“What is this about?” she asks. “Don’t tell me these dramatics are about the ship. I did warn you it was our only option for transporting such a large amount of people.”

“It’s about a matter I expect you aren’t eager for the rest of your retinue to overhear,” Oshiro says. “Though it’s your choice, of course. We can speak here if you truly prefer it.”

After a moment, Leonis nods stiffly, and begins to move through the crowd toward the island. We follow closely behind. At Oshiro’s gesture, a group of peacekeepers approaches us. Leonis tries to step back, but I move into her way and prevent her from retreating.

“What is going on here?” she asks, glaring first at me and then at Oshiro. “We have a deal, Councillor. You plan to betray me now, after bringing us all the way here?” Though the rest of her remains still and composed, her eyes flash with anger. “I knew I shouldn’t have trusted Nibirans.”

“Your deal still holds, Madam President.” Oshiro’s smile is mild, calm. “Your people are welcome here. But you, I’m afraid, are under arrest due to a unanimous agreement from the Interplanetary Council.”

“On what grounds?” Leonis remains remarkably dignified, to my disappointment. I want to see her rage and seethe, but she stands with her head held high.

“You stand accused of the destruction of Titan,” I say, before Oshiro can speak. The council member glances at me and nods.

“You will be held in custody here pending your trial by the Interplanetary Council,” Oshiro says.

Leonis’s eyes shift to me. I hold them, relish the look on her face as she realizes what’s happened. We knew we couldn’t tell the truth about her involvement in the Red Baron’s plot and risk innocent Gaians paying the price… but she will see justice for what she did to my home-planet.

“I suggest not making a scene,” I tell her. “Think of your people.”

For a moment, she looks so furious I’m sure she won’t heed my advice. But eventually she presses her lips into a thin line and bows her head.

“I always do,” she says, her eyes never leaving me. “And if this is the price I pay for their safety, so be it.” She turns her back to us, facing the peacekeepers. “No restraints. I don’t wish to alarm anyone. You have my full cooperation.”

At Oshiro’s nod, the officers lead her away.

“There were others,” I murmur to Oshiro. “She didn’t engineer that weapon on her own.”

“We’ll find them,” the council member says. “I assure you, Titan will have justice.”

And that will have to be enough. After a grateful bow, I make my way into the crowd again.