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"Can you believe this? If you'd told me six years ago…"
Howlett and Owen stood in the shadows, just behind the Blue Moon stage. Howlett was about to step up and make the speech of his life.
"Yeah, life has changed so much, " Owen agreed. "And to be picked to host the Centennial summit is just the sandberry on top."
They looked out over the packed saloon. The guests of honour - representatives of each of the Free Cities, plus a few specially selected others - were seated in front of the stage. Around them, Sandrockers sat at smaller tables with guests that they had specifically invited.
Howlett took a deep breath and Owen patted his father-in-law on his shoulder. "You'll knock 'em dead. I'll introduce you, give it a count of five, then come and join me."
Owen took to the stage, and the gathered crowd fell silent.
"Welcome to Sandrock. Our town has been through a lot over the last few years, but it's my pleasure to introduce to the stage our mayor, who can tell you all about what we've accomplished and what we have planned for the future. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mayor Howlett James."
Howlett stepped on stage to loud applause, his eyes seeking out Flora who sat at one side of the family table. Rose sat between her and Logan, who had James strapped to his chest. Isaac and Andy sat on Flora's other side, next to Haru and Grace, who had arrived from Atara the day before. Two empty seats awaited Howlett and Owen once this was finished.
The applause died down and Howlett took a deep breath.
"Good evening," he said, blinking a little in the lights. For a moment he was transported back to that fireside six years ago when Trudy had announced him her deputy and the town's acting mayor.
Light, that was a lifetime ago. I was a single father of two then. Now…I'd say I have a wife, five kids, Light, even a grandson. But it's more than that. This whole town is my family now.
"I was born and bred in Sandrock," Howlett began. "I remember the town in the heights of the Relic Rush. My pa an' I spent a lot of time escorting parties of relic hunters to keep them safe, but we never considered how to keep the town safe from them. Y'all know how that turned out."
There were murmurs from the crowd, locals like Vivi, Hugo, Cooper and Mabel, who had lived through it with him; incomers like Rocky and Krystal who had arrived as part of that relic rush but found something in town that called to them; newcomers like Max and Mi-an who had worked hard to help restore the town. Even guests like Gustave from the Tallsky Commerce Guild and Master Verna the architect were nodding - what had happened to Sandrock had acted as a lesson to the other Free Cities.
"Then, as you know, Duvos set their sights on our resources and, more importantly, our location. We lost some good people to them. Catherine Carruthers and Theo Duvall were early victims, while Kenny the Geegler and Roger Sanford were killed when we took the battle to them."
Howlett paused for a moment in remembrance for the four of them, along with Martle, the town founder, and her husband Mort who had joined her in the Light just two months ago. Wish Martle had lived to see the town prosper again, but at least Mort did. Hope he told her all about it when they met up in the Light.
He spoke about their fears for the town, about the victory over Duvos and the work that Trudy and Zeke had done with the Geegler botanists to help improve the soil and stop the advance of the desert. How the relics they'd found and all the trees they'd planted had turned things around so the sandstorms were now rare, and even when they did hit they were so much less destructive than before.
"When the letter arrived inviting Sandrock to host the Centennial Summit, well, I just about sh…passed out from the shock of it."
Flora caught his eye and shook her head, but he could see her fighting back a smile.
"Anyway, that invitation was proof that we had achieved our goal, and restored Sandrock to its rightful place as the Jewel of the Eufaula."
He paused and looked round the room again, at friends and family, newcomers and old timers, honoured guests and others that were simply tolerated. Guess I'm finally getting the hang of this politics stuff after all.
"Tomorrow morning, I invite you to join me at the graveyard, where we will hold a memorial service for those we've lost. Then, for the next few days, we have a selection of speeches and panels, details of which are in the programmes on your table. For now, however, please join me in a traditional Sandrock toast. Conserve water!"
All but the youngest Sandrockers responded with a "Conserve water!" of their own. Rose, not wanting to be left out, yelled out "Water, Daddy!" which elicited laughs from the Sandrockers; the out of towners applauded, although they looked a little confused.
