The Ijo erupt as I knew it would. I wonder if there was a better way I could have delivered the news, but part of what makes the Muungano community strong is our dependence on one another to work through our fears. Our rage. Many jump to their feet, shouting and waving their fists in protest, until they become a sustained chorus of rage. I step back to allow my people a moment to absorb the news.

This is not the way I wished to introduce myself to the collection of elders. This pushback by way of attack fits within the history of our people, an expected—even somewhat overdue—turn. Whenever we have struggled to independence, found life and joy on our own terms, the same system and mentality that strove to oppress us in the first place rises up to oppose us. That is why my elder stepped aside for my voice to be heard. To bring the reminder that we have a responsibility to be aggressive in our posture of resistance. To stand ever ready, ever vigilant, against those who sought to grind us under their heel. A continual practice of liberation.

Almost intoxicated, I’m caught up in the furor, rage mixed with fear. All heightened by an existential worry. One did not have to be tied to the Adisa family to know many of the ranking officials stationed in the O.E. embassy. Angry and powerless, all most can do is shout. Only Xola and myself remain motionless within the chaos of the storm.

Camara Adisa raises his left hand slightly and lowers it as if clamping a lid on a roiling pot of stew. The collective roar lowers to an agitated susurrus of voices. “What of Jaha?”

“The first explosion did little more than cosmetic damage,” I say. “The Niyabinghi stationed there mobilized and secured the scene and the ambassador according to our protocols. Her injuries were severe, but the prognosis is good. The entire staff was evacuated before the subsequent explosions a few minutes later. They are all under medical supervision.”

The Camara bridges his long fingers in front of him to hide his relief. When his people, especially those closest to him, are in harm’s way, he can be unpredictable as wildfire. “What’s the threat assessment?”

“O.E. claims no knowledge of a plot. We suspect the work of the American Renaissance Movement, ARM, which falls under the umbrella of the Earth First movement. LISC only mentioned outside agitators, and their troops have surrounded our embassy. ‘As a protective measure,’ they say, while they investigate. Initially, they tried trotting out that the Niyabinghi fired first. I assured them that had the Niyabinghi engaged, they would not have stopped firing until every target and possible threat had been found and … dealt with.”

“That escalated quickly,” Xola says. “Isn’t this a matter to have been brought up for the security council, not the full Ijo?”