"This hearing provided the chance to have these arguments be made a part of the public record. Referring back to your original question, you gave me the opportunity to demonstrate that it is possible to challengethe law without having to breakit. I'm very grateful for that because it represents the opportunity for future challenges. And I thank you for that, Your Honor."
NEW BEGINNINGS
After that, there was nothing left for the judge to do but pound his gavel. And then there was a lot of shouting and hugging and back‑slapping. People were calling my name and Douglas's name and HARLIE's name. Everyone wanted to talk to us. But Douglas was talking to Mickey, and the two of them were grinning at each other, and that was good news. And Mom and Dad were kissing each other and everybody else. Bobby was hugging me and the monkey was dancing on the table and everybody looked happy.
What it meant, was that we were free to go–anywhere we wanted.
And we could, because all of a sudden we had bids from every colony agency on Luna. They were scrolling up the screen of Douglas's display like a stock ticker. We knew why; they all wanted us to bring the monkey to their world. A lethetic intelligence engine would be the single most valuable tool for managing resources and creating a healthy and self‑sufficient civilization.
But it didn't matter where we went. Anywhere would be okay–as long as we were all together.
The monkey jumped into my lap and looked into my eyes. "Thank you, Charles," it said. "For trusting me."
" Thank you,"I said. " For putting us back together."
"I didn't do that. You guys did. Because that's what you always wanted."
There was more to say, but the noise in the courtroom was getting out of control. "Come on," said Dad, herding us toward the door. "Let's get out of here. I have an idea–"
"No, Dad," Douglas interrupted. "This time it's ourturn to have the good idea."