Howlett stepped off the stage to where Owen waited for him, and they headed over to their table.
"You did wonderfully, cowboy," Flora said, pulling Howlett down for a kiss.
"Glad it's over with, that's all I'll say," Howlett said as he settled in the seat next to her.
"I ought to go check the kitchen," Owen said.
"It's fine, your pa's in there already," Logan told him. "Says to tell you to sit and relax, it's under control."
At that, several smartly dressed waiters filed out the kitchen with trays of starters. Paul stood next to the door with his arms folded over his chest, shaking his head at his son, his message clear.
"Fine. For now," Owen said. He settled next to Logan and pressed a kiss to their son's head.
Despite Owen's concerns, the meal went off without a hitch, He had designed a menu to show off the best of Sandrock's cuisine, and how they were using the ingredients that Zeke and Trudy's research had made possible. He snuck regular glances over to the guests' tables to check their reactions.
"Sol, it's fine," Logan murmured from beside him. "They're lovin' it."
Indeed the guests were tucking in with gusto, clearing their plates, some even asking about the possibility of second helpings.
Once the plates were cleared, Paul hopped on stage and asked people to move to the bar area to allow the tables to be cleared and the dance floor set up. This was the opportunity for people to mingle.
"You've done splendidly," Gale told Howlett. The Portian mayor had fast become one of Howlett's closest allies. "Sandrock's the envy of the Free Cities, you know."
"Portia hasn't done too badly, either," Howlett replied. "How's the repair work going?"
"All done, thankfully, and not a moment too soon."
"Oh?" Howlett prompted, knowing Gale had gossip he was keen to spill.
"Shiloh's pregnant, she found out just as she finished the last of the school."
"An' Arlo is cut from much the same cloth as Logan, so I can imagine how much work he's letting her do."
"Between you and me, I think she knew before they finished. She just kept it quiet until it was."
Howlett glanced over at the town's two builders, and nodded. "I could see ours doing the same. Not that I can imagine either of them with babies, but you know what I mean. Prioritise work over wellbeing."
Gale signalled to a slender young man in a turtleneck and glasses, who came over to join them.
"Have you met Director Gaudi, Howlett? He's singlehandedly responsible for the Northern Development plans."
"Pleasure to meet you," Howlett said, shaking his hand. "Sounds like you're doing good work up there."
"Yes, thankfully we've managed to wipe away the stink of Commander Avery's involvement. I believe we have you to thank for exposing him?" Gaudi said.
"Weren't my intention, just a happy side effect," Howlett replied. "I'll apologise if I made your life harder, but I won't apologise for dealin' with the threat of Duvos."
Gaudi stared for a moment, then nodded. "That's fair, I guess. You know, given the changes you've made round here, would be good to compare notes. Some of the settlements are starting in a worse position than Sandrock ever was."
"Feel free to stop by City Hall and arrange something. I'll get our engineer and builders involved as well."
Gaudi nodded. "Yes, I've heard good things about them. Would any of them be interested in…"
"Unlikely," Howlett said with a smile. "One of them is my oldest daughter, an' the other two are as good as, too."
"I understand, money can only buy so much loyalty. But you appreciate I have to ask."
"Of course," Howlett replied, resolving to make sure all three of them got a healthy bonus at the end of year. "I'm sorry, I've just seen General Ling, I need to speak to him."
Howlett slipped through the crowd to where the General stood with Bull.
"This is something else," the General said, raising his glass in a toast. "You've outdone yourself, Howlett."
"Never thought I'd see the day," Bull added. "Swear when we were younger, you couldn'ta organised a pi—"
"Careful, Bull," Howlett said, nodding at Andy and Jasmine who sat nearby.
"Light, Hoots, the lad may be quiet, but that young lass has a mouth on her."
"That's Vivi's granddaughter, or as good as," Howlett reminded him.
"Ah."
