tale about loyalty, love, and the meaning of life. A must-buy for sci-fi readers.”
—SLJ
“Defy the Stars is a unique and masterful sci-fi space opera that will take readers across the galaxy on a fast-paced thrill ride.… Brilliantly done.”
—Romantic Times
“With a love story that sweeps across the galaxy and a heart-racing high-action plot, Defy the Stars brilliantly explores what it means to be human. This book shines like the stars.”
—Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of the Across the Universe series
“Startlingly original and achingly romantic, Abel and Noemi’s adventure will linger in my imagination—and my heart—for aeons. Defy the Stars is nothing short of masterful.”
—Kass Morgan, New York Times bestselling author of The 100 series
“The action raises the stakes, for individuals and entire worlds, and the romance satisfies without overwhelming, right up to a huge cliffhanger ending. A fast, fun follow-up.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“The story involves nearly constant adventure and suspense along with a complicated slow-burn romance that is sure to delight teen readers. A thrilling science fiction adventure.”
—SLC
“The taut writing, engaging characters, unique universe, abundant plot twists, and a cliff-hanger finale in this sequel will keep readers on the edge of their seats and wanting more.… A must-read.”
—SLJ