A Chorus of Stars

[Snoofman]

Disclaimer: Outsider and any and all related content is the intellectual property of Jim Francis a.k.a. Arioch. Please support Arioch on Patreon.com

Author's note: hey ya'll. Guess who's back? Been busy with work as well as catching up with some other things in my life. Hopefully next chapters should not take too long to write. I ought to come up with a name for this entire series I'm writing. The problem is coming up with something clever. Maybe Endurance series or something. Anyhoo, here comes the first chapter of the next installment. Summary: Greywind contemplates her options as she is forced to decide between preparing for war with humanity or pursue peace. Forced to postpone the Council meeting as the weight of the decision falls on her shoulders, she pays the Island a visit to see her prodigy and wards. Where she also witnesses the progress of the project that may unravel the human lotai thanks to data collected from Ben as well as Twoface and Dawn.

Constructive criticism is always welcome. I hope you enjoy it.

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Endurance series timeline:
(+) Wind and Fire
(+) Deliverance
(+) Dawn
(+) A Chorus of Stars
(+) Undercurrent

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A Chorus of Stars



I - A Serious Matter

<->

It was the standard year of unification, 1898. The Loroi Union had expanded exponentially for the last twenty-one years since the Great War’s end. Interstellar enterprises thrived. The extraction of resources from the Spinward Territories of the Local Bubble had enriched many sapients. Though not all.

It ought to have given Greywind cause to celebrate and be happy. But truth be told it didn’t. All this apparent progress seemed to distract the well-to-do from the Union’s problems. Particularly the Diadem’s concerns with the dissolution of the Terran Colonial Authority and the rise of the newly formed Terran Confederacy. A geopolitical concern which Greywind’s Diaderets seemed to be pressing her endlessly about. A subject that had practically every Torrai across the Union riled up, save for a few sympathetic to humanity at large.

Greywind’s secretaries were hard at work, receiving and answering messages from Torrais from every sector of the Union. Each one voicing her outrage at the apparent ‘second lotai incursion’ made by Terran Raiders. To which Greywind had repeated time and again: “The actions of a criminal minority cannot be confused with the nature of an entire species. Humanity is an ally of the Union. And the Union does not harm its allies.”

That combined with the Emperor’s repeated refusals to approve war had further enraged many Commanders. All of them accusing their once fearless and unstoppable Emperor of becoming too lenient. A few Admirals were shamelessly encouraging these aggressive attitudes.

Either compelled by the pressure of the influential masses or by their own desire, a growing majority of Diaderets were also calling for war against humanity. Greywind had kept her promise to the Terran envoys one tozon prior to veto against any call for war. That combined with the strength and unity of her still strongest supporters was the only thing preventing the Union from plunging into a second war.

Greywind, along with those still desiring a more peaceful resolution to this crisis, assured the Council that the Terran government would wipe out the Terran Raiders. And while the Terrans seemed to make good on their agreement, the newly formed Terran Confederacy had further complicated things. Tensions between humanity and the Union were higher than before. Loroi diplomatic officers permitted entry into Terran territory were watched by human officials with suspicious scrutiny, making it harder for Mizols dispatched to the Terran worlds to analyze the state of Terran affairs or sneak back tactical intel.

The Emperor brooded silently on the deck of the villa she was occupying as she watched falling debris burn its way into Deinar’s sky. She remembered her night with Ben all those years ago as they sat on this same deck.

“Shooting stars,” the Emperor mumbled nostalgically. The memory was a comfortable distraction.

Greywind thought back on Ben’s seventh year when she sat alone with him on West Ginazeigo’s grassy fields to admire the stars, telling him about old Deinar fables. Including the ancient fable of Starsong. A Loroi from the Chaos Legends who was said to hear whispers from the stars themselves. Some Loroi in those ancient times believed the stars were sentient spirits. And so would pray to the celestial bodies for guidance and wisdom.

If only it were true, thought Greywind. The stars indeed had great power. Just not the kind to steer the Loroi and humanity from its current predicament.

The Emperor’s reminiscence was interrupted as a Praetorian entered her range. >Forgive for the disturbance, Azerein,< sent the guard. >But Torrai Oirel Lodestone has requested entry.<

>Lodestone? Let her in.<

Lodestone entered the villa, joining her cousin at the deck. >Greetings, Greywind.<

>Lodestone, is there some urgency?< Greywind asked.

>Sort of. I know it’s not a convenient time, but I couldn’t sleep. I was-< Lodestone hesitated to reveal her late night activities and sent tactfully, >-busy. Besides, I had to speak with you.<

Greywind sighed. >Well, I suppose now is as good a time as any. I couldn’t sleep myself. Have a seat.<

>How opportune.< Lodestone took a seat by the Emperor. >I’m surprised that you’re content to be alone tonight. Not interested in some male company?<

Greywind shrugged. >I had a visitor tonight already. It was pleasant. But I sent him back to his pagoda.<

Lodestone raised an eyebrow. >So soon?<

>You know me. I prefer to sleep alone.<

Lodestone quirked an eyebrow. >Except when it comes to a certain ward of yours.<

Greywind shot her cousin a dirty look. >Just what are you insinuating?<

>Nothing,< Lodestone held up her hands defensively.

Now Greywind was insulted. >I share a bed with Ben to explore our link within the dreamscape. If you are entertaining some perverse nonsense-<

>Peace, Greywind! Just a little joke.<

Greywind huffed annoyedly. >What was the urgency of your visit? Was it to antagonize me?<

>As amusing as it is to antagonize you from time to time,< Lodestone admitted, >no. I had to speak with you concerning a more urgent matter.<

Greywind lay her head back to gaze at the heavens. >Well then, speak.<

>Greywind, tomorrow is an important day. A very important day.<

>As if I were not already aware.<

Tomorrow was the Diadem Convention hosted every twelve tozons. Cry of the Wind had returned to the Imperial Seat six standard days ago for this event. Now Greywind and her comrades enjoyed some shore leave while they waited for the rest of the Diaderets from across the Union to arrive. Councilors from every sector would be submitting reports of their assigned territories’ happenings. Disclosing how well they governed their respective territories or how dire their situations had escalated. No doubt there would be plenty of appeals for more funding or more warriors. In this new era of expansion, there always was.

>Greywind, I am concerned about our standing with the Council,< Lodestone admitted. >Specifically on the matter concerning the Terrans. I must be frank with you, many are not pleased with how you’ve handled the situation.<

Greywind eyed her cousin. >I am making the best of a difficult situation. I do not regret my choice to veto calls for war. I have still plenty of Diaderets and Commanders who support me. Along with half the Alien Assembly.<

>So do your opponents,< Lodestone pointed out. >Greywind, many Torrais feel that you’ve lost courage. That you’ve become compromised by sentiment.<

>Shred what they think,< Greywind snarled.

>They accuse you of sympathizing with humanity more than your own people.<

>Nonsense.<

>Greywind, hear me,< Lodestone implored. >When the entire Council convenes, many will demand war. You can veto. And may be right to do so. The Terrans are an independent ally who aided us in our most desperate time. No denying that. But it does not change this fact: the Terrans are growing stronger. Faster than we anticipated. Within sixty-four tozons their empire could match our own. In territorial size as well as weaponry. They are our allies now. But what happens if suddenly they decide not to be. The cost of the war many nans from now would be far more devastating than the price we pay if we launched a preemptive strike now. It is a real possibility too dangerous to ignore.<

Greywind locked eyes with her Chief of Staff. >Are you suggesting we go to war with humanity then?<

Lodestone sighed helplessly. >Truly I do not want another war. I do think there is a possibility for peace between our nations. But in the current state of things, we cannot sue for peace and keep the Council satisfied. If the Terrans will not join us, then they are dangerous. That is how many in the Council see it. That is how many Torrais see it.<

Greywind scoffed. >I know. Our Mizols in Terran space have warned me that the officials of the Confederacy have turned public opinion against the Loroi. Though their envoys assure us that they desire peace, their military expansion says otherwise. Some humans are sympathetic to the Union, but these humans’ opinions are annulled by their government. They lack the competency to organize and enact any effective change that could turn public human opinion in our favor.<

>As terrible as it seems, a preemptive strike would secure our dominion,< Lodestone suggested.

The Emperor speculated: >Alright then. Suppose I change my position. I withdraw the veto and approve a declaration of war. Then what? We charge into Terran territory, decisive and quick. Obliterate their navy. Force their government officials to surrender under threat of fire. We deploy Mizols to eliminate any military of government officials detrimental to Loroi rule. The Terran Confederacy falls. We establish military outposts to secure our dominion. We entice our new human subjects into obedience with the promise of fair treatment and benefits their government could not provide. The Loroi triumph once more. But for one fallacy: many humans will not accept Loroi rule. Driven by self-determination, these humans form rebel factions that launch terrorist attacks against our warriors. The Planetary Governors overseeing humanity demand the authorization of lethal force. Should the Council choose aggression over diplomacy, I have no choice but to concede. Teidars are deployed, shredding the human resistance whilst unable to differentiate fighter from bystander. Human civilians get caught in the crossfire. Now the human populace, convinced that we Loroi are vicious oppressors with no regard for human life, forget our gifts and join the rebellion. Riots ensue. The Loroi, overwhelmed and frightened, retaliate by culling the humans and attempt to concentrate the remaining humans into controlled communities. Stripping them of rights and restricting reproduction. News of these actions reaches the Alien Assembly. The shocked Universalists are convinced that collaborative genocide of humanity is at work. Now the Diadem is accused of war crimes and attempted holocaust. Unwilling to compromise, members of the Alien Assembly defect, forming their own independent nations in direct opposition to the Loroi. Can you guess what happens after that?<

Lodestone’s gaze fell to the floor. >You present a real possibility, cousin. But we don’t know for sure that will happen. There is also a chance we could pacify the humans and the Alien Assembly to avoid such a catastrophe.<

>Are you willing to bet the Union’s future on it?<

>You seemed to put the Union’s future on the line when you crushed opposition to make your engine for total war against the Hierarchy.<

>A necessary gambit under completely different circumstances. If I declare war now, we risk shattering the Union. If I choose the veto, I lose more influence over the Council as well as our subordinate Torrais.<

>Precisely my point,< Lodestone sent respectfully. >Greywind, if the Council turns against you, you could lose the throne. Lose the throne and we lose our authority. Everything we worked for could be undone. Our reformations. Our oversight to uproot corruption. Worse yet you would lose control of the project. In which case you could lose custody of Dawn and Ben.<

>I know,< admitted Greywind. >I had hoped by investing in diplomatic relations, we could foster a strong enough alliance that would coax humanity into joining the Union. But, no thanks to reckless Torrais destroying civilian freighters and the rise of the Confederacy, diplomatic relations have been ruined. The Terrans are more terrified of us than ever before. They will never join. Whatever we choose now, there will be repercussions.<

>So then,< Lodestone pleaded, >what are we going to do?<

>I don’t know.< Greywind lay back in her seat, gazing up at the rings of Deinar. >Lodestone, I don’t have the patience for this discussion anymore. Let us leave it till the meeting. I just want to watch the night sky.<

Lodestone sighed. >Whatever you choose, I beg only one thing: don’t jeopardize all that we have built.<

>Everything I have done was for the betterment of the Union. You think I would go through all that just to toss it aside over sentiment?<

>I hope not.< Lodestone rose from her seat. >Until tomorrow then, cousin. Now if you’ll excuse me, I am going to enjoy some more intimacy with Softgold and Marble.<

Greywind gave her cousin a questionable look. >You’ve been enjoying the company of two males? Doesn't that seem excessive?<

>Coupling is no fun when it is ordinary. There's nothing more exhilarating than having two blades in one sheath,< Lodestone sent with a grin, complimenting the message with some erotic memories.

>Spare me the details!< begged Greywind.

Lodestone chuckled as she left.

What debauchery, thought Greywind just after Lodestone slipped out of her detectable range. The old Emperor tried focusing the night sky. But even the gorgeous sight of Deinar’s rings and burning trails of falling debris were not enough to put her mind at ease. Greywind needed another distraction. She could ask her kin, Fertile Spring to join her and present one of his latest compositions. But Spring would not doubt be either asleep or engaged in coital activity.

Returning within the villa, Greywind setup a holographic display and began transmitting an encrypted message. Some minutes passed before a human youth dressed in nightwear entered the hologram’s projection, giving the illusion that speaker and receiver occupied the same space.

“Emperor?” said the holographic image of Ben. The thirteen year old rubbed his tired eyes.

“Hello, Ben,” Greywind greeted.

“Um, hi,” Ben mumbled, struggling to wake up. “I heard from the elders that you arrived a couple days ago. Is, uh, something wrong?”

“No, Ben,” Greywind assured her ward. “No urgency.”

“Oh. But it’s really late.”

“I am aware, Ben. I… just wanted to see you. And speak with you… unless you would rather rest.”

“Oh, uh, no,” Ben tried to suppress a yawn. “I always love talking with you, Emperor.” He took a seat to get comfy. “So, um… what’s up?”

“Well I…” Greywind was drawing a blank. Usually she always had a subject ready to keep a conversation going, but for some odd reason she came short. “… I… seem to have forgotten.”

“Oh.” The two sat in silence, each looking for something of substance to say. “Well, um… it’s, uh, good to see you.”