"You're not scared of an old lady are you?" Ling asked. Howlett and Bull sniggered.
"That old lady? Light, yes I'm scared of her. I still have nightmares about a certain wooden spoon. I'll introduce you later," Bull said, patting the general on his arm.
"Did I hear your daughter call you 'Daddy'?" Ling asked Howlett.
"You did. And before you ask, I have no idea. When she was a baby we tried to get her to say Pa and she wouldn't do it. Just kept sayin' 'Duh', and then 'Da', and finally it's become 'Daddy'. Our Director Qi mentioned it's one of the Pre-Calamity things people used to call their fathers, but I'm sure she's never heard it used like that. She talks fine other than that, so we just go with it. I figure we all got a lil' hitch in our giddyup, so I ain't too worried."
"She's just strange, like her pa," Bull teased, which made Howlett roll his eyes at his oldest friend.
A screech from the stage stopped all conversation, and Howlett realised the floor had been cleared and the Coogo band was tuning up. As Paul stepped up to announce the dance floor open, Howlett looked round for Flora.
"You going to ask me to dance, cowboy?" she asked as he approached.
Howlett swept into an exaggerated bow and held his hand out. "Would be my honour, ma'am."
Rose giggled from next to Flora. "Daddy!" she called, holding her hands out.
"You're next on my dance card, Rosebud," he promised her as Flora stood, smoothing her skirt. "But I promised this first one to your ma. Sit nicely for your brother and we'll be right back."
There were other couples on the dance floor, but Howlett didn't notice anyone other than his wife. At first they danced a traditional two-step, which Flora had long since mastered thanks to Howlett's enthusiasm for practising, but after he spun Flora away from him and back, he gathered her to him and swayed as he held her.
"Well, hello, cowboy," she said, tilting her head up to him with a smile. "Folks will think we have something going on, you holding me like this in the middle of the dance floor."
"I'd hope so, woman, since you're my wife and the mother of most of my kids," Howlett answered. "Just wanted to hold you close for a bit," he admitted.
"Everything all right?" Flora asked, smile fading into a look of concern.
"Naw, nothin' like that. Ev'r'thin's fine. More than. Was jus' thinkin' before that speech how lucky I am, an' you and Rosebud are a big part of that."
"Right back at you, cowboy. If someone had come up to me ten years ago… I'd pretty much given up on love, thought it was a lie."
"Yeah, I'd given up the dream, myself. An' funny thing, next thing I knew, I was pickin' out a ring," Howlett said with smile and a shake of his head. "Love you, darlin', so much."
"Love you too, dearest," Flora said, pulling her husband into a hug as the band finished their song. Howlett squeezed her tight for a moment and then walked her back to their table so their daughter could have her turn on the dance floor.
"Come on then, Rosebud," Howlett said to his daughter as Flora sat back down. He picked her up and spun her round before resting her feet on his.
"Now, the dance floor is busy, so keep your feet on mine until I tell you otherwise, okay?"
"Yes Daddy!"
Holding Rose's hands, he waltzed them round the outside of the dance floor, all while Rose laughed in delight at being allowed to join the gown ups.
She's almost tall enough to dance properly now, he thought. Probably could with a short enough partner, like Mabel or Andy. How on earth did that happen? Still, at least she got her ma's looks!
When they headed back to where Flora was sitting, Howlett found Andy waiting for them. He turned to Rose and mimicked the bow Howlett had given Flora, causing his little sister to giggle before he led her up to dance.
"Cain't believe how much they've both grown up," Howlett said as he settled next to Flora, who rested her head on his shoulder.
Jas sat next to Andy and watched Howlett dancing round the floor with Rose balanced on his toes. She smiled, but sighed, which caught Andy's attention.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
Jas paused. Andy was her best friend. If she could tell anyone, it was him.
"I'm fine, I'm just… one of my few memories of my pa is dancing like that. At least, I think it's a memory. I know Uncle Hoots and Hugo both danced like that with me when I was older. I sometimes worry that I've made up the memories I have of him, you know? Seeing them, though." She sighed again. "I miss my pa. I wonder what life woulda been like if he were still here, you know."
