“Lexi, you are now the senior member of Gen Stalbraid, and you are no pleader. Nor is there a suitable replacement within your Gen. Without a pleader, Gen Stalbraid cannot serve its function. Your likelihood of recruiting a competent replacement willing to plead for Division Nine is minimal, to put it mildly. Your Gen chose an inglorious role to fulfill, however necessary, and it has always relegated Stalbraid to the two small kith-kins who founded it. Even if this… unfortunate turn had not occurred, within a generation I can reasonably say a review of your franchise would have been mandated.”

“A Gen is not about family, it is about function,” Burr insists to Stru, with the earnestness of one who has been deeply and successfully indoctrinated. “Gen franchises are approved and folded based solely on the needs of Crache and the value provided by a Gen. We do not stand on sentiment here. Gens are not affectations of ‘legacy’ or a false sense of ‘nobility.’ We have risen above the notion that blood or lineage should determine some aristocratic ruling class. Function is the only determining factor. Your Gen is no longer functional, Lexi. It can no longer serve Crache.”

“Thank you, Councilwoman Burr, for that rousing reaffirmation of Crachian ideology and the Gen Franchise Council’s role within it,” Jochi says, speaking for the first time, and making no effort to mask the sarcasm in his voice.

Stru ignores them as the old often ignore bickering children. His sunken eyes are filled with Lexi, and they hold her with regret.

“You’re a strong woman, Lexi. You’ve shown that strength in Brio’s absence. I believe you will find prosperity in life as a private citizen. To that end, and in recognition of your Gen’s service to Crache, this Council will approve a generous stipend to help you transition into that new life.”

“New life…”

Her mind reels, threatening to unspool entirely.

We are not flowers. We do not wilt.

Lexi draws in a breath that might be made of fire, it so twists the features of her face, but when she exhales her expression flattens into a hard mask.