“I am happy to see you as well,” Greywind said with an unhappy look. Greywind twiddled her thumbs as she searched for a worthy subject. She found one. “Ben, would you like to play a game?”

All trace of exhaustion seemed to leave Ben as he said vigorously, “Let’s do it.”

“Excellent.”

Setting up separate monitors on either end of transmission, ward and warden skimmed through a selection of games. Greywind usually chose strategy games to stimulate Ben’s tactical skills, but this time she allowed Ben to choose. Seemed fair judging that she woke him up at such an odd time. Ben chose a video game called Shell Shock. A Terran side-scroller in which playable characters ventured through alien terrains fighting Umiak troops. The gameplay was disappointingly too simple for Greywind’s taste. Though she did find the cartoonish illustration of the game’s playable characters, human and Loroi, to be humorous. Especially the way each playable character slaughtered Shells in comical fashion.

Now Greywind played as Teidar Mindbreaker alongside Sergeant Murphy, played by Ben. Shredding their way through hordes of Shell regulars and hardtroopers, they came face to face with a Shell Boss. Greywind activated her character’s special ability. Floating above the ground, Mindbreaker recited, “Litto mibel,” before unleashing a powerful PK attack against the Shell Boss.

“Litto mibel?” Greywind commented. “The Terrans’ that designed this game seemed terribly uneducated in Trade grammar.”

Said Boss began calling in reinforcements, whose incoming fire Sergeant Murphy dodged in time. Greywind groaned as Mindbreaker refused to keep up with her player’s commands and was shot dead.

“You used your special ability too early,” said Ben. With a tap of a button, Sergeant Murphy whipped out an oversized rocket launcher, hammering the Shells with a barrage of rockets. Hopping down to base level, Sergeant Murphy revived Mindbreaker.

The two continued their attack before the Shell Boss trembled, signifying its defeat before exploding into a spray of flames and debris. Their stats and points were revealed at the end of the round. Ben leading ahead by leagues.

“Boy, you stink,” Ben snickered.

“Overlooking your insubordinate comment,” Greywind concealed her annoyance, “I do not stink. And my title is not ‘Boy’.”

“Well, you’re still pretty bad at Terran games.”

“And you seem awfully boastful for such an inferior tactician.”

“Don’t be such a poophead,” Ben snickered.

Greywind narrowed her eyes, but forgave her ward for his insult. As long as they kept this form of teasing private, it was tolerable.

While they advanced through the rest of the game, Greywind finally found something to talk about. “How is your training progressing?”

“It’s going well,” said Ben, mashing the controls from his end. “I’ve gotten really good at lishranen now. Not even the Loroi can beat me.”

Greywind nodded approvingly. “I am pleased to hear it. And your studies?”

Ben shrugged. “It’s okay.”

Greywind cast her ward a skeptical eye. “I have reports from the creche’s teachers that seem to say otherwise.”

Ben said nothing.

“Ben, we have talked about this. It’s not enough simply to be a competent fighter. You must develop a masterful mind. This will be an essential skill for your warrior career.”

“I’m sorry, Emperor. I’m trying to keep up with my studies. I’m always taking notes.”

“Ben, I think you are treating your studies in the wrong manner. It is not a matter of ‘keeping up’, as you put it. Taking notes is a useful tool, but it is not enough. It is a matter of understanding what is presented to you. And then retaining it.”

“I swear I’m trying my best, Emperor. Some of it is interesting. But the rest of it is really hard. I can’t remember like a Listel. Oh, crap!” Ben cursed as his distraction cost Sergeant Murphy his life.

Mindbreaker came quick to Murphy’s rescue by the Emperor’s direction. “I certainly hope you are trying your best, Ben. I would be sad if you weren’t.” Greywind noticed Ben’s downed expression. “Ben… when I was young like you, my own mother tutored me. Did you know that?”

Ben shook his head. “No.”

There was the evidence that Ben still did not know about their secret bond. Greywind carried on, “My mother was terribly strict with me. But she wanted me to have an intellectual and tactical advantage that most other Loroi are not gifted with before commencing trials. Believe me it was agonizing. But… it did give me an ‘edge’… as a human would say. I want you to be all that you can be… because I will have great need of you eventually.”

“Need me for what?”

“I cannot tell you now, Ben. You will know when the time is right.”

Ben sputtered, “Fine. Keep your secrets.”

“Yes, I will.”

They kept shredding digital Shells in content silence. Until Ben had to pause the game.

“Is something wrong?” Greywind asked.

Ben set down his hand controller. “Emperor… I need to ask you something.” Greywind set down her controller before waving her hand in approval. The words came out slow and nervously, “Is there… um… is there going to be a war?”

Greywind’s expression remained neutrally unchanged. “Why do you ask?”

“I… I’ve heard some people at the creche here talking about it,” Ben admitted. “Loroi and human.”

“I see.”

“Well…” Ben looked into Greywind’s eyes. “That’s not going to happen… is it?”

Greywind gazed into the blue eyes of her ward. Those eyes fearing the answer yet hoping it bore good news. “Ben, our diplomatic officers are hard at work to ensure that that does not happen. It is… difficult to say with certainty.”

“I don’t want a war,” Ben mumbled.

“Neither do I, Ben. But we must be prepared to fight if it happens. That is a warrior’s duty. Mine. And yours.”

Ben contemplated silently before asking, “Emperor… if there was a war… you know, between the Terrans and the Union… do I have to…”

Greywind noticed his hesitation. “Speak your mind, Ben.”

“Would I have to fight the Terrans?”

“Does the idea of fighting Terrans bother you?” Ben hesitated. Greywind assured him, “I am not trying to trick you. I expect only you be forthright.”

“Well…” Ben shrugged with awkward motions. Even when speaking Trade, Ben expressed himself like a typical Terran, “I guess… like… yeah.”

Greywind nodded. “I appreciate your honesty. I would be happy to address your concerns, Ben. But it seems wiser that we discuss such matters in person. We have much to talk about when I visit the creche.”

Ben understood. “Okay then. So when are you coming?”

“In a few days. First we have serious matters to settle with the Council when we convene tomorrow.”

“You mean when you meet?”

Greywind avoided rolling her eyes. “That is what convening means, Ben.”

“Oh, right.” Ben chuckled embarrassedly. “Sorry. My bad.”

“Let us just continue the game, Ben.”

“Actually, Emperor… if it’s alright, I’m kind of sleepy again.”

You don’t look tired, Greywind thought with mild suspicion. But let it be. “I understand, Ben. Game over. I will see you soon. In the meantime, I expect you to improve your studies and watch over your peers.”

Ben promised, “I will.”

“Sleep well, Ben.” Greywind made to shut down the hologram.

“Emperor?” Ben blew her a kiss.

“Received with gratitude,” Greywind said sincerely.

Transmission ended.

Greywind lay back in her seat as she let out a long exhale. Just speaking with Ben filled her with elation. She ought to have told him to overcome his fears and hesitations. But seeing him so vulnerable made her feel complicated. Hopelessly tender.

She still remembered last tozon when she told Ben that, for the sake of propriety, they could not spend their intimate moments together any longer. Bonding secretly with Ben in the dreamscape was still a necessity for the Emperor’s secret project. But Greywind had to do it in a more proper manner.

Committing to her travels across the sectors of the Union ought to have helped Greywind to forget about the pleasant feelings she derived from spending time with her human ward. Or at the very least that these feelings of intimacy would dissipate naturally as all highs did. And yet, the more time passed, the stronger the feelings grew. And while Greywind’s mental discipline was still impeccable, the persistent feelings were becoming increasingly distracting.

The longer Greywind spent away from Ben, the more she wanted to be with him. Even now she wanted to bring Ben to her just to have him beside her.

I have chastised others for the sin of attachment and yet I seem just as guilty, Greywind despaired.

Ben was still her exclusive method of exploring the human psyche. The only other pair in existence showing promise of unravelling the human lotai was Twoface and Dawn. An opportune but dangerous fact that Greywind and her inner circle had successfully concealed. Even after instructing Ben to let her know first if he noticed anything special about Dawn, Ben was unaware of Twoface’s and Dawn’s unique bond. Still unaware of even the bond that he and Greywind shared. The old emperor and Listel Cotton were successful in convincing him that his delves into the dreamscape were mere products of his subconscious.

Assimilating Ben to the norms of the Loroi was an initial concern. Yet so far Ben had been easy to mold into what Greywind wanted. An obedient son. A reliable asset to her ambitions. A promising warrior. Practically all her human wards had conformed successfully into Loroi society. Though a few would not be going on to be warriors, they could still be useful to bridge the gap between civilians and warriors.

The now thirteen year old Ben was faithful and loyal. Eager to please his warden and be a good peer to his human and Loroi family. He was empathic and kind. Quick to learn from his mistakes. According to Listel Cotton’s psychological evaluation, Ben seemed to be morally driven. The lessons from the children’s human caregivers certainly had a part in that. A very noble characteristic.

Even after being raised on Deinar for the better half of his life, Ben had not lost his intrigue for Terran culture. And most definitely not Earth. Exposing the children of the creche to the Terran histories fascinated Ben even more. Though he neglected some of his studies, he devoured the tomes of Terran history. His eyes drank up every film, fictional or non. He couldn’t help but be in awe of Terran culture anymore than he could help being human. The more he learnt, the more he loved Earth. While he enjoyed his life on Deinar, a part of him still yearned to see Earth one day.

And that concerned the old emperor.

If it did come to war with humanity, it could damage Ben. The emotions of a single individual seemed trivial when weighed against the needs of an empire. Yet unravelling the human lotai depended partially on Ben. Did the thought of war terrify him? If Ben seemed reluctant to fight Terrans, even if it was for the sake of the Union, would he refuse to participate in the project once he learned the truth?

Ben was a virtuous creature. All her human children had been taught to be. Greywind was proud of them for that. But those too committed to moral conduct were at risk of imperiling themselves. Hostilities that could not be pacified with moral charity required ruthless suppression. An unpleasant but undeniable truth that warriors accepted. Greywind understood it better than most. Ben would need to understand it. He needed to let go of his naive understanding of morality. He needed a more pragmatic approach to understanding how the Loroi ruled. And why the Loroi had to rule as they did.

The only problem was the method. How was Greywind supposed to teach him? Especially if the lessons of his caregivers at the creche came into conflict?

Greywind sighed hopelessly as she returned to the deck to admire Deinar’s night sky. Even as she tried to let her mind go, her troubles, her Union’s troubles, still weighed on her.

What was an Emperor to do?

[wolf329]

Welcome back!

I suppose the elephant in the room of Terran aggression has to be addressed at some point. Eagerly looking forward to this season of Grey and Ben!

[Bamax]

Excellent! I don't know where Jannesen is or if he is even still alive (I hope so), but I often feel like his work and yours could belong to the same universe, his exploring the more humorous side of things while you present the darker themes. And yet... both are realistic and true to the Outsider universe in their own way.

Basically he writes PG-13 while you write rated R lol.

[Snoofman]

Excellent! I don't know where Jannesen is or if he is even still alive (I hope so), but I often feel like his work and yours could belong to the same universe, his exploring the more humorous side of things while you present the darker themes. And yet... both are realistic and true to the Outsider universe in their own way.

Basically he writes PG-13 while you write rated R lol.

Yeah. Some users seem to have disappeared as of late. Then again we all have lives outside of Outsider (Get it?). I do hope they'll return eventually. I love what each fanfic writer has to offer to the forum.

[Quickdraw101]

Another promising story Snoofman!

[Snoofman]

II - A Call for War

<->

Since the Great War’s end, the number of Diaderets sitting on the Council had gone from thirty up to forty-nine. While Greywind preferred a smaller, more easily controlled Council, the expansion of the Union demanded more Councilors to govern each sector. Now assembled, all forty-nine Diaderets sat within the secure hall of the Imperial Complex on the outskirts of Toridas. No guard, no witness, no servant, not even the Emperor’s personal attendant was allowed to attend these secretive meetings.

For five days the Council was deep in debate. Calm one moment and raging the next. The only thing holding some of their ferocity back was their fear of losing face and fear of the law. The Diadem broached a number of issues:

Requests to commence the establishment of Loroi colonies on the frontiers. Complaints regarding insufficient funding to the Dinnan Sector. Reports from Union scouts proceeding up the Periphery Lane and the Taurus Cloud. The detection of new civilizations, sophisticated and primitive, by farseers and how to proceed with future negotiations in the event of contact. Civil unrest within the Maiad, Dinnan and Minzan Sectors. Calls to suppress civilian protestors, especially the ones escalating on Deinar as of late. Petition to grant the occupied Arreka territories some more autonomy; to ease the burden of patrolling borders along the Nissek Hegemony. Scheduling Cry of the Wind's meeting with the Interspecies Convention on Moro. Addressing the concerns of Justa and other colonies along the Hegemony boarders about the minor incursions of Nissek vessels fleeing into from the Hegemony. Speculating possible avenues to deal with the conflict between Nissek and Ninnil, whom the Loroi had not yet officially contacted.

The most heated topic of debate was the Terrans.