Andy nodded solemnly, but stayed quiet. Jas was glad, she needed to talk, didn't need answers.
"I'm gonna go talk to my ma for a bit," she said as the song ended and Howlett and Rose headed back to where they were sitting.
Trudy looked up in surprise when Jasmine settled next to her. She'd been going through an independent phase, spending very little time with her ma.
"Everything alright, sweetheart?" she asked. Jasmine nodded, but said nothing.
"I just…" Jasmine paused, and picked up the empty bottle from the table, picking at the label.
"What do you think would have happened if Pa had lived?" she finally blurted out.
"Well, that's a good question," Trudy said. "Truth be told, I have no idea. Your pa was a good man, and a good mayor, but he was a very different mayor from Howlett. I think he'd have dealt with everything that happened, and I'd like to think we'd have the same outcome, but it would have been a very different route."
"I wish he coulda been here to see this," Jasmine said, sighing. "But if he was still here, this might not have happened. It's confusing."
"It absolutely is," Trudy said, pulling her daughter into a hug. "I've learned over the years that while it's good to think on those we've lost, and it's OK to miss them, there's no point dwelling on what might have been."
"I guess. I mean, I suppose it had to happen the way it did for Andy to move to Sandrock. And Alo." She blushed slightly at that last one, which made Trudy smile. No matter how she tried to hide it, Jasmine's crush on Alo was obvious to almost everyone. Except maybe Alo himself.
Half an hour later, and with the gloomy mood shaken off, Jas found herself two stepping around the room with Andy.
"Looks like Uncle Hoots did a good job teaching both of us," Jas told him.
"Pappi and Mutti both enjoy dancing," Andy replied, "they make it look easy and fun."
As the song started to wind down, Jas felt a tap on her shoulder.
"May I cut in?"
She turned to find herself face to… chest… with Alo, and swallowed. She and Andy had been best friends since he arrived, but he was like her brother. Alo, on the other hand, she'd been crushing on since he'd arrived in town to join his ma, once Catori World was up and running.
"Um…" she tried to answer but nothing would come out. Andy nudged her from behind, almost pushing her into Alo. "Um, yes," she finally squeaked out.
They made it once around the room before the song changed, swapping for something slower. Jas started to head back to the seats, but Alo kept hold of her hand.
"Dance with me again?" he asked. It was all Jas could do to nod, as he pulled her closer and they started a slow waltz around the room instead.
If I do nothing else tonight, I'll go home happy, Jas thought to herself as she rested her head on Alo's shoulder.
Logan and Heidi sat in a corner, feeding James and Minerva. Howlett had hired a couple of girls from Miya's village and set them up as childcare in one of the rooms upstairs. Most of the children had spent the dinner period up there, served a special meal, although some had come downstairs to join the dancing. The two babes in arms, though, had spent the evening with their parents.
"Least these wraps mean they can sleep when they need to," Heidi said. "Athena was a terror if she missed her nap, wish I'd found these sooner."
"To be honest, was lookin' for somethin' that would let me take James out on Rambo," Logan replied with a grin, "but Owen's not keen on the idea, wants to wait until he can walk, at least!"
"Only you, Logan James, only you!" Heidi replied, laughing. "Oh, that's what I wanted to ask, did Debbie an' Paul have any update on Jean?"
"Apparently she is, an' I quote, the best thing to happen to me since I met Debbie according to Paul. High praise indeed."
"Definitely. Given my ma died an' yours disappeared, they were one of the solid couples we had to look up to growin' up."
"Who was that?" Owen asked as he settled next to Logan.
"Your folks," Heidi said. "Was asking how Jean was gettin' on."
"Oh, both my folks love her," Owen said. "Seems she was just what they needed, the business is flourishing. She even seems to be gettin' real friendly with one of the regulars."
