The Insurrection

Chapter Nine

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

~ Benjamin Franklin

"Our next step is discussing and implementing preventions so that we never find ourselves in this place ever again. We need to take proactive measures to ensure that history does not repeat itself. Otherwise, all of our hard work and sacrifice will go to waste. We can think of these preventions as something that seals the past and keeps it locked away for as long as our newfound humanity exists."

Following Leon's press conference, we spend the rest of the day discussing preventions. Leila and the remaining Insurgents help us out with all the laws and policies that we write up. They have been right by our side this entire time despite who they are. This shows the very faultiness of prejudice and proves that everyone deserves a fair chance. Even the kids of those who caused us so much harm.

We take a break at some point and enjoy the nice weather outside.

"Do you really think that this will work? That something like UniFed won't ever rise to power?" Taika asks.

I think about it before answering, "We can't know for certain, and as Leon said in his speech, keeping those greedy powers away depends on the existence of our humanity. But, the steps that we are taking will build us a strong defense against any kind of oppression."

We walk past a group of children playing a game, maybe hide and seek, and some sort of lightness lifts my chest. We've had many losses that sometimes it's hard to see that we've had many victories too. I think that is the key to surviving in a World like ours. To remember our losses but never let them outweigh or overshadow our wins. Otherwise, our losses will consume us until we're just shells of ourselves.

"I can't believe we're almost done. What will we do when it's all over? I feel like I don't even know who I am without this." Taika says, nearly hysterical.

"This Insurrection will always be a part of us, Taika. When this is over, we rest, we find ourselves, and we build the life that we want. The life that we fought and bled for."

Leon laughs a little and shakes his head at me.

"What?" I ask in confusion.

"You always have all the right things to say, it's unnerving."

I lift my chin in mock arrogance, "Well, I am the president of the Insurrection after all."

"So you'll be president of the World when the Insurrection is over?" Taika asks.

I shake my head, "No, no one should ever possess that much power in their hands."

"Why don't we have one president for each country then? A president that the people choose through their own elections." Leon suggests.

I smile at him, "Someone's been brushing up on his history books."

"Just a little," he holds his thumb and forefinger in a pinch.