>Humanity is gaining more traction,< sent out Iron from Heaven. >Their military power increases with every moment we delay. Laying claim to more worlds throughout the Great Wastelands. A second lotai incursion is imminent. The attacks of the Terran Raiders should be proof enough-<

>Iron from Heaven!< Greywind warned. >I cannot emphasize it more; the crimes of a minority are not to be confused with the nature of an entire race. Now I do not want to hear another word about pirates. And besides, our diplomats residing in Terran space assure us that the Terran military has launched a massive anti-piracy campaign. Clearing out the Terran Raiders as we speak.<

>Of course they have,< Iron from Heaven shot back. >Isn’t it obvious they want to conceal their involvement with criminals? Even you, Emperor Greywind, cannot deny it.<

Greywind was well aware of the possibility. Some of her Mizols had uncovered evidence that some of the Terran Raiders might have been funded by influential human figures. Corporate Officers. Military figures. Even politicians. And while these persons did not necessarily represent humanity at large, the fact that they controlled the Terran empire’s infrastructure and were involved in its policy-making complicated things.

Greywind had to choose her words carefully. While the Diaderets feared her, there were some bold enough to test her. Advocating for the Terrans would make it seem as if she sympathized with the aliens more than Loroi. >There are those,< Greywind sent, >who seem to care little for humanity. So I will not beseech your sympathies. But urge you to use foresight. Even if I agreed that declaring war was the most logical course of action, we would be unleashing billions of Loroi, aggressive and undisciplined. The carnage will be catastrophic. We will lose our sway over the Alien Assembly.<

>The Alien Assembly is urging us to defend them from the Terran threat,< claimed Iron from Heaven. >The Neridi Monarchs and Delrias Lords have openly voiced their support to launch a preemptive strike in the name of self-defense.<

>The Barsam and Pipolsid delegates would disagree with such an assertion.<

>I back Emperor Greywind’s claim,< sent Brightsword. >I care nothing for humans, but even I do not want to see millions of our sisters and daughters be sent to their deaths. Not when we have other options.<

>Why are we wasting our time?!< Iron from Heaven’s frustration echoed in the chamber as she jumped to her feet. She pointed an accusatory finger at Greywind. >Has our Emperor lost her nerve? Her ferocity? Where is her resolve when she purged the Union of corrupt elements detrimental to our warrior society? Where is that fire now? Does the Emperor delay war because she pities humanity? Or is she afraid of hurting the feelings of her human pets?<

That struck something close to home, compelling Greywind to stand. >Sit down! Before you say something regretful.<

Iron from Heaven refused to sit. Just stared down the Emperor. Greywind knew the Diaderet was an old Traditionalist. Not shy to voice her disapproval of a former Mizol assuming the throne. But Iron from Heaven tolerated Greywind’s reign during the war in order to optimize the Fourth Emperor’s engine for total war. Ever since the collapse of the Hierarchy, Iron from Heaven had been focusing on fortifying the coreward borders of the Tinza Sector in anticipation of the ‘second lotai incursion’ as many Torrais were now calling it. Shamelessly audible about her odium for humanity, her outcries had gained the attention and support of many Tinzan residents. Loroi and alien.

The two Loroi clenched fists as they glared at one another.

A Diaderet whose large mane shone like the rays of an orange sun stood. >Iron from Heaven,< she urged. >Insults and provocation does not help your case. Please sit down.<

Iron from Heaven huffed with aggravation, sitting back down.

Greywind’s eyes turned back to dull blue and took her own seat.

>Comrades,< Sunbeam broadcasted, >while I agree that war seems inevitable and that we should take the opportunity to subjugate humanity, declaring war now could be disastrous. We must subdue humanity at large with a plan.<

>Well we’re open to suggestions, sun child,< Iron from Heaven muttered. A few Diaderets laughed.

Sunbeam seemed unfazed from the tease. >As a matter of fact, I may have a solution. An effective method for subduing the Terrans. If her imperial highness would be so kind as to permit me.<

Sunbeam was from the familial clan Sedoi Nelo. The Yellow Sun. Also referred to simply as the Suns. She and six other members of her clan held seats at the Council, thanks in part to Greywind’s influence. The Suns’ strategic brilliance and political ambition made them a force to be reckoned with. Many Diaderets voiced concern that the Suns were gaining too much political power, often accusing the Suns of using Sorimi-tracks to place their own kin in positions of authority to secure their family’s interests. Like Greywind, the Suns were outspoken opponents of the former Third Emperor’s policies. Their familial clan was essential to securing Greywind’s ascension to the throne. Spearheading the Union’s expansion across the former Umiak territories, the Suns mowed down entire populations of Shells during the war, leaving few surviving Umiak to be transferred to their current quarantine. There were even rumors that some of the Shells in transfer had ‘vanished’. Since practically no Loroi cared for Shells, few investigated the matter. Now the Suns ruled over the former Hierarchy star systems in the Emperor’s name, overseeing the growth of newly established Loroi colonies. Admired as heroes by billions of Loroi. Dreaded by many more aliens.

To preserve their unique lineage, some Suns were expected to engage in controversial forms of procreation; blazing amber hair being one of their most desired hereditary traits. Some went so far as to practice linebreeding. Hence why Suns were occasionally teased with the term 'sun child’. Other members were encouraged to outcross with Loroi across different castes. Though sacrilege to many Traditionalists, brood of mixed descent could offer special capabilities as well as new insights to clan Yellow Sun. An intriguing philosophy to the Fourth Emperor. A few of Greywind’s scions and youngest relatives were blood kin to the Suns. Ever since the Emperor began adopting human children and admitting them into her Deinarid creche, some of the Suns’ senior members seemed distant as of late. Their regard for humans was complicated.

With a wave of the Emperor’s hand, Greywind sent, >You may proceed, Sunbeam.<

Sunbeam grinned as she presented, >My fellow compatriots, with the aid of my most brilliant speculators and under scrutiny of some of the most brilliant strategists, I have a plan of action, the essays of which will be provided. Before first contact, humanity had only six populated colonies. And now have established many more throughout the Great Wastelands. These new colonies provide a steady supply of resources to the primary colonies. One might say they are the lifeblood of the Terran empire. But for one flaw; most of these new colonies have not yet achieved self-sufficiency and depend on a steady supply of goods from the primary worlds. Particularly fuel and food. Now if the primary Terran worlds could be overwhelmed, the supply routes to the new colonies would be severed. The Terrans could be brought to their knees.<

>A gatecrashing strategy,< Stormcry omitted the realization. >Followed by a siege. Cut off the river by damming the stream.<

>I like it,< Darkside laughed. Many Diaderets agreed. A few regarded it skeptically.

>It would require many ships,< Second Claw pointed out. >Twenty strike groups by my guess. Maybe more.<

>Azerein,< Sunbeam sent. >What do you think?<

Greywind thought it over. >Sunbeam, what is to stop billions of subjugated humans from revolting once we lay siege to Terran space?<

>Because, your highness,< Sunbeam sent confidently, >the humans will come to love the Loroi.<

>Oh? How will humanity learn to love its conquerors?<

>The plan is followed by the establishment of Loroi colonies among the Terrans. I propose that, following the subjugation of humanity, a new generation of Loroi be born on Terran worlds where they will grow and learn alongside humanity. With the right education and proper upbringing, these young Loroi will impress upon humanity the more affable traits of our nature. This is the way we conquer humanity. Not merely with a display of force. But by coaxing them into submission with affection.<

>Absurd!< Brightsword sputtered with a roll of her eyes. A few Diaderets agreed.

>Absurd how?< Sunbeam asked. >It is not impossible. If you need proof, look to the Emperor’s creche. Look how successfully Clan Rainfall has assimilated human children into our society. If a couple humans can be tamed by us, who’s to dictate we can’t domesticate the rest?<

Greywind was not sure how to feel about that. Sunbeam seemed to be going against Greywind’s wishes by voicing support for war while praising the Emperor’s small human community. Just what was Sunbeam playing at?

Greywind further countered, >Sunbeam, even if this plan of yours could work, there is the problem of funding such a war. Our forces are spread thin. All our talents are devoted to patrolling our own territory during this new era of expansion.<

>A logistical and financial problem that can be rectified with some adjustments.<

>I call for recess,< sent Greywind.

The Council looked surprised at their Emperor.

Lodestone objected, >But Azerein, I think we ought-<

>I insist. We will reconvene in five thousand solons.<

Lodestone sighed. >Our conference is paused.<

Some Diaderets remained seated while a few left to relieve themselves or fetch a refreshment.

>Diaderet Sunbeam,< sent Greywind as she stood. >May I share a word with you in private?<

>How could I refuse?< Sunbeam sent with a smile. At the Emperor’s behest, the rest of the Suns followed.

<->

Not far from the Council’s conference hall was the Emperor’s private lounge, just outside the detectable range of other Loroi. Therein Greywind demanded from Sunbeam, >What do you think you are doing?<

>I am helping you keep your throne,< sent Sunbeam, standing ahead of her six other kin. >That is the duty of our two families. One looks out for the interests of the other.<

>Then perhaps you have forgotten that, in case it wasn’t obvious enough, that I have specifically spoken against all-out war with the Terrans.<

>Azerein, are you trying to be humorous?< Sunbeam grinned.

>Don’t mock this!<

>Greywind, what do you take me for? You may sermonize peace, but even I know that you are as anxious as any Loroi to gain mastery over humanity.<

>I never said it was worth another war.<

>Azerein, surely you understand that your options are fewer now.<

>Indeed,< Greywind huffed. >No thanks to reckless Torrais firing upon unarmed freighters in the Great Wastelands.< Greywind was particular about a few specific Torrais responsible for such misconduct.

A fact that the Suns received with clarity. >Unfortunate,< Diaderet Daystar sent, though showing little remorse. >But better safe than sorry.<

>Careful,< Greywind cautioned. >That is a dangerous sentiment. Judging by your conduct at the meeting today, one might think that you’ve come to cull my options.<

Sunbeam assured, >Certainly not, Azerain. My kin and I have come to bring you hope.<

>How is forsaking diplomacy and stoking the fires of aggression supposed to compel me to think that you’ve come to bring me hope?<

>Greywind, what do you think I am like Iron from Heaven?< Sunbeam got bold. >That seedhead knows how to gain the favor of the masses. But she is a lousy strategist. She does not have the same imagination and tactical competence that we have.<

>We?<

>Of course, Azerein. When Eighth Dawn perished, the Council finally understood the urgency of the Umiak threat. That is why we vouched for you during the election. You understand how to rule. But we Yellow Suns understand how to fight. How to wage campaigns.<

>Is that what you want then? To wage your campaign against the humans.<

>What is a couple human lives in the face of Loroi dominion?< Diaderet Goldsun sent.

>Choose your words carefully, Goldsun,< Greywind warned.

>Peace, comrades,< Sunbeam urged. She gave Goldsun a cautionary look. >What Goldsun means, Azerein, is humanity stands as a threat so long as it is determined to be an independent nation. A nation whose actions are difficult to predict due to their natural immunity to sanzai. Surely you agree that subjugating humanity is the safer route.<

>If your underlings had not fired upon unarmed freighters in the Wastelands, perhaps our ruling cabinet might have changed that. Tell me, would it be unreasonable if I were to suspect that you encouraged such aggression?<

Daystar took insult at that. >Absurd! As if we would go out of our way to undermine our family’s most important ally. How could you think so lowly of us?<

>How could you let your children’s children sabotage our diplomatic relations with the Terrans?<

>It is not as if we wanted our kin to fire upon the wrong ships,< Sunbeam defended. >Distinguishing between Terran freighters and pirate vessels is not so easy. But what is done is done. Our kin have been made aware of their mistakes and penalized for it.<

>Giving your kin a warning hardly counts as sufficient penalty. How can I trust Clan Yellow Sun when you refuse to punish even your own for misconduct?<

Now Daystar was angry. >Look first to your own kin before you cast stones at ours. How many messes did your Operative Livewire leave for you to clean up? How can you allow Maizat Ashrain to command a battle cruiser when she consumes alcohol on duty? What about your own children’s children’s unhealthy obsession with your human pets?<

Greywind glared at Daystar with a less than happy look. The Loroi stared intently into each other’s eyes. Diplomatic professionalism clashed with egoistic aggression.