"Ooh, don't let Cal hear that," Heidi said. "For all he tried to play if off as casual, I think it hit him harder than he expected when she left."
Logan nodded. "Yeah, kid's spending a lot of time at at the Outpost just now."
"Gee, I wonder where he learned that trick from?" Heidi teased.
"To be fair, at least he comes back on the regular."
Justice appeared, and sat next to his wife.
"Oh, that's nice timing," Heidi said, taking the bottle from Minerva and passing her over. "She's just finished feeding, so you can settle her. Where have you been, anyway?"
"Just got caught by Li-Jun from Walnut Groove. She had sooo many questions about the issues we'd had with the Church here, thinks she might have similar there. Finally managed to pass her over to Adrian, but man, that woman can talk."
"Hear he's plannin' on retiring next year?" Logan asked. "You thinkin' of movin' upwards?"
"Not a chance. If anything, Adrian leaving means that I might step away from the Church. Bill was talking about expanding the Civil Corps some more."
"Makes sense. There's a lot of people wanting to move to Sandrock, according to m'pa, place is gettin' bigger."
"Think we can do it without repeatin' the mistakes of the past?" Owen asked.
"Totally. There's already plans for licences for ruin diving - an' they're not cheap. Going to bring some money into the town an' scare off some of the less serious ones. Pa's got plans to talk to Curie from Vega 5 while she's here, make arrangements with their researchers for any finds, too."
"Not Atara U?" asked Heidi. "I'm crushed! But seriously, I get it. Both universities have different specialisms, and relics are definitely better suited to Vega 5." She paused and took a mouthful of sandberry juice. "All the new construction in town has been designed to impact the ecosystem as little as possible. And lemmetellya, Catori was not too happy about havin' to spend all that extra coin to make sure no corners were cut."
"Yeah, well, better that than the fines m'pa has been implementing for failin' to do it. She'll make it back," Logan said.
"Definitely," Owen agreed. "The hotel and food service alone…well, I'll just say I'm glad I was smart enough to say yes when she cut me in on that."
"Pfft, she'd'a been stupid to ask anyone else," Logan said.
"You know Ma an' Pa are talkin' about moving here?" Bill asked Letty. "Pa is planning on retiring later this year."
"Oh great," Letty said with a sigh. "I mean, I love them an' all, but my relationship with Ma is much better now we're not living so close together. Plus, I reckon you and I get on better without her interference. You're not nearly as much of a jackass now," she added.
"Hey, now," Bill protested, but then tilted his head in acknowledgement of his sister's point. "But we've been here, what, three, four years? We've got a decent support built up. They're coming to us."
"Hmmm, maybe."
"You think Ma might want in at the clinic?" Bill asked Letty.
"Not a chance," his sister replied with a snort. "Can you imagine her dealing with Xena?"
"Yeah, Ma's far more comfortable with smaller animals," Bill said. "Errol is more her speed."
"Errol's adorable, though," Max added. "I did ask Logan about how to get one!"
"You only get animals like that as pets if they've been abandoned," Letty told her. "but we are looking to formalise some sort of rescue for the odd one we do find, so if any need fostered, I'll let you know. You planning animals instead of babies? Ma will love that."
Max shrugged. "Maybe, we haven't decided yet. Jean asked us about our plans when she was looking to give James up. Oh, I don't think there was ever a chance that Lo an' Owen wouldn't take him, but she wanted to be clear in her options, I think they even encouraged her to look at every possibility. But we talked an' if we do go that route, we'd like an older kid. What about you?"
Letty looked at Fang, who smiled and nodded.
"We always said we'd have them sooner or later, looks like it might be sooner," Letty said, smiling. "Just keep it quiet for now, please. Want to wait til I'm a bit further along before we start telling everyone."
"Another month. Past first trimester," Fang added.
"Makes sense," Max said. "Congratulations, though. And Bill?"
"Yes darlin'?"
"You repeat one word of that to anyone and you're on the sofa for a month. Understand?"
