Chapter 11: The Mallrats Decide
Iris met with the Mallrats the following morning to discuss Ruby's funeral. She explained that it was the custom of the city for the dead to be placed on a bier so all those in the city could come to pay their respects, bringing flowers to be burned along with the body. No one worked on the day of the funeral, and a communal feast was held where stories about the deceased would be told. That night, Iris and the deceased's tribal leader, as well as any family or close friends would stand in front of the entire city and say a few words before the body was set on fire. Iris told the Mallrats that she and the council had decided that if it was their wish, Ruby would be given such a funeral.
Slade choked up with emotion at Iris' words, understanding that it was a big deal for something like a customary funeral to be offered to someone who wasn't part of the city. He looked around and noticed that everyone else seemed to be waiting for him to answer, but to his surprise he found that he couldn't speak. To everyone's shock, it was Ebony who quietly spoke up. "I think . . . that Ruby would have liked it better if she was given a small funeral," Ebony said slowly. "With only the people who knew her . . . and maybe done the same way as you said funerals are done here. I'm sure she would have appreciated your offer for the whole city to attend, but that's what I think she would have wanted."
When she finished, Ebony's eyes narrowed and she looked at the floor angrily, aware that everyone was staring at her. "If that is what you want, I can arrange it," Iris said, looking around at the group. "It is what Ruby would have wanted," Ram said stonily. Iris nodded. "Then I will have everything set up for tomorrow," she told them. "In the meantime, there are things that have come to my attention that need to be discussed. I know I gave you a week to decide if you wanted to stay, but I think the time you have had has been adequate. I meet with the Council in an hour, and I would appreciate the presence of all of you, except the children if you wish to leave them with attendants." The Mallrats gave each other confused looks while Jay stared at the ground, turning red. Both Ebony and Ram saw his face and instantly grew wary. Iris excused herself and went to prepare for the meeting.
The hour passed quickly, and as the group was ushered into the meeting hall, more than a few felt a bit anxious. Every member of the Council was there, as well as Iris in her full regalia. The Mallrats noticed that none of Iris' ladies were present, nor were any other attendants. Iris motioned towards a group of chairs that were placed in the middle of the room facing herself and the Council. "Please sit," she told them. When everyone had taken a seat, she waited for a moment before rising to speak.
"After discussing you all with the Council, I have decided to offer most of you a place to live here in the city," Iris said clearly. "However, there are some of you who need to answer for some things before you can be voted upon." Amber stood up. "I'm sorry," she said coldly, "but you haven't even asked us if we want to remain here. I was under the impression that you would offer us a boat and supplies if we wanted to leave." Iris raised an eyebrow at her tone. "The offer still stands, Amber. If you want to leave, I will have someone take you to the mainland. Am I to understand that none of you wish to stay?" "I'm not sure I want to," Amber snapped. "There are things I don't agree with in the way this city is run."
The Council gave Amber severe glares and began murmuring amongst themselves. Ethan raised his hand and Iris nodded for him to speak. He stood up slowly. "You all must understand that if you remain here and become citizens, one of the conditions under which you can stay is that you will follow our laws. You will not be treated as separate citizens, nor will you be allowed to make your own rules, although you may remain in your tribe." Althea raised her hand as Ethan took his seat. "You will also be required to find jobs and work," she said sternly. "That is also a law of the city. No one receives food or shelter unless they contribute."
Amber looked angry. "You force people to do things they don't want to, and you have laws whose punishments involve murder and slavery!" she cried. "That's barbaric! That's why I don't want to stay! And I don't see the rest of us remaining here, either!" "If that is what . . ." Iris began. Trudy stood up slowly, a pained but resolute look on her face. "It is not what all of us want," she said quietly. Amber jerked around. "Trudy, what . . ." Amber spat out, but Trudy held up her hand and looked up at Iris. "Ever since the virus, I have felt nothing but fear and worry," she said. "After my daughter was born, and everything that has happened to us . . ." She broke off, attempting to control her emotions. "I want a stable place to live, where my daughter can grow up safely and I don't have to continually worry about what will happen!" Trudy turned to Amber with a sad expression. "I want to stay. I don't want to leave. And if you choose to go, I am not going to go with you."
Before Amber could retort, Iris spoke up. "Then we will do this one by one. All those in favor of allowing Trudy to become one of us, raise your hands." Iris and every member of the Council raised their hands in assent. Amber's mouth opened and shut with no sound coming out. Trudy's eyes filled with tears. "Thank you," she said, and sat down. "Salene?" Iris asked. Salene stood up and put her arm on Trudy's shoulder. "I'm tired of all the chaos," she said firmly. "I'd like to stay." "All those in assent?" Iris asked. The council all raised their hands. Iris asked May, Jack, Ellie, Sammy, Gel, and Lottie the same question, and all opted to stay. All were voted in. Amber sat down in a chair, looking sad, confused, and defeated. "What about me?" Lex asked petulantly. Iris smiled. "Do you want to stay?" she asked. Lex crossed his arms. "I'm not too happy about having to work, but I'll stay," he said. The Council voted him in as well. "Sarai will be happy," Iris said with a smile. Lex grinned and leaned back in his chair.
"Slade?" Iris asked. Slade looked up at Iris contemplatively. "Before I answer," he said slowly, "I'd like to know what you meant by some people have to explain some things." Iris nodded, giving him a gentle smile. "Please understand that we here on Genesis Island want nothing but peace and happiness," Iris said soberly. "Therefore, I cannot put my people in jeopardy by allowing people to live here that I know have done terrible things, if I am not sure they have changed. I do wish to be fair, that is why I am allowing Ebony, Jay, and Ram to defend themselves against the rumors we have heard." She turned her attention to Jay. "Jay, I know you wish to stay here," Iris said. "Would you tell your story to us?"
Jay nodded and told the Council exactly what he had told Iris the night before. At the mentions of Ram and the things he had done, the Council members looked appalled. A few even looked at Jay with disgust. When he was finished, Jay sat back down and Iris glanced at the Mallrats. "You all know Jay better than we do," she said. "Is there anything any of you would like to add?" Jack, Trudy, and Ellie all raised their hands. Iris nodded at Jack. "Jay was a Techno once, but he's a great guy!" Jack said. "He'd have a lot to offer you if you let him stay." Jay gave his friend a glance of thanks. Ellie stood up quickly. "I'd just like to say that he never was as cruel to any of us as the other Technos were, even when he was a Techno. He has a lot of good qualities, and we're glad he joined us." "I agree," Trudy said softly. "He is a wonderful man."
Iris waited to see if any of the Council raised their hands, but none did. "Shall we vote then?" she asked. "All those in favor?" More than half of the Council raised their hands. Jay looked relieved, but when he looked over at Amber his face fell. She was staring at him with hurt and pain in her eyes and turned away from his gaze. "Ebony," Iris said, bringing his attention back to the proceedings, "you are next."