>Peace, comrades!< Sunbeam reigned in her kin. >Such insults are beneath you, Daystar. Apologize.<

It took a few moments for Daystar to compose herself before sending begrudgingly, >Apologies, Azerein.<

Sunbeam continued, >Azerein, I understand your concern. But surely you understand our reluctance to prosecute our children for the same reasons you would go to any lengths to defend your own.<

>So you expect me to pardon Loroi for violating the rules of engagement?<

>We ask only that you give our kin a chance to redeem themselves as you have given your own. Every conflict has its casualties.<

Greywind sighed, stepping away from the Suns to admire a mural on the lounge’s wall. The old Emperor sent, >Do you know who this mural depicts?<

Sunbeam recognized the hooded male engraved on the wall. >Philospher Wanderstone. He founded the monastery here at Toridas. A proponent for conformism and was known for using spoken words to encourage diplomacy. Without his teachings, the Loroi would likely have never been inspired to escape the Reign of Chaos.<

Greywind omitted her satisfaction that Sunbeam could appreciate the genius of a male during the Loroi’s most destructive era. >Quite so. He also claimed that the root of all conflicts stemmed from the ego.<

Sunbeam never ceased to be astounded that Greywind could retain an aura of mystery even when sending. >Azerein, what is your point?<

>I remember the bravest among the Yellow Sun’s members. Torrai Soshret Sunfall. Her charisma. Her fearlessness in the face of overwhelming odds.<

>I also remember Sunfall fondly,< Daystar sent nostalgically, a bit of sadness mingled with the memory. >She was everything a Sun ought to strive to be. A brilliant tactician. A brave warrior. A true daughter.<

Greywind acknowledged, >I understand the pain of losing a daughter all too well, Daystar. Three in fact. I thought Sunfall the most qualified to deal with the Tithric. When Sunfall informed me that the Tithric had officially sided with the Umiak, I gave her consent to lay waste to their worlds. Even when the Alien Assembly cursed us for such atrocities, it gave me relief to see the Loroi celebrate with new hope. To know that we won ourselves another day. I commended Sunfall for her bravery.< Greywind’s sending took on a different tone, >And was terribly disappointed upon learning from the Mizols under her command that Sunfall insisted on handling the negotiations with the Tithric personally rather than entrust that role to her diplomatic officers. The Mizols further informed me that Sunfall conducted herself despotically to the Tithric ambassadors. Even ignored the advice of her senior Mizols struggling to salvage diplomatic relations with the Tithric. Would you not agree that that was Sunfall’s mistake?<

Daystar stared indignantly at the Emperor, but struggled to keep composure. >Perhaps. Though surely it is understandable that she was dealing with an alien race guilty of double dealing. Those slugs were tricky creatures.<

>Surely,< Greywind huffed. >I do not regret what we did to the Tithric. It was a terrible but necessary sacrifice. What I regret is what could have been if only Sunfall was not compromised by her ego. Perhaps the Tithric could have been spared. Made a productive ally.<

Daystar did not even try to conceal her offense. >What?!<

>The Philosopher Wanderstone once said, ‘Ego is the eternal enemy of community.’ Why do you think that is?<

Daystar stomped her foot indignantly, stopped by Sunbeam who answered in her stead, >Egoists are selfish. They think inwardly; caring only about themselves.<

>Precisely, Sunbeam. Ego is both shield and sword. It shields the self from the harm inflicted by others. Yet it is also the blade that severs bonds essential to holding community together. The Yellow Sun has been an essential column of the Diadem. A true friend to clan Rainfall. But Loroi that violate the rules of engagement are not driven by duty. But ego. Therefore your kin guilty of misconduct in the Great Wastelands need to be made example of. If Clan Yellow Sun is truly a benefactor of the Emperor, then it will prove it. You will prosecute your kin guilty of misconduct. Or I will.<

Daystar took a daring step forward. >Outrage! You cannot demand such a thing from-<

Sunbeam cut her off, holding her at bay. She sent tactfully, >Emperor, might I make a counteroffer?<

Greywind raised an eyebrow. >Counteroffer?<

>It is my understanding that the Guilds of the Sister Worlds as well as the old colonies are at risk of economic collapse. There are also reports of civilian uprisings. What if we could rescue the Guilds and dissuade the civilians from revolt?<

>You have my attention.<

>Thanks to our expansion up the Periphery Lane, we have secured many more star systems rich with resources. Alien enterprises have no claim on these riches. I propose a compromise; let us deal with our kin on our terms. In return we will ensure that the riches of the Periphery make it back to the Sister Worlds and the old colonies. The state will overflow with more than enough talents to rescue the Guilds as well as pacify the civilians.<

Greywind saw telepathic flashes of planets overflowing in precious minerals. Gas giants rich with taimat. Worlds that could be transformed into habitable metropolises for Loroi, warrior and civilian. There was no sense of deception in Sunbeam’s sending. The last thing she wanted was to pardon Loroi who sabotaged years of diplomatic work. But the promise of providing real aid to civilians, especially if it meant pacifying the protestors, seemed too good to pass up.

Sunbeam stepped closer to the Emperor, pleading, >I understand your concern, my friend. Truly I do. But no matter what any of us wants, the Terrans’ advance must be halted. We can either postpone the war and suffer a heftier price. Or we can strike first. Secure our dominion. Subjugate humanity and seduce them into our service. Show the Alien Assembly that the humans we conquered love their new Loroi allies. It is for the greater good of the Union. And, if you would give us Suns the honor of leading the eventual assault, we will ensure that the humans we conquer are treated fairly.<

>Fairly? Not all Suns think fondly of humans.<

>No Loroi is perfect, Azerein. We Suns are not all the same. I regret the mistakes of our kin patrolling the Great Wastelands. I have nothing against humans. Most especially not your human wards that have been successfully domesticated. Only those that pose a threat to our dominion.<

>So then why should I send you to vanquish any human adversaries?<

>Because we can end the coming war faster than any other. Tell us, Azerein, when we finally broke the Umiak offensive after twenty-five years of fighting, whose strike groups pushed through the fastest?<

>… Yellow Sun’s.<

>Yes, Azerein. Not even long-lived veterans like Stillstorm could compete with our advancement. With your leadership and our clan’s tactical brilliance, we brought down the Hierarchy in less than five years. Let any other Torrai lead the assault against the Terrans and I promise the war will drag on. But we Suns will end it swiftly. With your help, we could even employ Loroi better suited to interact with humans in order to force their cooperation. Uproot human revolts before they even happen. The plan will work. But our window of opportunity is passing.<

Greywind considered it. >The protests across Deinar and the rest of the Loroi worlds are escalating. You swear these resources from the Periphery will reach the Sister Worlds in time?<

>We promise.<

>How quickly?<

>About three years,< Sunbeam assured. >Surely you understand extracting resources and logistical planning takes time.<

Greywind extended her hand to Sunbeam, who took the Emperor’s hand. Sunbeam was overwhelmed by the power of the Emperor as Greywind relayed, >The decision carries much weight. I must first review your essay. Confirm the plan is sound.<

Sunbeam smiled. >Please, take your time.<

>And I want assurances that, no matter what I decide, I still have the full support of Clan Yellow Sun.<

>You have our word of honor.<

>Very well.< Greywind released the Sun’s hand. >Let us return to the Council.<

>If we may make one more request, Azerein,< sent Sunbeam. >How fares Project First Son?<

>My scientific subordinates are making progress,< Greywind assured. >However, we still have not successfully unveiled a human.<

>I see. Azerein, when we the Diadem learnt that there was a second human with a breeched lotai, we were exhilarated. Even more so by this new human infant's potential... capabilities. If such an instrument could indeed pull away the human mask, perhaps we could entertain the idea of deploying the specimen, Dawn, and her Loroi guardian-<

>We will do no such thing!< Greywind sent strictly. >Dawn belongs to me. As does Ben. Both of them may very well be the keys to unraveling the human lotai. Which is why it is essential that they remain here on Deinar, where they are well protected. If it seems necessary that they must be moved to put their capabilities to good use, it will be on my terms. And that is that!<

Sunbeam bowed courteously. >By your command, your highness.<

The Suns followed their Emperor back to the Council chamber.

[raistlin34]

I wonder how the human governments are analyzing and preparing themselves for the upcoming war. Loroi seem very outspoken about humanity being nothing but beasts and, for some of them, pets just waiting for a leash under a firm Loroi's hand.

Wouldn't be a shame if Eternal Endurance's activities were discovered? Terran public's reaction to human children being turned into slaves for entertainment and pleasure of the space elves promises to be quite...volatile.

[gigachad]

History accelerates and it's cool. It would be interesting to know what kind of forces humanity has and what it can oppose to the union, racism and a sense of superiority against the backdrop of internal problems and the inability to create a sustainable economy on their own without the help of aliens will play a cruel joke with them.

[Bamax]

Humanity here seems like they are dangerously approaching a Babylon 5 scenario where they bite off more than they can chew and get wrecked by a superior race.

I het that humanity is into stealing a retroengineering alien technology, but surely they most realize the Loroi are known for genicide and no one, not even in the Union, has the power to stop them, only isolate them.

The one thing the Loroi wiuld not want to do is fight the entire Union, as forces are already spread thin they would be unlikely to win, especially because the union is one of their greatest resources, without which it would be like breaking their jaw.

[Snoofman]

Humanity here seems like they are dangerously approaching a Babylon 5 scenario where they bite off more than they can chew and get wrecked by a superior race.

I het that humanity is into stealing a retroengineering alien technology, but surely they most realize the Loroi are known for genicide and no one, not even in the Union, has the power to stop them, only isolate them.

The one thing the Loroi wiuld not want to do is fight the entire Union, as forces are already spread thin they would be unlikely to win, especially because the union is one of their greatest resources, without which it would be like breaking their jaw.

Any sapient race, human or otherwise, would jump onto the chance to steal the plans for superior tech. In my scenario, the humans indeed stand little chance but could still put up a fight. But in a few decades they will be on par with the Loroi. Even when faced with the possibility of extinction, there are plenty of human risk-takers that would bet humanity’s survival on the line for the promise of greater fortune or greater power.

On top of that, the humans are gearing up because, no matter which of their military/political leaders is benign or corrupt, they witnessed firsthand how the Loroi mowed down the Umiak without hesitation or shame. I intend to touch upon this later. Even if they were United against a common enemy, many humans are terrified the Loroi will kill them.

I think if all the Union turned against the Loroi suddenly, the Loroi would win. But the cost would be the stability of civilization itself. The Loroi would probably descend into a new age of chaos.

[Snoofman]

III - The Arrivals

<->

Tempo was riding a shuttle down to Toridas along with two Soroins, one Teidar and one Detair. Torrai Rizeldai Rubyglass’ had submitted her latest update on their treks throughout the anti-spinward regions of the Great Wasteland. Now Tempo and her armed escort were on their way to deliver five refugees taken by Rubyglass’ forces; two human adults and three human children. Two of the children, a seven-year old girl and four-year old boy, were standing near the shuttle's shielded window, mesmerized by the sight of atmosphere and clouds speeding toward them. The two older humans sat on a bench opposite the view.

“Look, Ba!” The female’s son said pointing out the window. “It’s a new world outside.”

“Yes, my little Prabir,” his mother, Bhao, replied with a smile, rocking her baby of ten months.

“How is your infant?” Tempo sat beside Bhao to inspect.

Bhao nodded her head respectfully as she rocked her child. “Little Niramey is well, Miss Tempo.”

“Ba!” Prabir called. “How high up are we?”

“I don’t know, Prabir.” said Bhao, rocking her baby. turned to Tempo, “Miss Tempo, may I ask you a question?”

"Of course," said Tempo.

"Is it true that some of your colonies have space elevators?"

Tempo confirmed it.

"I don't understand then. Why not build a space elevator here on Deinar?"

Tempo explained, "Because of the hazards posed to objects in low orbit by Mepona's ring. Building a space elevator would be hazardous. That's why most of Deinar's space-borne installations do not orbit the planet itself, but instead orbit Talas, the outer moon."

"But the Loroi are still far ahead of us humans in engineering. Couldn't you reinforce a space elevator's defenses? Why not give it shields like your ships?"

"I am no Gallen, Miss Bhao. I’m afraid technical engineering is beyond my skill.”

>And your caste,< Ironfang joked. A few of the Loroi chuckled.

“Bapuji, come and see,” Prabir called.

The boy’s father snorted, “I am tired, Prabir.”

“Babu, go stand with your son,” Bhao pleaded.

“Leave me alone, woman. And stop talking with the blue demons.”

“Mister Pallaton, I highly advice you to mind your tone,” Tempo gave a firm warning.

“Please, Papa,” Prabir pleaded.

Pallaton was permitted to go stand by his son. His steps were awkward and short, hindered by the restraints on his arms and legs.

“Please forgive him,” said Bhao.

Tempo said back, “I appreciate your cooperation, Bhao. You seem quite forbearing.”

The human shrugged as she rocked Nimaray. “I see no reason to be otherwise. It is I who ought to be thankful to you, oh Daughters of Shiva.”

Tempo raised a curious eyebrow. “Daughters of Shiva?”

“Shiva is a god,” Bhao pointed out. “He rules over the cosmos alongside Brahma and Vishnu in the Holy Trinity.”

Tempo didn’t understand what Bhao was talking about until the name Brahma reminded the Mizol of a conversation with a human at the creche who seemed well educated in human religions. “I think I understand. You seem to be a Hindu.”

Bhao nodded.

“Is that what you call us? The Daughters of Shiva?” Tempo asked. Bhao nodded again. “Why?”

“Because you share remarkable resemblance to his divine form. Your fiery eyes shining like the sun and moon. Even your blue skin.”

A few of the Loroi regarded Bhao with intrigue.

“Your praise is.. flattering, Bhao,” said Tempo. “We Loroi seem to be many things. But I assure you we are not divine.”

>Don’t stop the zealot now, Mizol,< Soroin Redriver. >I kind of like it being called a god.<

>How egotistical,< Detair Softwind snorted.

“Oh but you are, Miss Tempo,” Bhao insisted. “Not merely in appearance. But demeanor.”

“How so?” Tempo asked.

“Like Shiva, Loroi are bringers of destruction.”

The Loroi stared at the female, unsure if they ought to take that as a compliment or insult.

“I fail to see how bringing destruction could be construed as a mark of divinity,” Tempo pointed out.

“Shiva rules the cosmos in balance with Brahma, god of creation. And Vishnu, god of preservation. Destruction, creation and preservation are all part of the divine cycle to keep balance in the universe.”

>That is the most pneumatic lunacy I’ve ever heard,< Soroin Ironfang sent.

