Someone else snorted derisively. "What kind of fools do they take us for, anyway?
Claire sank down heavily. "I think I know, she told John, "why you've been getting flak. They're afraid of this sort of thing.
He laughed. "They should be! Jefferson and his gang of rabble were right. They set up a government, and told us what to do if it didn't work for the good of the people. He stood up and whistled for attention. "I'd like you all to meet the woman who made tonight's unscheduled rally possible. This is Claire Fuller, the court-appointed chair of this company's board, and its parole officer. Say hello to your fans, Ms. Fuller.
She stared icily at him. "What are you trying to do?
"Defuse a tense crowd. What did you think? Come on. Loosen up. Meet some of the people who've been empowered by your able stewardship of what may be the most important court case of the next fifty years. If it weren't for you acceding to Reese's screwy idea, it wouldn't have been possible to ignite what you just saw. And that's just the beginning.
Claire looked nervously around at the excited camaraderie. Barbara was standing by the door, applauding. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
THE END
(This is the 7th story in a series that began with "Logical Conclusion/Full Circle")
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