A little while after Black Bolt and Medusa's speech, Auran approaches them. She sighs and bows her head to them. "I do not apologize for wanting change. However, it's my fault I allowed myself to be fooled by Maximus' lies, and for that, I accept full accountability for my actions against you. I won't fight any punishment you deem necessary, but if you truly do intend to change, to allow our people to choose their role in our society, then I would be grateful and honored to continue to serve you."
Black Bolt looks from Medusa to Auran, and he wants to be angry but he can't. This system is wrong, and he knows it. He spent too much of his youth arrogant and selfish, and too much of his leadership hidden away. He never wanted to see the pain his people were in. Locus' words ring in his head. 'Remember, you can change. Please... Be the king we deserve.' He promised her he would. He signs his response.
"'We see the damage the caste system has done to our people and we have every intention to make things right. We will find a way where people can be who they wish to be, and who they need to be. That said, we will still need to discuss how to move forward. And I would like for you to be a part of that conversation.'" Medusa speaks for them.
"Thank you, my king and my queen. I would like to say something else. There's someone I believe deserves to know that Maximus cannot hurt him any more," Auran adds.
Black Bolt nods.
"Bronaja. Maximus forced him to use his gift to alert him of any danger he might be in. The boy was terrified of him, and I don't believe Bronaja's gift is painless," she explains before bowing her head again.
Medusa nods to dismiss her. She looks to Black Bolt after Auran leaves. "That sounds familiar. And do you really think we can trust Auran?"
'You don't?' he signs.
"I don't think she should get off that easily."
'We'll need a new Captain, and she has the people's best interest at heart. I don't trust her, but I trust her judgment.'
~~~~~~~~~
A few days later, Black Bolt and Medusa are continuously talking with the boss of Louise's company as well as discussing with the royal council + Auran changes to be made in their system.
The entirety of their population is living together in a facility until they can get things sorted. Black Bolt notices Bronaja every now and then and finally decides to approach him. He talks to Medusa about it beforehand. Part of him wishes he could talk to him alone by using his telepathy. However, he doesn't want to touch the boy without his consent in case it were to trigger another vision. Medusa is always willing to interpret for him. And they both understand how traumatic this must have been for him. The two of them approach Bronaja's family.
"Bronaja, may we speak with you?"
Both Bronaja and Loyolis stand, Loyolis positioned between his son and the king, but Bronaja steps past his father with a gentle hand on his shoulder for assurance. He steps away with the King and Queen.
"My King, I'm sorry-"
"You have no reason to be sorry Bronaja," Medusa stopped him before he apologized.
Black Bolt begins to sign and Medusa interprets as he does. "'Bronaja, I would like to apologize to for my brother's actions. Auran has informed us that he basically forced you to become his advisor. While your place in the caste system was no more pleasant, you didn't deserve to be manipulated because of your gift. Something no one should have to be. Trust me when I say that I understand that your gift can be very frightening and confusing. I know how it feels to feel helpless and unable to control it.'"
Bronaja looks like he's about to cry. "Thank you, sir."
"'Do the seizures hurt when you see the visions?'"
"Yes."
"'Then I will never ask you to endure them without your consent. And while you would be an incredible help in these uncertain times on Earth, we will not decide for you. This will be asked of every inhuman, but what do you want to be?'"
"I'm not really sure, but... I'd like to help."