Page 303 of Reaper Said Mine

Skahar studies me.

"I knew your father."

My head snaps toward him.

He rarely speaks about my father.

Almost never.

"I know."

"He hated the Combine."

"Yes."

"He had good reasons."

I nod.

Every muscle in my body tightens.

Skahar's expression softens slightly.

"Do you know what else he hated?"

I remain silent.

"He hated dependency."

My throat tightens.

"He hated anyone deciding our future for us."

The old male points toward the Coalition fleet outside, then toward Alliance positions, and finally toward the Combine.

"Tell me which one of those options gives us independence."

No one speaks because there isn't an easy answer.

Ursa finally provides one.

"Neutrality."

The word hangs there, fragile and dangerous. It sounds almost impossible, yet not completely impossible anymore.

Skahar nods.

"Exactly."

I rub a hand across my face. The exhaustion of the last weeks suddenly feels ten times heavier.

"What exactly are you proposing?"

Ursa exhales slowly. The fact that she answers immediately tells me she's spent days thinking about this.

Of course she has.

"I propose using the evidence."