>Well, the human’s not entirely wrong about the destruction part,< sent Soroin Redriver. Her comrades gave her a look.

>Don’t defend her!< Ironfang chastised Redriver.

>I’m not defending her!<

Tempo ordered the Soroins to compose themselves. “Miss Bhao, I must advice you to be careful what you say in the presence of Loroi. Some might interpret that as an insult.”

“It is not insult,” Bhao insisted. “It is the truth. Like our gods, it was the Loroi who vanquished the rakshasas”

“The what?” Tempo asked.

“Oh, how is it- I mean the bugs.”

“Ah, you mean the Umiak.” Tempo thought it interesting how some humans used religious iconography to identify with objects or other races. Not so different from how the Barsam used spiritual icons to relate to objects outside their faith.

Bhao nodded. “Without the Daughters of Shiva, the rakshasas would have overrun us. We would not be here without the Loroi.”

It certainly struck the Loroi as odd that a Terran Raider had the capacity to acknowledge the warriors’ endeavors against the Hierarchy. Though Tempo suspected that perhaps Bhao was not involved in fighting. According to the details of Bhao’s interrogation, Bhao never saw any fighting. As a spouse, she acted more as a servant to her husband’s needs while nurturing their children. Tempo had not dismissed that Bhao could be lying, yet the Mizol found the human’s story credible. Most human fighters were traditionally male anyway. The woman’s gentleness combined with the evidential circumstances that led to her involvement with the Terran Raiders complicated things. Nonetheless, Bhao had to face the consequences for cooperating with violent criminals.

Tempo informed Bhao, “We will be arriving soon at Toridas. Please take your seats and strap in. MIss Bhao, prepare to hand over your child to Detair Softwind when we land. I also suggest you and your… husband take the time to speak with your son. Loroi are not strangers to the pain of separation. But be warned, your words and actions are monitored. There will be severe consequences if we suspect that you are attempting to turn the children against us.”

Pallaton cursed under his breath, “Veshya.”

Bhao hissed at him before offering a smile to Tempo. “Miss Tempo, no matter what you do with me and my husband, please take care of our children.”

“The state will provide for all your children’s needs,” Tempo assured her.

Little Prabir waddled over to his mother with his shackled father by his side. Bhao reluctantly handed over Nimarey to Detair Softwood before Ironfang refit her restraints and strapped her into her seat. Prabir sat between his parents, strapped into his seat. The parents explained as best they could to the four-year old what was about to happen.

Upon touching down at the Toridas Hangar Bay, a squad of bezi came to take away Pallaton and the now shackled Bhao. They would be transported to Ieba where the two humans would live out their sentence at a detention facility built specifically for Terran Raiders. Little Prabir cried agony as he was separated from his mother and father. Redriver had to carry him to their assigned power car. The Loroi did their best to pacify him as he wailed within the confines of the baitar and drove for the Imperial Complex.

>Shred these humans howl like tomorrow will never come,< Soroin Ironfang complained.

>It is a natural instinct,< sent Tempo. While equally irritated by the boy’s wailing, decades of emisserial training helped Tempo to block it out. Besides, could she really blame the little boy for his distress? >Human children form stronger attachments to their parents than we do. To be separated is devastating. It’s best that he expels these troubling feelings now.<

>What’s there to be troubled about?< Ironfang grumbled. >I say the human spawn ought to be happy to be rid of those filthy pirates.<

Tempo pointed out, >You are free to keep those sentiments to yourself.<

>Since when did you become the Terran Raiders’ advocate?<

>You would do well to remember you address a superior officer, Soroin.<

Ironfang grumbled.

>Even as enemies, we must demonstrate to the Union at whole that we strive for moral aptitude.<

>It would be moral to terminate enemies of the state,< Ironfang spat. >If I were commander-and-chief, I would have executed those two humans.<

>Hence why you would be unfit to be a diplomat even were you born into my caste,< Tempo sent back firmly.

>You defend those Terran Raiders? What’s the point?<

>I don’t defend the pirates. I defend their innocent children.<

>What has that to do with anything?<

Tempo explained, >The first wave of Greywind’s human wards were mostly orphans. A few of them children of pirates. Initially it seemed acceptable to execute the pirates for their crimes. But as I said before, human children are strongly attached to their parents. When the children of the pirates learnt that their parents had been executed, they were devastated. No matter what we did to comfort them, the children were too scarred to trust us Loroi, refusing to assimilate. I remember the caregivers’ stories; the look of terror in the children’s eyes every time a Loroi tried to come close to them. With no other choice, the Emperor was forced to yield custody and transport these traumatized few back to Terran space.<

Ironfang did not want to admit defeat, yet Tempo could feel that her story was sinking in. Still Ironfang insisted, >We all go through trauma at some point. Justice must be enforced.<

Tempo sighed. >We Loroi were intent on enacting justice. Yet in our pursuit of justice, we unintentionally inflicted harm onto those we sought to help.<

Ironfang could feel Tempo’s shame, but refused to accept it. >How are we supposed to know if we are doing harm when we can’t read human minds? It is not our fault the humans mask their feelings.<

>We Loroi must learn from our mistakes if we are to win the trust and cooperation of these human children. Or any sapient for that matter. The Emperor realized this. Which is why she implemented new protocols for processing Terran Raiders taken prisoner. They are spared the death penalty if they are parents and are allowed visitation rights under the condition that they exhibit some moral qualities.<

Ironfang scoffed, >What an opportunity for the criminals to whisper deviance into the ears of their spawn.<

>A security concern that we are well aware of,< Tempo shot back. >Hence why the children are only allowed to visit their parents under supervision.<

>Seems like a waste of talents if you ask me. In fact, why not just ship all these humans back to Terran space where they belong?<

Tempo easily omitted truth while concealing the Emperor’s ulterior motive, >Most of the children we rescue have surviving families back in Terran space and are sent back accordingly. The Diadem promised the Terran government to honor its ‘humanitarian efforts’, as they call it, under the condition that Loroi captives be sent back to us. But the undesirable children we send back have no families. No relatives willing to provide them care. Some of the little ones wait in processing facilities, never even considered for adoption simply because they happen to be the children of pirates. I have read reports on how some of these undesirable children turn out and can assure you that there seem to be Teidar berserkers with more cheer. Can you imagine suffering prejudice simply for being what you cannot help but be? Like Loroi, humans need to feel included in a social circle in order to develop properly. To feel cared about. Without proper nurturing, they become aggressive, spiteful, defiant. How can we hope to remedy society’s ailments without first healing the individual?<

>Not our problem,< Ironfang insisted.

Tempo sighed. >I can see I am not about to change your mind on the matter. I ask instead you consider this: these human children are victims. Either born into unfortunate circumstances or stolen by criminals. Here they have an opportunity to have a new life. To be part of something greater than themselves. These children deserve our compassion. They deserve to be members of our Union. Isn’t that what we want in the end? For humanity to be part of the Union?<

Ironfang laughed. >Ha! Under present circumstances? Not likely! But it matters not to me. I take these humans wherever my superiors command me. As long as the humans do as we say, their presence is tolerable.<

>Don’t be such an apathetic seedhead,< Redriver criticized her comrade. >I think it’s a virtuous gesture for the Emperor to give these little humans a home. Besides who could turn away something as cute as that male? And listen! He has stopped howling.<

Prabir was indeed finished wailing. With legs tucked into his chest, silent tears streamed down his cheeks.

Redriver could not help but pity him. >Look at him. He’s so sad and yet so cute. Torimor, with your permission, might I comfort the little male with touch?<

Tempo approved. >Be gentle. Do not be overbearing. If he seems uncomfortable, then don’t touch him.<

>Yes! Thank you, Torimor!< Redriver poorly concealed her excitement as she plopped down beside the little sniffler. Sliding offer her left glove, Receiver lavished him with soft, tender strokes. Prabir kept silently weeping, yet seemed to voice no protest to the Loroi’s touch. Redriver’s blue essence flared like brilliant sapphire as her fingers caressed the little one’s soft mop of hair. Her fingers tingled at the touch of warm skin.

Tempo was aware of this practice gaining popularity. She had heard stories of Rubyglass’ own subordinates in particular. Some of the human children they rescued, especially the gentle ones, had made some of her subordinates strangely sympathetic. Tender even. To ease the distress of their situation, the Loroi were permitted to engage with the little humans in transit. Games and physical play seemed to offer the children some relief. Hard to tell whether the humans or Loroi got more out of it. Amidst their interactions, the Loroi discovered the powerful act of touch. Even without a detectable presence, the Loroi became astounded by the euphoric sensation of holding a human child. There were even stories of Loroi that claimed to recover from trauma simply by being embraced by the little aliens. Even Rubyglass, who was initially wary of humans, was impressed by the positive effects these human children had on the more troubled spirits under her command. So impressed that she even granted cuddling sessions between the human children in transit and her crew members. Though considered taboo by some, Greywind approved it so long as human children were supervised to ensure that Loroi never exploited the little ones to satisfy deviant desires. The few that tried their luck paid for their misconduct.

Tempo turned her focus to the seven-year old girl. Out of the three little ones, she was the most cooperative. And very silent. Tempo waved a hand to get her attention. The Mizol held out her hand expectantly. On cue, the young girl fetched out a small device called a Robin phone. Applications represented by colorful digital icons which could be accessed simply by touching the screen made the device pretty easy to navigate.

Tapping open a typing application equipped with a Trade-to-English translator, Tempo wrote: how are you feeling, Io?

Taking back the Robin phone, Io typed in reply before handing it back to Tempo: I’m cool.

Tempo had gotten more used to Terran slangs. Though a few terms were still beyond her.

The Mizol typed: You seem very silent. Are you unwell?

Io shrugged, typing back: I’m okay.

Tempo: Positive?

Io smirked, replying: Only fools are positive.

Tempo: Is that supposed to be a joke?

Io: Ha ha.

Tempo: I am afraid I do not fully understand human humor.

Io: I don’t think Loroi are very funny either.

The Mizol shrugged. For someone very silent, Io seemed pretty cheeky.

Tempo: How do your ears feel?

Io: Stuffy.

Tempo: Stuffy? I do not understand.

Io: Like something stuffed inside them. Blocked.

Tempo: The Doranzers told me that is a natural side effect after your treatment. Can you hear anything?

Io: Not much. But a little. It’s pretty exciting. Am I really going to hear soon?

Tempo: Yes. But it will take a few days for your ears to fully heal.

Io: You space elves are amazing.

The Mizol grinned at the unusual praise. After meeting plenty of humans, Tempo had gotten used to being referred to as a space elf. Though the reference could feel a bit degrading at times.

Io: So where are we going?

Tempo: We are going to meet Torrai Azerein Greywind.

Io: What’s Torrai Azerein?

Tempo: Our elected ruler.

Io: You mean Emperor Greywind.

Tempo: Yes.

Io: OMEG.

Tempo: Specify the meaning of OMEG.

Io: Oh my effing god.

The Mizol didn’t get that one.

Io: I’m kind of nervous.

Tempo: No need to worry. Everything will be alright.

Io stuffed her device back into her pocket.

Unlike Prabir and Nimarey, Io was not a child of the Terran Raiders. Initially from the Europa colony in the Sol system, Io’s parents were unskilled laborers. The government paid for their passage to a frontier colony after being offered new work. Sadly pirates intercepted their ship, taking the passengers and crew prisoner before fleeing further into the unexplored regions of the Wastelands. Io had been separated from her parents before pirates murdered them when Terran authorities refused to pay ransom. Io was kept in isolation for weeks, likely to be used as a slave or sold. Fortunately the Loroi launched an assault on the Terran Raiders’ base, rescuing her in the process.

Io was born deaf. While she barely understood it herself, she recalled her parents mentioning that many children born on the Europa colony were suffering similar conditions. Medical researchers had yet to find the root cause, but postulated that the culprit could be barotrauma or exposure to Jupiter’s magnetosphere. Fortunately her deficiency could be easily healed with Loroi medical technology. Despite her condition, Io was clever with words. Remarkable for such a young human. While her Robin phone was her primary mediary, Io was also educated in a visual form of communication called sign language. The girl had already quirked a few Loroi eyebrows after failing to teach them the bizarre gesticulations. Even Tempo had trouble understanding it. Although a few Teidars seemed to catch on. Hardly surprising considering practically all Teidar refrained from spoken speech. Io and the Teidar escorting them couldn’t help but grin whenever they engaged in their secretive gestures.

<->

For five more days the Council had covered several more debates after Greywind called for filibuster concerning the Terran matter. Upon the Emperor’s command, the Diadem would review the details of Sunbeam’s essay and eventually reconvene.

Now she sat within the Imperial Complex’s plaza with Attendant Link serving her flowery tea as well as setting up a table of refreshments in anticipation of some guests.

A Praetorian entered Greywind’s scope. >Pardon me, Azerein. Ambassador Tempo has arrived with the new arrivals.<

>Send them in,< Greywind commanded.

First entered Tempo, followed by her escort and their three little charges. The two little humans took short cautious steps as they entered, gazing around in wonder at the inviting grandness of the plaza. Every now and then receiving a look of curiosity or suspicion from warriors passing them by. Innocent curiosity of human youth never ceased to amaze Greywind. The two little ones stopped, taking notice of the Emperor. The rest of the Loroi bowed in reverence.

