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right had he to such feelings? None. None at all. |
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"Something else, Morgan," Anna said. "I just have to say it." |
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"Flying terrifies me now." |
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"Ave will keep us safe," Morgan said. |
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"I keep seeing the flash, seeing us fall." She flinched as she spoke. |
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He noted the curve of her cheek, the way she held her head so that the light did not expose her scars, the soft luster of her redgold hair. Not beautiful. But engaging. Touching. And vulnerable. He said, "Nothing will happen to you that doesn't happen to me first. That's a promise." He was remembering Ave Peters's anecdotes of American betrayal and abandonment. Not this time, he thought. Not you. |
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Anna looked at him quizzically. "I'm not sure that remark is so reassuring, considering what's happened lately. By the way, why are you and Ave Peters so hostile to Ryerson?" |
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Morgan was silent for a moment. "Basic disagreement. Ryerson would sell us all for a story. That's his religion, what he believes in. I have other priorities." |
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"Is that fair? I have friends who are journalists and television news people. They're decent, patriotic folk. Every one of them would be horrified if they thought they were responsible for endangering lives. Even the lives of soldiers, fighting a war that they consider wrong." |
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"You give yourself away with that 'even.' It's easy to be against war, Anna. The 1960s hippies liked to say 'Peace is the natural order of things.' Jesus, even Jane Goodall finally discovered that her chimps fight their little wars, even kill for domination and turf. Does anyone read Clausewitz any more? About war being a human instinct gone politicalthe continuation of politics by other means?" |
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"Why can't we abolish war and killing and brutality? Why can't we spend our energies and our resources on making life better for everyone, everywhere? Why can't there be peace?" |
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