hiraeth | c.g. |

iv

Shouts sounded from all around, filling the Hall with loud sounds that commanded the others to silence to be heard. The meeting had been going on for a few hours as many within the community voiced their fears. Their fears, being voiced civilly, had become loud shouts with anger and terror filling the room.

No one could blame them. The people of Solaris were terrified as they saw their walls crumbling one by one. Yes, they were able to put the walls back up but it just seemed the next fell right after, leaving them in a constant state of uncertainty. Whispers were sung throughout the night of how they wondered if it would be the Saviors all over again. How they wondered if their "Great Commander" would step away to search for answers only to come back to Solaris destroyed once again.

However, those whispers and shouts fell silent as they saw the powerful figure stand up from the tall chair, allowing her hand to rise. There was a moment of silence as Commander Rhee took a deep breath before she looked fiercely to her people that gathered. "The Council and I have heard and are aware of your concerns regarding these breaches. As of now, the Council will meet privately to discuss these matters. You all are dismis—" a voice cut the young Commander off. "And what happens when they get in the walls? What happens if you don't figure it out and we're dead!?"

Gasps of shock filled the Hall following the outburst, everyone turning to see a man standing in the back. He stood with no fear as he stared down the leadership at the front of the building, his head held high. It greatly combatted the look on Nora's face, the Solarian Doctor and the woman by his side who tugged at his hand to sit back down but he refused.

Clary's head cocked to the side, her eyes turning into slits as she studied him. She knew exactly who he was, just as she knew each of the 113 members of Solaris. It had been a newer soldier by the name of Carter Dawson who had been there for the past six months. He was a great soldier, rising through the Solarian ranks and proving himself time and time again with his battle strategies and agility in fights. However, she had heard of his tendency to speak his mind and how it got him in trouble.

"How dare you criticize our Commander, our Council—" Clary raised her hand as Leon made a move to stand up, ready to defend her and their leadership as he kept an eye on the challenging man. "Dawson, correct?" The man gave a singular nod to the woman as she straightened up.

Everyone in the Hall watched as she moved her chair and walked around the table, moving to the steps before she stopped. "I understand your worries and your frustration. We all do."

Looking away from the man, she looked to her people. "The Council and I are doing everything we can to ensure your safety. You are all protected within these walls and these walls, just as they did against everything and everyone that has come for us, will stay!" Clary declared, addressing those in the room before allowing her eyes to land on the man once again.

"We have grown. Solaris has grown, not only with its people but its leadership. We are led by the people, rebuilding ourselves and democracy by changing our ways and staying strong..."

Straightening up, Clary looked at the man with dark eyes. "But Solaris is not like any other community. We are a home of soldiers, of warriors, of leaders. If you believe you can protect our people better, please, I beg you to prove it."

Silence filled the room as the two stared at each other with intensity. However, that tension fell as the man clenched his jaw before bowing his head. "Of course not, Commander. I am just worried about our people." The Commander nodded her head. "As am I. We all are trying to do what's best for our people, and that decision will be made clear to you as soon as the Council arrives to it."

Taking a seat at the tall-backed chair, the rising sun engraved above her, she sat straight. "Today's patrols will be the same except you will be given a partner. If anything happens, you call it in. Got it?" With simultaneous nods, Clary nodded. "Then this meeting is dismissed. Be careful and stay sharp."