“Welcome, young ones,” said Greywind. “I am Torrai Azerein Greywind. But you may call me Emperor. I have been expecting you. Come here. Sit with me.”

Prabir and Io did as the tall oldie said, taking nervous steps toward the table set up for them.

>Tempo, Detair Softwind, you may join us. Guards, your services are not required here. As thanks, a trip to the Toridas Monastery will be arranged for you.<

The two Soroins and Teidar gave their thanks. With one last bow, they left the plaza, looking forward to some quality time with menfolk. Tempo sat beside the Emperor’s left. Softwind took her seat beside Tempo with the baby safely held in her arms. To the right of Greywind sat Io with Prabir beside her.

“Are you hungry?” Greywind asked the children.

The children nodded nervously.

Attendant Link pointed to the assortment of nutritious bites and sweet looking treats meant for human consumption. “Help yourselves.”

Like typical children, Prabir and Io dug in with fervor, moaning and grunting as they wolfed down their food. Greywind simply enjoyed her tea, watching the children as they scarfed everything within their reach. Most new arrivals lacked table manners.

>What behavior,< thought Softwind, rocking little Nimarey.

>They’ll learn,< sent Greywind.

Amidst their feast, Prabir reached across the table for a delicious looking cake of sorts, having forgotten even if just briefly of his woes. Both children were shocked when the cake, as if by some magic, slid across the table toward him.

“Here,” said Greywind, eyes burning bright blue. “Use this.” The little boy stared in awe as a small spoon slowly flew into his hand by power of thought. Psychokinesis was an effective tool for impressing new children.

Io fumbled for her Robin phone, typing away frantically before handing it to the Emperor. Detair Softwind shifted apprehensively, but Tempo assured her there was no need for concern.

Taking the device in hand, Greywind read: Dude, can you do magic?

Though having learnt a bit of English herself, Greywind utilized the translator before handing the device back: No. I am Mizol. Many Mizol are born with this talent.

Io typed further: Sorry. Are you like a superhero or something?

Greywind responded: No. Although, coincidently, we Loroi refer to our talents as powers. Like superheroes.

Io: Cool. So you’re really Emperor Greywind?

Greywind: I am.

Io: Awesome! Your hair is sick. Looks like a kickass cape. : - D

Greywind had heard ‘kickass’ enough times to know what it meant. Though was not sure how to take ‘sick’. She answered: I beg your pardon. What do you mean by sick hair?

Io: I mean it’s awesome, dude

Greywind: Thank you. Loroi take great pride in their hair. Though I prefer if you not call me dude. It is proper to call me Emperor.

Io: Got it.

Greywind: You seem very articulate for one so young.

Io: Say what?

Greywind: I mean you are good with words.

Io shrugged, typing: Thanks Emperor.

Greywind: Your welcome. XD

Io: By the way, XD means to laugh out loud. If you want to show you’re happy, use emoticons like : - D. Or use : )

Greywind: Is that what you call them? Emoticons.

Io: Yup.

Greywind: Thank you for verifying. : - D

Io: So are you like an elf queen or something?

Greywind rolled her eyes, answering: We Loroi are not elves. And no, I am not a queen. But I am the elected ruler.

Io: Sweet. Your armor is really awesome.

Greywind: Thank you.

Io: But I don’t really like your shoulders. : /

Greywind: Why not?

Io: The faces on them look weird and creepy. :E

Greywind: Yes, they are meant to intimidate.

Io grinned, typing: I like you. You’re a real screwball. (^_^;)

Not even Greywind heard that slang before. Or understood most of the emoticons Io seemed so invested in. But accepted it as an odd compliment. She further wrote: Tempo tells me you are from the Sol System. Correct?

Io nodded.

Greywind: I have an adopted son called Ben. He is obsessed with learning everything about the Sol System and Earth. Maybe you could tell him about your old home.

Now this was a surprise. Io: You have a son? Like a human son?

Greywind: I have many human children. They would be happy to meet you, Prabir and Nimarey. Would you like to meet them?

Io: ＼(-o-)／Yeah. When?

Greywind: We leave later today. For now you may relax and enjoy yourselves. We promise to take care of you.

Io: Wow :O you Loroi are so cool! : D

Greywind: Thanks. : D

Io put away her device. Even the Loroi could see how jittery she was with excitement.

“Neh! Neh!”

Detair Softwind reached for feeding solution in her leg pouch as Nimarey began to squirm and cry.

>Give her to me,< Greywind instructed.

>Pardon me, Azerein, perhaps it would be best if I feed her first,< Softwind advised.

>I want to feed her,< Greywind insisted. >She is about to become my ward. All three of these children will be. It is beneficial that I leave a good impression upon her.<

The Detair conceded, >As you wish, Azerein.< She walked around, handing the baby and feeding solution to Greywind.

With a secure hold on Nimarey in one arm and bottle in the other hand, the baby stopped crying as Greywind gently tipped the bottle’s nub into her mouth. The little human gurgled, suckling away. Greywind found something unusually rewarding in nursing a child.

“Tora Azy! Tora Azy!” Prabir poorly pronounced Greywind’s title. “Mm, can you do more magic? Please?”

Greywind was reluctant to use her powers while concentrating on feeding the baby. Until she had an idea. With eyes burning brilliant cerulean, Greywind released the bottle, lifting it by pure thought as Nimarey continued to suckle.

Prabir and Io could barely contain their amazement at the floating bottle. “Woah!”

>Strange creatures these humans,< sent Detair Softwind.

>Strange you say?< sent Greywind. >Detair, you’ve not seen the half of it.<

[Bamax]

I love how to the Loroi their powers are ordinary, but to humans and especially Io they see it like we would expect... even to the annoyance of Loroi.

Makes me think if superheroes were real... all but those that define themselves solely by their powers and crave attention would grow tired of people wanting a deminstration, and would only use their powers as needed and not excessively.

An exception to that would be Homelander types: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=79yHWTt3CRg

[Snoofman]

Author’s Note: Hey ya’ll. Life has been hectic. Processing my father’s death. Going through a breakup. Hopefully the next chapter should not take too long to finish.

As you may or may have noticed, sometimes I have gone back to edit a few details in order to ensure consistency within the story or to change just a few things I didn’t like in retrospect. In the original ‘Dawn’, only four adults worked at the creche. I have changed that to a higher number, though refrain from specifying a more precise number until later.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

===+===

IV - The Children of the Union

===+===

It was a mildly windy midday on the isle of West Ginazeigo. Splotches of cloud cover rolled over the sky, before gusts shredded them into indiscernible threads of cotton. It was the children’s day off from studying and training, in which they could do whatever they wanted. Except use electronics. The adults made a strict rule: no digital games or electronic recreational tools until the evening, to discourage the youth’s addiction to such devices. Board and card games were acceptable. The more elder children that didn’t require constant care would go on adventures through the mural hallways or running through the gardens. Some of the more adventurous youth were permitted to go on hikes over the grassy hills beyond the creche grounds. Though under the supervision of an adult. Others liked to take the time to relax indoors.

Among the creche’s young loungers, three human and three Loroi were hanging out in one of the bedrooms, each content to combat boredom in their own manner whilst enjoying each other’s company.

One of them, an eight-year old human called Luke, was reading an issue of Miracleman. Amidst his browsing of Marvelman’s clash with Big Ben, young Luke voiced an epiphany, “What if the Loroi are superheroes?”

Three-year old Cadence lost her concentration. The levitating treespore she focused on tumbled to the floor. The shiny indigo in her eyes dimmed back to common blue as she looked at Luke. “What?” said Cadence, half curious, half annoyed.

Luke repeated, “I said what if the Loroi are superheroes?”

“Why are we talking about this?”

“Uh, because it’s our day off and there’s nothing better to do?”

“I think the better question is… who cares?” Cadence just rolled her eyes as her eyes flared brilliant blue again. She refocused her attention on levitating the treespore above her left palm.

Luke scowled, muttering under his breath, “Grinch. Come on, isn’t anybody interested?”

“I’d be happy to talk about it,” two-year old Cap said enthusiastically, mindlessly smacking her toy down against someone else’s finger.

“Ow! Hey!” A seven-year old human girl pouted as Cap’s action figure hit her. They were engaged in a make-believe battle of ancient Loroi heroes against olive green Army Men.

“Sorry, Ripley,” Cap apologized. “So why do you think Loroi are like superheroes, Luke?”

“Think about it,” Luke explained. “Loroi are space travelers, like many superheroes. They have awesome weapons, awesome armor and awesome vehicles, just like superheroes.”

“That’s not what makes a superhero, Luke,” Kirk, an eight-year old, pointed out. He filled in numbers on his Sudoku pad. Math was his passion.

“No but they have powers like Loroi,” Antimony pointed out. The four-year old Loroi was heavily focused on constructing her Skymaster model.

“Well, at least some Loroi appreciate superheroes,” said Luke.

>Not you too, Antimony,< Cadence despaired as she struggled to keep her focus on the floating treespore.

>What’s the problem, joykill?< Antimony teased, fitting on the plasma blasters to her nearly complete model.

Irritated offense made Cadence lose her concentration again as the treespore tumbled off her palm. >Don’t call me that!<

Ripley was frolicking an Army Man in her hand toward Cap’s toy army as she chipped in, “You know some Loroi have names like superheroes. Even some of our family members do.”

Cadence couldn’t believe she was hearing this as she tried to concentrate again. “No we don’t.”

Ripley insisted, “Yes we do. Think about it. There’s Storm… Tornado… Shatter Star… Starfire… Scarlet… Livewire-”

“Livewire is a super villain,” Luke corrected her.

Ripley shrugged. “Still counts.”

“There is also Darkwing,” Antimony contributed.

Luke’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Who’s Darkwing?”

“I think she means Nightwing,” Kirk pointed out, filling in the last number to his Sudoku.

“No, I mean Darkwing Duck. Caregiver Beverly told me about it when I asked about the illustrated characters she decorates her tablet with.”

“Ducks aren’t superheroes,” Luke objected, mildly annoyed.

“Well apparently he is.”

“No, he’s not.”

“Yes he is.”

“That’s stupid.”

“You are stupid.”

“Shut your mouth!”

“Make me!”

Cadence groaned, unable to concentrate on her training own powers as the human and Loroi went back and forth in their tedious exchange. “What are you two fighting over?!” She yelled out. All eyes fell on her. “You are wasting your time obsessing over superheroes, night ducks or… whatever other made-up human things you call them. It’s just a bunch of nonsense. What’s the point?”

“Technically the point of human fiction,” said Cap, “is to speculate by recreational means-”

Moaning out her frustrations through sealed lips, Cadence hopped to her feet, marching toward the door. “I’m going to practice my powers elsewhere.”

Luke waited for the door to slide shut behind Cadence as he mumbled, “What’s up her blue heinie?”

“Some Loroi just don’t get fiction,” Kirk said with a shrug, moving onto a new Sudoku pad. “You know I’ve never thought of Loroi as superheroes. I actually think of them more like Jedi.”

“You mean the Jedi from the Star Wars fiction? Or the Earth religion?” Antimony asked. Like many of the children, she occasionally partook in watching humanity fiction and was familiar with some of humanity’s invented idols. She also had an understanding of some of human’s unusual religious following, thanks in part to Sister Judith’s lectures regarding Terran cults and their origins.

Cadence, meanwhile, stomped through the hallways trying to find a nice, quiet spot to train her psychokinesis, barely dodging a traffic of five- and four-year old humans peddling at full speed on their trikes. A few servants on duty chased after the little speedsters. Cadence didn’t mind the presence of humans, considering her generation had been born alongside them. But their unreadable minds and unusual infatuations was enough to drive a more grounded Loroi like herself mad.

Leaving behind the dorms, Cadence decided the library was the ideal place to practice. Not many children liked to spend their free day in the library anyway. Finding a table, Cadence sat down and concentrated once again on levitating the treespore. To her right she noticed eleven-year old Motoko sitting across from four-year old Leaf, the two sharing a few whispers as they seemed to be exchanging notes.

Motoko took notice of Cadence. “Oh, saikin dou,” she said with a two finger salute.

Cadence arched an eyebrow. “What?”

“Gomen,” Motoko apologized. She had a tendency of switching back to her native tongue, Japanese. “I mean how have you been doing?”

Cadence sighed. “Trying to concentrate on my powers, in case it didn’t seem obvious.”

Leaf smirked. >Are you trying to be humorous, Cadence?<

>Will you get off it?< Cadence blurted out.

Leaf giggled. >No need to unsheathe yourself.<

Motoko was impressed by Cadence’s powers. “Cadence, you seem very skilled.”

Cadence accepted the compliment. “Thank you. I intend to be accepted at the Mizol Academy one day.”

Leaf smirked. “Not abusing your powers, I hope?”

Cadence glared at her kin out of the corner of her eye. “What’s it to you? Anyway, you both realize that it is our day off, correct? No need to study.”

“I like studying,” said Motoko with a grin.

“Why?”

“For the same reason you like training your powers on a day off.”

Cadence rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say. What are you reading anyway?”

“We are comparing Loroi legends with human myths.”

“Why?”

Leaf answered, “To see if there is evidence of ancient human’s possessing sanzai or unsheathed powers.”

Cadence scoffed a silent laugh. “Slim chance, friends.”

“You don’t think it’s possible that humans could use sanzai once?”

