24

As soon as there's a lull in activity, you get to your feet before you can talk yourself out of it. Dina looks up from her notes and gives you her focused attention; apparently you can make yourself seem a lot more confident than you feel.

"Hi—hi, everyone. My name's Huknock ., and I'd just like to say that I think the most important thing we have to do—as a town—is protect Alberobello Forest from being damaged, or destroyed, by these developments."

Straight away, the crowd reacts with curious—uncertain—disagreeing sounds. Dina, at least, keeps a neutral expression as she considers her reply.

"Yes—I think that's a very important point," she says with a nod. "I respect the conviction you have about this issue—although I would hesitate to say that the forest is in any danger of being destroyed. Is there anything in particular that makes you feel strongly about this?"

"Just that it's part of the world we all live in, and if there's nothing left of the natural world—"

"But we don't all live in the forest," someone interrupts from the other side of the hall. "We live in this town, and we need jobs here or we'll—"

"Please, everyone, wait your turn if you have something to say," Dina reminds the crowd. "This is an open floor, not a debate. If you'd like to make your own point about something, you'll get a chance very soon."

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