Part 47 (1/2)

It hardly sounds like much, but it's a start.”

”Never forget that it is only a start,” Ver advised, and then his expression changed as Jessine, in a glo- rious confection of sea-green silkeen with gold beading came through the crowd toward him, leav- ing the Peomers to devour the last of the scallop steaks, eyes fixed on Ver.

Watching the silent exchange, Tira said to Ver, ”Please, tell me Chaney and I are not as bad as you two.”

'The style is different,” Ver said, ”but the con- tent is the same.”

At that Tu-a laughed aloud and attracted the attention of a great many of the huge gathering.

She was about to dismiss their interest when she decided that this might be the best time, better than the formal ceremonies planned for the con- clusion of the evening banquet. This was the right time to call them all together, she decided, and so she made her way to the dais, motioning

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to her husband and brother to join her there. Ver took Jessine s hand and joined them.

”Members of the Pact,” she said, and waited while the band fell silent and conversation faded to a faint buzz. ”Members of the Pact, we are about to begin a new phase in our community of peoples. For the first time the promise of the Pact will be a promise given to all member- species of reason.”

Tira's family was gathered around her now, and the delegates flocked toward them.

”We have all seen the terrible cost we pay for inequality in the Pact. No one who values the Pact can wish to see this continue. Therefore, after long thought and the advice of countless human and non-human Pact members, we are inaugurating a writ of equality applicable to all sentient species within the Pact. From this day forward, all sentient species will enjoy equal status and equal rights, with all the protections and responsibilities accruing thereto.”

Now Chaney was beside her. ”We have pledged,” he said, taking up her thoughts, ”to enforce laws uniformly throughout the Pact, and have taken it as a mandate to reform the exploi- tations and hards.h.i.+ps which have existed previously. For there will be equality within the Pact or there will be no Pact at all.”