"Yes, darlin'," he replied, with a put upon sigh that made the others laugh.
"Can't believe you've outlasted me, Hoots. Don't see you ever retirin'," Bull said. "Still can't believe you pulled this off."
"I can't either, to be honest. Light, I still can't believe the last few years. Still expect to wake up some mornin's lyin' on a pallet in the desert somewhere. How long have you got left?"
"Bout six months, give or take. Started training up my replacement last month - Lamont. Bit of a dummy some days, but he's a good kid overall. Light, I'm saying kid. He's just turned forty."
"Got plenty of good ideas, though," Haru added, "and doesn't treat me like a country bumpkin, like some of them."
"Light are they still doing that?" Bull asked.
"Nah, least not most of the time. Every so often though, I still get someone that underestimates me because I'm from Sandrock." He shrugged, but Howlett could see it still smarted.
"Next time they…" Bull started to say, but Haru waved away his uncle's concerns with a grin.
"Oh they learn better pretty quick. The best part of it is, when they try to pull one over on me, seeing the light go out in their eyes when I win!"
"That's fair," Howlett said, "ain't no way some city slicker is gettin' one over on a Sandrocker!" They all laughed in agreement.
"Anyway, Bull, you got your eye on a property here, or are you gonna get one built?"
"Built, I think. I can still do stairs, but that won't last forever. Best to design something with that in mind. Max has offered her time and services towards it. Now that side of the tracks has been opened up for building, makes sense."
"Be good to have you back," Howlett said. "An' I know Flora misses Shar, too."
"Adrian's talking bout retiring, too, maybe in another year or so. Not planning on moving here, wants somewhere a bit more temperate, but said he and Bex will visit at least."
"Be good to meet her, Justice speaks highly of her."
They glanced up at the dance floor, where Mabel was dragging Adrian round, showing him the Sandrock two-step. Near them, General Ling was waltzing round the floor with Vivi, looking more shellshocked than if he'd faced a cadre of Duvos soldiers. Isaac sat near Flora, watching Vivi fondly.
"Are they actually, you know…"
"I've never asked," Howlett replied blandly. "There's some things I just don't need to know about, an' my father in law's love life is one of them!"
"You okay?" Opal asked, patting Zeke's hand.
"Yeah, I just wish my pa could have been here to see this, is all. After all the work he put in, well he and my ma, he deserved it."
"He did, but I'm sure he's in the Light, with your ma, watching and smiling," she replied.
"I hope so. So much of what he did, he did to honour her memory. Sometime I do wonder if she'da wanted it, though. Maybe she'da preferred we found an easier life."
"Nothin' good in life is easy," Rocky said. "Bin tough gettin' here, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
"'Sides, life goes on," Krystal said, nodding towards the dance-floor, where Rose was trying to teach Pebbles to two-step, under her mother's watchful eye. "That's the future of Sandrock there. Seein' the town grow, all the kids. Well, you know how it is, Opal."
Opal nodded. She'd delivered the last half dozen additions to town, and knew about the upcoming ones. Not that she'd share before the parents were ready, of course.
"To the future of Sandrock," she said, holding her glass in a toast to the rest of the table.
Despite it being the height of summer, it was as if the weather itself recognised what was happening the following morning. Clouds shaded the sun as locals and visiting dignitaries alike took the solemn walk to the graveyard.
Howlett nodded at Stev. The former Duvosian soldier had returned to Sandrock at the beginning of the year, looking for a fresh start. He'd apprenticed with Mort - an' maybe the old boy knew something he didn't tell us, even then, Howlett mused - and took over when Mort had passed. Today, he would help Howlett co-ordinate the memorial, and had agreed to say a few words himself. Howlett had personally invited him to the gala the night before, but he had declined.
As the clock struck eleven, Howlett stepped up in front of the memorial in the centre of the graveyard. Mort had kept the candles burning all those years, and Stev continued to do so. It represented not only Martle, but all those who had been lost.
