“It is possible I spoke too hastily,” she says. “In reality, we all know Titan was a difficult planet. There would be little strategic value for any of us to take it. And, with that horrible war, the Titans have seemed on the path to this end for a while now.”

There is a long pause. I wait, holding my breath, hoping that someone—anyone—will call Leonis out on her lies, or at least speak up for my people. Let them give us the benefit of the doubt, see us as more than a planet hell-bent on self-destruction. If a single person believes there’s more to the story, it will give me a chance to go forward with the truth.

“The Titans have always been creative about finding ways to kill each other,” the Paxian says. “Perhaps they finally became too good at it.”

The two Nibirans confer briefly. I keep my eyes on Oshiro, who seems the most likely to go against the grain after that earlier outburst against Leonis.

“The most obvious answer is often the most correct one,” Oshiro says, though they sound reluctant. My heart sinks.

“We will discuss further, of course, but unless new evidence surfaces, I see no reason to suspect one another,” Misha says with a shrug. “Now, moving forward…”

I turn away in disgust. Not one of them defended Titan. So quick to accuse one another, to place blame—but where is the grief? The regret? The sympathy? There’s a heat in my chest and a buzzing in my ears that have been growing ever since we arrived here—no, ever since Scorpia decided that she would rather make a deal with Leonis than make her pay. Damn Leonis, and all those other smiling politicians so eager to pass Titan off as a planet of barbarism, as an inevitable conclusion rather than a horrible tragedy. Damn Scorpia. Damn them all. I’m the only one left in this system to know how much was lost. I’m the sole mourner for good people like General Altair, and my team, and so many innocent lives.

Maybe Scorpia was right. Even if we told the truth, there was never a chance that anyone would believe us. Just like the Titans, no one has ever given my family the benefit of the doubt. They’ll never trust us. But I’m not going to be part of a deal with Leonis. I can’t. Not even for Pol. If bringing the truth to the council isn’t an option, then I’ll find another one.