Cadence dropped the treespore. Hard to believe that she was being dragged into another talk like the one she escaped. “What’s the point of speculating human fantasies?”

“There’s plenty of evidence,” Motoko insisted. “There are old stories of humans speaking with gods in the sky or meeting fairies and elves.”

“We Loroi are not elves,” Cadence grumbled. She detested the comparison. "Besides, Loroi never visited Earth."

“Maybe they communicated somehow over interstellar distances,” Leaf suggested.

Cadence could not believe she was hearing this. “What? Where are your heads?”

“Who are you to say that it isn’t possible?” Motoko stated.

“Who are you to argue against reality? Besides, only Loroi can use sanzai.”

“You don't know that,” Motoko shook her head.

“Name one alien that can.”

“The Pol,” said Leaf.

“That’s a baseless rumor,” Cadence was quick to dismiss it.

“It’s not wrong to wonder, is it?”

Cadence groaned, clutching her treespore as she stood up. “I am going to train elsewhere.” She marched off again.

Motoko looked to Leaf. “What’s wrong with her?”

Leaf shook her head, having adopted some human habits while growing up with her human friends. “I do not know. Perhaps some Loroi have limited intellectual capacities.”

The two girls snickered. Black Mark came up to the table with another book for their pile.

Motoko bowed her head. “Arigato, Black Mark-sensei.”

“Please, I prefer you just call me Black Mark, Motoko,” Black Mark held up her hands. “Anyway, you are quite welcome. I am glad that you seem to have such a passion for reading. Not many children do.”

“I like the Loroi legends very much,” Motoko said with a smile. “Very different from Earth history and legends. But there are a few similarities here and there with Japanese folklore.”

“Teacher, why do you work when it is your free day?” Leaf asked. Although they could send, they Loroi had become more accustomed to speak whenever in the presence of humans. It also helped to boost trust between the human and Loroi inhabitants.

“Working with books has always been my passion,” Black Mark said proudly. She excused herself to fix herself a cup of noilir in the kitchen, leaving the girls to carry on with their research.

While Black Mark was making her drink in the kitchen, a woman walked up alongside her with some empty bottles.

“Howdy, Black Mark,” said Beverly.

“Humans seem very creative in their greeting methods,” Black Mark remarked.

Beverly winked as she filled up the bottles with water. “That we do. So how’s your morning been?”

Black Mark grinned as she sipped her hot noilir. “Very well. I have been helping the children in the library with their studies.”

“Kids studying on a Sunday?” Beverly said with surprise.

“And to what do you seem up?”

Beverly chuckled, flattered by Black Mark’s attempt at Terran talk. “I got to bring some lunch and water for the little monkeys at the stables. Got to keep those kids hydrated.” Beverly rummaged through the refrigerator. “Hey, what do Loroi kids eat at midday?”

“Loroi keeds,” Black Mark mispronounced, “would probably benefit from some small pozets. Not too many though. Remember they must eat their evening meal. May I fill you a cup of noilir?”

“Nah, no thanks,” said Beverly, laying out the cold cuts on some misesa bread. “Some coffee would be nice.”

Beverly filled a box with pozets before fixing some sandwiches while Black Mark tapped a button on the brewer. Black Mark rushed a new cup under the nozzle before dark brown liquid came streaming out, a step she almost forgot. Handing the finished cup to Beverly, the American took a tentative sip. Her euphoric grin turned to a scowl.

“Could use some milk,” said Beverly, moving to the refrigerator.

Black Mark avoided cringing. “I understand from Terran histories why extracting animal milk was necessary for survival. But why do you insist on using it as an additive to your stimulant fluids?”

“I can’t drink it black,” said Beverly, trying to decide between goat milk or lab milk. She decided to go with lab milk, poured up a squirt and sipped. “An improvement.”

Black Mark finally took notice of the Earthling’s strange attire. Particularly Beverly’s t-shirt displaying the illustration of what the Loroi could only guess was a metallic humanoid breathing fire, its shiny head encircled in an English message. Its design seemed reminiscent of a particular human fiction Beverly had introduced the Loroi to some time ago. While all humans were required to wear standard attire during school or duty hours, they were free to try on more creative clothing on free days. And Beverly was no exception in advertising the strangest alien garb. Even a few of the Loroi children had been seen trying on Terran fashion much to the elders’ disapproval.

“Pardon me, Beverly,” Black Mark inquired. “Is that a character from the Simpsons fiction?”

Looking down, Beverly laughed. “Oh no. This is a character from Futurama. Coincidently made by some of the same people who made the Simpsons. This one is called Bender," she pointed to her shirt. "A crude, hedonistic robot powered by alcoholic drink.”

Some human fantasies made next to no sense to Black Mark. “How queer. Am I correct in assuming that this, ‘Futurama’, is another comedy fiction like the Simpsons?”

Beverly nodded. “You guessed it.”

“Why does it say, ‘Kill all humans’?”

“It’s meant to be funny.”

Black Mark quirked an eyebrow. “I fail to see the humor in that.”

Beverly grinned. “I know. It's a human thing.”

“Humans seem strange.”

“Weird in a funny way?”

“No, just strange.”

Patrix entered the kitchen. “Having fun with each other are we, ladies?”

“And a fine hello to you, Pat,” Beverly acknowledged, taking another sip before moving back to preparing the kids’ lunches.

“Has the coffee killed anyone yet?” Patrix rummaged through the refrigerator to find some lunch.

Beverly shrugged. “No casualties yet. Lab coffee ain’t the best, but the lab milk is actually pretty good.”

Black Mark offered, “May I fill you a cup, Patrix?”

The Proxi-Irish man shivered. “Yeek. Keep Frankenstein’s crap away from me. I’ll endure withdrawal until the real stuff comes in.”

“You might be waiting a long time then,” said Beverly, finishing her packing. Ever since sanctions against the Terran government had been put into effect, no imports had come in. And since the human adults of the creche had used up the last of their real coffee, the Listels were trying to engineer coffee grown in lab cultures. And while it was a reliable source of caffeine, it wasn’t the tastiest.

Beverly left the creche grounds for the stables. Before coming to the creche she wasn’t a particularly active person, putting in the bare minimum training to stay fit while working at the Embassy orbiting Azimol. Neglecting exercise had disastrous consequences for those living in environments with less G’s than Earth’s. The Loroi were certainly persuasive in compelling the woman from Queens to stay more active. It certainly seemed like a bother to Beverly, though she was beginning to see the rewards after having lost a few kilos. For one thing she waddled less. Her knees felt better than ever. And she was beginning to see the rewards as her form slowly assumed a more appealing shape.

The Earthling passed by several pens of miros and other animals. Flocks of chickens ran out of her path. The Loroi had not just rescued human children from the Great Wastelands during their tangle with Terran Raiders. Occasionally they stumbled upon start-up settlements striving to be self-sustaining with livestock and crops easy to farm. Particularly chickens. These specimens the Loroi had brought back with them for the creche’s use. Hence why the stables were overflowing chickens now. A few specimens of other Terran animals like sheep, goats and pigs had been brought back as well, but were not to be slaughtered for consumption until the caretakers had bred a sustainable population of these animals. The goats had been particularly useful in extracting animal milk for human consumption. Though why the humans insisted on consuming the alien substance was beyond them.

“Who’s hungry?” Beverly called out as she entered the straw stable.

Loroi and human children dropped their tools upon hearing that. Rushing over to Beverly, they eagerly grabbed the water bottles and lunches. Children were encouraged to assist in chores usually after lectures. But certain jobs like stable duties, binding hay bales, cleaning up butchered animal entrails or shoveling animal excrement was usually reserved as punishment for the creche’s rule breakers. Children were less likely to repeat offenses when forced to work on free days. The stables’ caretakers kept a close eye on them. No one went back to the creche grounds until the work was done.

“Now don’t forget to drink lots of water,” Beverly advised, handing out the last sandwich to Sarah. “And be good now.”

“Thanks, Bev,” said ten-year old Sarah. Guilty of breaking into the fleet simulator chamber during sleeping hours. And managing to break one of its terminals after spilling her drink on it.

Beverly made her way back to the creche grounds. Caretaker Bluespruce, who was watching over the kids, called out, “Rest for twenty-five bimas. Then back to work.”

“Naeam,” eleven-year old Kassad said with a sardonic salute. He was in trouble for getting into a fist fight with another boy near his age and for punching Ben when the older boy tried to break up the fight.

“You will show respect, Kassad,” Bluespruce warned. “I can extend your work time if I become so inclined.” She didn’t see Kassad offer her the Trudeau salute as she walked away.

“Kassad,” Sarah hissed silently. “Don’t make it worse for us. Just come sit with me.” Tugging him by the arm, they plopped down on a hay bale along with the other children. “Oh, it’s so nice to have lunch with you.”

Kassad shrugged. “Whatever.” He took a bite of his sandwich.

“Sarah is right,” said five-year old Garnet. Her crime: attempting to steal a boat from the docks to enjoy some exclusive time with a particular human boy that caught her eye. She took her seat beside Kassad. “Even when we are sentenced to shovel animal shit, good food and,” she rubbed her shoulder up against Kassad, “good company make it all worth it.”

>I think you are making Sarah jealous, Garnet,< sent four-year old Ember, sipping her water. She got in trouble for getting into a fight with a Loroi civilian ward.

>She can simmer all she wants,< Garnet sent confidently. >Boys are not meant to be reserved exclusively for one female anyway.<

>Careful, Garnet,< another four-year old Loroi youth cautioned, already having inhaled her pozet. >Humans don’t forgive anyone that gets inappropriate with human children.<

>You’re a child, Glad.<

>It’s Gladstone.< Glad was punished for refusing to acknowledge to the Housemaster the unearned extension the Loroi youth took the liberty of adding to her name. Followed by a Terran insult she learnt, insinuating that Crescent should suck a particular piece of male anatomy.

>No it’s not. You need to finish your trials to receive the extension of your name. It’s family tradition.<

>Well, since I’m going to finish my trials eventually anyway, might as well get used to calling me by my proper name.<

>Tail-wag,< Garnet taunted while keeping sophisticated composure.

>Snobby swank.<

Although he received nothing of sanzai, nine-year old Paul had become pretty good at reading Loroi’s expressions when they were silently in intense exchange. He blurted out, “Blue fight?”

“None of your business, Paul,” Garnet shot back.

“Don’t be mean,” Glad warned, scooting over the hail straws to Paul. She eyed his sandwich. “That looks good, Paul,” Glad lied, but it was a good excuse to make conversation with the human. “What is it?”

Paul mumbled amidst his chewing, “Chicken. Again.” He swallowed. He was in trouble for stealing food outside of meal hours in his desperation to find any kind of meat besides chicken. “I’m so sick of eating this crap all the time.”

“Don’t be rude. Beverly made that sandwich for you. Besides, I’d rather eat chicken for the rest of my life than have to eat that weird Delrias stuff,” said Sarah, taking an appreciative bite out of her sandwich.

“At least the Delrias know how to spice up their food,” said ten-year old Idaho, gulping down some water. He was in trouble for kissing ten-year old Moonrune. Full tongue. The former Rune was visiting for an upcoming family reunion but, since her violation, sat in confinement until the elders approved her release. The human caregivers had been particularly upset about her offense.

“Aaayyyeeee!”

The children jumped as Garnet shrieked. A chicken had pecked at her pozet, startling her.

“Stupid bird!” Garnet hollered, waving away the little beast. It beat its wings, hopping and clucking away through the stable.

“Don’t scream like that, Garnet,” Sarah scolded her.

“But these-” Garnet struggled with the pronunciation, “-ss-ik-ins… are driving me mad.”

Kassad shrugged. “Let’s eat them all then.”

The children laughed. Even Paul had to admit that was funny. He got up from his perch, handing his lunch to Kassad. “Then you can gobble up this one too.”

Kassad accepted the extra food.

“The elders need to stop letting all these… ss-ik-ins… from breeding,” Garnet commented, taking a sip of water. “Too many.”

“You know chickens are a lot like Loroi,” Sarah said offhandedly. Every Loroi gave her an unimpressed look. “What?”

“How are Loroi like chickens?” Garnet asked.

“Well for starters there are ten hens for every one cock.”

“What?”

“She means roosters,” Idaho pointed out.

Gladstone had an epiphany. “Is that why cocks are associated with penises?”

The boys laughed.

“You guys are so gross,” Sarah muttered. “Anyway chickens are also like Loroi because you need a large enough population to keep them healthy.”

“Healthy from what?” Kassad asked.

“Like inbreeding.”

The Loroi rolled their eyes at Sarah’s tedious observations.

“She’s not wrong,” said Paul. “Remember Doctor Yuan’s lecture about sex? Relatives can’t make healthy babies.”

“That’s not entirely accurate,” Ember defended. “If the relatives in question combine the right genes, or are separated by enough generations, they can make healthy spawn.”

“Why am I not surprised Ember is okay with mating with relatives?” said Idaho.

Ember took offense, glaring indignantly at Idaho. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Idaho held up his hands. “No offense, Ember, but I’ve heard the Yellow Suns are into some really weird sex stuff. Like making their men mate with their own scions.”

Sarah mutters, "Ew."

“It’s called linebreeding, seed-heads,” Ember shouted. “And there is nothing wrong with it.”

“It’s screwed up,” said Idaho.

