Chained Apache Woman Begged Him to Do Anything — The Cowboy Did the Unexpected Thing
Chapter 34
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"To us, maybe," Catherine said. "But to them, we're the oppressors. We overthrew the rightful order. They genuinely believe they're the heroes of this story.""Then we'll have to educate them," Caleb said quietly. "With bullets, if necessary."The room fell silent at that. The reality of what was coming—the violence, the death, the possibility of failure—hung heavy in the air.Clara broke the silence: "Every person here volunteered for this. Every person defending the election knows what they're risking. We're not forcing anyone to fight; we're not conscripting soldiers or threatening deserters. We're just giving people the choice to stand for something better.""And if we lose?" someone asked."Then we lose having tried. Having stood for principle instead of power. Having proven that another way is possible, even if we couldn't make it permanent." Clara looked around the room. "But we're not going to lose, because we have what they don't: actual reasons to fight beyond fear and habit."The council worked through the night, refining plans and addressing contingencies. By dawn, they had a comprehensive defensive strategy and a clear chain of command. They'd done everything preparation could do; the rest was up to courage and luck.The days before the election blurred together in a haze of final preparations. Families began arriving, setting up camps around the mission: some came to vote, others came to help defend; a few came just to witness history, one way or another.Marcus Vance, still imprisoned, watched the activity from his cell window. Clara visited him the day before the election, a conversation she'd been putting off."You're going to fail," Marcus said without preamble. "This whole democratic fantasy will collapse the moment real pressure is applied.""The real pressure is already being applied," Clara replied. "And we're holding.""For now. But wait until the fighting starts. Wait until people die for abstract principles instead of concrete power. See how long your coalition lasts then.""You really believe that, don't you? That power is all that matters. That people only cooperate out of fear or self-interest.""I believe in reality. And the reality is that strength wins. Always has, always will."Clara studied her brother: this man she'd once looked up to, who'd become something she barely recognized. "You're wrong, Marcus. Not about strength mattering—you're right that the world respects power. But you're wrong about where power comes from. You think it comes from fear and violence, but real power, lasting power, comes from people choosing to give it to you. Choosing to follow you because they believe in what you represent.""Naive.""We'll see." Clara turned to leave, then paused. "One more thing. Tomorrow, when the election happens, you're going to have a choice, too. We're offering you the same amnesty we offered everyone else: acknowledge your crimes, accept the council's authority, and you can live out your days in peace, if not freedom.""And if I refuse?""Then you'll be tried for your crimes, and whatever the council decides will be your fate.""They'll want me dead."