"Good morning," Howlett said, lifting his hat from his head and holding it across his chest.
"While this Summit is a chance to celebrate how far Sandrock has come from our depths during the relic rush, it's only fair that in doing so, we acknowledge those we lost that made it possible.
"The desert is harsh, and when Martle founded the town her hope was that it would be an oasis for travellers. She'd already seen how many had been lost in trying to make it this far into the desert. Over the years, she and Mort were mostly successful in that quest, but there were still losses. Each year, the sandstorms grew stronger, and claimed their victims, although some survived." He paused and nodded at Zeke, who had been adopted by Mort and Martle after his own parents had been lost to a storm.
"We did what we could, but their names are all around us here, their memories live on. There is an Old World saying, Do you not know that a man is not dead as long as his name is still spoken? By that token, those that gave their lives to make Sandrock what it is today will remain with us for a very long time.
"Mort, Martle, Zvonimir, Isea, Ahok, Lin-lin, they all did their parts over the years, and their stories can be found on their gravestones, and in the archives of the Tumbleweed Standard. We honour their memories, and their parts in making Sandrock the town it is.
"More recently, you are aware of the battles we fought here against Duvos." he paused and nodded towards Stev. "Catherine Carruthers and Theo Duvall were killed in an attempt to keep the traitors' actions hidden. It didn't work.
"During the battle, other lives were lost. One of the Geeglers, a loyal fighter called Kenny was killed just to show that they could. The man who killed him, an Alliance traitor, killed two of his own at the same time, for the same reason. Later in the battle, a good man, Roger Sanford, made the ultimate sacrifice to buy us the chance to finish the fight. Their names, their memories live on in our gratitude for their actions."
Howlett paused and nodded to Stev, who stepped forward.
"When Mayor Howlett ask me to say a few words, I was unsure. I am from Duvos. What right do I have to to honour our dead. But I realised, I am not here to make excuses for Duvos. We too lost men during the battle. We lost them when our commander decided to make an example of them. We did not lose men to the Sandrockers who fought for their peace and freedom. When the opportunity arose, a number of us chose to defect in the hope of finding a better life."
Howlett glanced over to Andy, who stood solemnly with Flora, his eyes on the ground as he listened. He had been one of the defectors, but due to his young age, his situation had been very different. As if he felt his pappi's eyes on him, Andy looked up and smiled.
"In the end, Sandrock was the making of us, too." Stev gave a small smile and stepped back.
"Thank you," Howlett said, nodding at Stev. "We honour those we have lost, including our founder, Mort, who passed so recently. But we honour the living too, the people that make Sandrock."
He paused and looked around at those who were at the heart of the town, "Sandrock is a melting pot, only about half the people who live here are originally from here. But wherever they come from - Meidi, Highwind, Tallsky, Atara, Portia, Seesai and, yes, even Duvos - they are Sandrockers at heart. So while today we look back at out past, we are also looking forward. This Summit offers opportunities none of us would have though possible, even five years ago. Director Gaudi has been instrumental in the Northern Development Project, expanding the Free Cities, and will happily discuss it with anyone who is wanting to know more. Director Curie has expressed interest in the work we have been doing with Geeglers to develop the biocrust that is improving out farming prospects. Master Verna is interested in studying the Old World architecture in our local ruins, some of which is apparently unique in the Free Cities."
Howlett paused again and nodded to Owen who slipped out the graveyard and headed towards the nearby stable.
"For now, I would like you to join me in a minute's silence."
Quiet spread across the crowd. The only sound was the breeze rustling the leaves of the bushes. Even the birds were silent.
fifty-six elephant, fifty-seven elephant, fifty-eigh—
Howlett had arranged with Owen for a single firework to be released to mark the end of the silence, but as it neared the close, the clouds above them cleared slightly, shining a single ray of sunlight directly onto the memorial.
—nine elephant, sixty elephant, go Howlett finished in his head as the rocket took off and exploded above them.
"Thank you for your time people, please enjoy the events over the next few days!"