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Then point it in front of you, Pedro.

But that's—

Don't worry about it going off, or accidentally touching the switch on some Arts unit.

I've talked to Judge Lavinia. These mafiosi have been declared outlaws under the New Urban Management Act...

No one is going to hold you responsible if you accidentally shoot them.

So, take a deep breath, and hold your weapon firm. We're protecting Justice Lavinia, protecting the courthouse, and protecting ourselves.

But, Eirene...

Listen.

What?

The cheering. It's getting nearer and nearer.

The parade will reach Court Square in just a few more minutes.

How will the people interpret what they see? They're the ones who will pass judgment.

The law needs only facts, doesn't it?

Eirene's voice is trembling, but the crossbow in her hand is firm. Suddenly, Lyudmila feels like she is looking at a stranger.

The beast masked-figures on one side, the truck drivers on the other, like they are standing on two sides of a river.

There is no weapon on the ground, only shattered boxes. The weapons are in their hands.

Everyone hears the sounds filling the air.

The rumbling of floats, impromptu band performance, the spirited yelling of acrobats... the parade draws ever closer.

Then, sounds that are fainter, but even more audible. The sound of guns being loaded and locked, Arts units being activated, crossbow safeties pins being unlocked...

There is nowhere to hide. There is nowhere to run.

No one has moved, yet. At the first shot, the dammed river will burst, and the tide of madness will wash over everything.

No one speaks. Nerves are wound to the very tightest. Everyone is listening to the sounds, and their own racing heartbeats.

A new day will dawn upon Nuova Volsinii soon.

But the night is long.