Ember stood indignantly. “Idaho, are you calling me and my relatives screwed up?!”

>Ember, peace!< Gladstone hopped to her feet, sending out soothing waves. >Some humans just don’t understand Yellow Suns’ customs.< Gladstone looked down at Idaho. “Apologize.”

“No,” Idaho refused. “Mating with relatives is screwed up.”

Before Gladstone could stop her, Ember closed the distance between herself and Idaho to slap him. Idaho reflexively tried leaning out of Ember’s swipe. The intended slap became a slash, Ember’s nails digging into Idaho’s cheek, leaving two bloody trials of red.

“Ow!” Idaho cried. He shot up angrily at Ember. “Stupid bitch!”

Gladstone struggled to keep the two apart. Paul scooted away frightfully, fearing there was no way he was stopping this fight. Kassad jumped to action with Garnet and Sarah close behind. Sarah and Gladstone restrained Ember while Kassad and Garnet held Idaho back. Though that didn’t stop Idaho and Ember from hurling insults:

“Human primate!”

“Retarded inbreed!”

“Pirate spawn!”

“Dad-loving sun child!”

“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!” Caretaker Bluespruce roared. The children froze. No matter their anger, children most often yielded in awe of elder authority. Bluespruce took notice of the two scratch marks on Idaho’s cheek. “What happened?”

Idaho pointed an accusing finger at Ember. “She started it.”

Ember looked indignantly at Idaho. “Me?! You called my Yellow Sun relatives inbreeds!” Ember looked to Bluespruce. >It’s true. He said my relatives’ breeding practices was screwed up!<

Bluespruce was not familiar with that Terran slang. >Screwed up?<

>A Terran insult.<

Idaho further defended, “But she scratched me!”

Bluespruce looked down at Idaho unimpressed. “You think two scratches are bad? Are you a warrior or not?”

Idaho’s self-justification turned to shame. Whining could be interpreted by some Loroi as excuses for the incompetent. Something he didn’t want to be seen as.

“But if those scratches are too much for your honor to endure, go see the Doranzers,” Bluespruce ordered. “Then come right back here and finish your work. And ancestors know how much trouble you will be in if you are not back within sixty-four bimas!”

Idaho muttered under his breath as he left for the clinic, swatting at chickens as eh stomped off. But not before offering Ember a Trudeau salute. She returned the gesture, jabbing two fingers under her chin.

Bluespruce addressed the rest of the children, “All of you back to work!”

“But we only had our break for thirteen bimas,” Paul objected.

Bluespruce would have none of it. “Rest finished! Now work! Anymore fights like this and the elders extend your punishment for another day!”

Paul grumbled to Ember, “Nice going.”

“Paul,” Sarah warned. “You didn’t even try to stop the fight. So just don’t.”

Paul mocked with exaggerated mimicry as he got up, “So just don’t.”

The children went back to shoveling hay piles and binding bales. Ember was ordered to follow Bluespruce to shovel miros excrement for injuring a peer, much to the youth’s displeasure. The most dreaded of chores by children, human and Loroi alike.

Sarah was helping Glad bind a hay bale. “I can’t believe Ember reacted like that.”

“No surprise,” said Glad. She rolled a hay bale alongside Sarah that Kassad and Paul finished forming from the field. “Ember may be a member of Clan Rainfall, but she takes her Yellow Sun heritage very seriously.”

“But why?” Sarah asked, fetching some twine. "I can get why she feels more Sunny than Rainy. But what's there to get upset over?"

Glad accepted one end of twine, shimmying it under the bale. “Ember’s mother, Sunglory, also happens to be her father's second great grandmother.”

Sarah was shocked. “Wait! What?!”

Glad explained, "According to the elders, Clan Rainfall and Yellow Sun arranged numerous mating encounters to strengthen their alliance and to produce as many warriors as possible for the war effort. Ember's father was a hybrid child born shortly after the Great War ended and shipped to Deinar to be a Nedatan. By the time he came of age, Sunglory came to Deinar to find him. She was nearing the end of her reproductive years and wanted her last child to be a true Yellow Sun by family tradition."

"I thought mating encounters were arranged for Loroi."

"Loroi with enough rank can change that," Glad pointed out.

"So Sunglory did it with her own grandson just to make Ember?" said Sarah. Even after living at the creche for six years, it was amazing how much she still didn't know about their very large family and its associations.

"Second great grandson," Glad answered, passing her end of twin back to Sarah. "There's a difference."

“Yeesh!" Sarah poorly concealed her disgust, binding the two ends of twine. "Who pays for that wedding?”

“Loroi don’t have weddings, my silly human friend,” said Glad, pulling out the sheers. “My point is Ember took offense because it seemed like Idaho insulted her lineage.” She clipped the twine.

“Well, he was being kind of a jerk,” Sarah admitted, finishing her knot. They bound the other end of the bale. “But going to great lengths just to sheathe it with your own relative seems kind of... weird... don’t you think?”

Glad shrugged. She explained as they moved onto the next hay bale. “Loroi live a long time. Many of us share common ancestors or relatives within our lifetime. Some Loroi seem not comfortable with the idea of mating with bloodkin. Others seem not to care. As long as matchmakers approve, it seems acceptable."

Sarah dreaded the thought. "I'd hate to think what Ember's dad must have felt while going through that."

"According to elders' gossip, he liked it."

"Please!" Sarah begged Glad. "Spare me the horror! I still don't see the point of mating with a relative. Doesn't it make unhealthy children?"

"As long as the two mates in question combine the right genes, they can make some beautiful offspring. Besides, Yellow Suns only perform linebreeding sometimes. From what I've read, they like to keep certain traits in their lineage. Some of their more... fastidious members even consider their fiery hair to be a mark of what they call their sacred heritage.”

Sarah scoffed, “Sounds like Barsam church dogma mixed with Aryanist crap.”

Glad cocked an eyebrow as they shimmied new twine under the next hay bale. “What is Aryanist?”

“An old theory that one race is better than the rest. The Nazis used it to justify their conquest on Earth in the 20th century.”

“Ah, yes,” said Glad, throwing her end of twine to Sarah. “I remember Teacher Schreiber’s lecture about the Great European Schism.”

Sarah overlapped the twine, holding it taught. “Don’t you mean World War II?”

“No, I mean the European Schism. There were a lot of wars happening on Earth at that time. To call just the European Schism a world war seems inconsistent.”

“Girl, that doesn’t make any-” Sarah sighed in defeat. “Never mind. Let’s just tie up this bale, Glad.”

“It’s Gladstone.”

“Whatever.”

Glad pulled the sheers back out. “Wait. I have an idea.”

Sarah rolled her eyes. “Oh this should be good.”

“Sarah, how about running a sneaking mission to get us some sweet cakes?”

Sarah objected, “No way. I’m not getting in trouble.”

Glad smiled wickedly. “You could do it if you had to go the Doranzers to treat an injury.”

“Go bite a blade! I’m not cutting my finger again just so you can get what you want.”

“What if I offered to show you some pictures of some handsome Nedatans tonight?”

“Ew! Not interested in blue hobbits.”

“Not even of… Fertile Spring?”

Sarah paused at the mention of his name. While her the primary object of her attraction was Kassad, and Loroi menfolk did not particularly appeal to her, Sarah had to admit that the Loroi composer made some dreamy music. Fertile Spring's unique hairstyle, reminiscent of a punk-rock artist, complimented his cute face.

Glad knew she had her human friend hooked, but sweetened the deal, “With his clothes… off.”

Sarah knew that the elders forbade nude depictions of humans and Loroi. But seeing her musical idol in all his glory seemed too good to pass up. She pointed a serious finger at the young Loroi. “You owe me another favor beside this, Gladstone.”

Glad smiled triumphantly. “You have my word of honor.”

Bluespruce was overseeing some servants herding the animals out to the grass fields to feed. But was interrupted by Sarah running up to show her a bloody red index finger.

“How did that happen?” Bluespruce asked.

“Gladstone cut me by accident when we were binding bales,” said Sarah.

“Has humanity made it a habit of seeking injury today?” Bluespruce groaned, rubbing her forehead. “To the Doranzers. There and back again. Sixty-four bimas. Not a solon longer.”

Sarah beamed, “Thank you, Caretaker Bluespruce.”

Bluespruce could not help but notice the human stride with glee as Sarah skipped away.

There were three Loroi children being treated by the Doranzers and Doctor Yuan. Sarah waited in queue. Beside her sat three year-old Veil, stroking her long blue ears. Then there was five-year old Amy kicking one leg impatiently while letting the other hang limp over her chair’s edge.

No sign of Idaho.

Probably ran off, Sarah surmised. He was certainly going to be in trouble for that. His loss.

“So what are you in for Amy?” Sarah asked to pass the time.

“My leg feels funny,” little Amy said simply.

“How about you, Veil?”

“My valley stings,” Veil admitted.

“Your what?”

Veil pointed down.

Sarah mouthed an ‘oh’ and left it at that.

Amy repeated, “My leg feels funny.”

“Yes, we know, Amy,” said Sarah. She looked over to the children being treated by the Doranzers and Doctor Yuan. The Loroi being treated by Yuan seemed to be having a pain in her ears. Though she was relieved to be treated by Yuan, as he gently moved her head to inspect her ear canal. Very relieved in fact. The other children being treated by the Doranzers looked enviously at her.

“Hm, yes I see,” said Yuan, finishing his examination of the child under his care. “You seem to have tinnitus.”

“Is… bad?” The three-year old River asked.

“Not to worry,” Yuan assured, fetching out some Loroi antibiotics. Popping out two pills, he offered them to the Loroi. “Take two of these and check with me tomorrow. But I think you should be fine by then, River.”

River blushed as she accepted the antibiotics, her fingers buzzing as her skin temporarily touched the doctor’s before popping the pills into her mouth. She uttered slowly, “Thank… you… Duk-ter.” She stuck out her hand. Yuan gladly shook it, though had to ply his hand free when smiling River refused to let go. These Loroi certainly were eager to touch humans. River skipped away along with the other two Loroi after being treated.

The adults dropped their surgical gloves into the sanitizer unit before pulling on some new pairs. Yuan was impressed by the Loroi’s efficiency and lack of waste.

“Alright,” said Yuan. “Veil, Sarah, you’re up.”

Veil hopped eagerly toward Doctor Yuan with Sarah ahead of her.

“My leg feels funny,” Amy demanded attention.

“Amy, you have to wait your turn,” said Yuan. He patted the patient bed. “Hop up, kids.”

Sarah meant to jump onto the patient bed, but Veil shoved past her to sit right in front of Yuan. The little Loroi looked up eagerly awaiting treatment from the good doctor. Throwing her legs open, the three-year old said with a huge smile, “I am ready, Doctor.”

Yuan grunted, turning to his colleague. “Doranzer Goodblood, if you would.”

Goodblood obliged. “Of course, Doctor Yuan.” She knelt down in front Veil. >Here, Veil. Let us see what seems to be ailing you.<

Veil sent outraged, >What?! No, stop! I want him to do it!<

>Behave,< Goodblood sent strictly.

Sarah, sitting on the other patient bed, showed Doctor Yuan her cut.

“Well, doesn’t seem too deep,” Yuan commented as he inspected the bloody digit. He cleaned the wound, dressing it with a zinc-sulfate bandage. “Should be healed in a couple hours. Just keep the cut clean and keep that strip on until tonight. You run along now.”

“Thanks, Doc,” said Sarah, skipping away to carry out her ulterior deed.

Yuan threw his gloves into the sanitizer and pulled on a new pair. “I keep telling the Housemaster, we shouldn’t let kids use sharp tools at the stables.”

Goodblood shrugged. “We can bring it up with the Emperor when she returns for her next visit.”

“Now Yuan can help me,” said Veil, eagerly trying to move to the other patient bed.

Goodblood pinned the little Loroi by her thighs. >I am helping you! Now sit still!<

Veil crossed her arms and scowled. >Joykill.<

Yuan motioned little Amy over. He helped the five-year old onto the patient bed. “Okay, Amy,” he said. “What seems to be the problem?”

Amy answered, “My leg feels better.”

Yuan sighed, sending little Amy off with one of her appointed caregivers. They returned to the gardens, rejoining Amy’s peers, each between the ages of three and five years. Along with approximately one and two-year old Loroi. It was good for kids of both races to mingle. Gave the Loroi incentive to practice spoken communication and learn some human habits. Adults watched as the little ones played tag, ran around trees, pointed at flowers or flying insects. Or irritated an adult.

Icespear was in the midst chasing a little giggling Loroi barely one and a half years that kicked her ankle. >Come here, you little runt! You don’t kick a Teidar!<

>Icespear, calm down,< Twoface urged her companion.

>Why the shred isn’t Weaver here to help us?< Icespear snarled.

>Because Weaver’s job is to teach,< Twoface pointed out. The Sentinel was helping build some blocks with some of the human children. >And most teachers get the day off today.<

>I never get time off.< Icespear despaired, finally catching the little troublemaker, dragging her to sit in her timeout. She refrained from using her powers, afraid she might go berserk if she tried.

One of the three year old humans knocked over the blocks Twoface was helping the children build.

“Harper,” Twoface scolded him. “That is not kind.”

“No, no, Two-fey, Two-fey,” another three year old cried out, running up to Twoface. “Two-fey,” he mispronounced her name before pointing to his belly. “Harper! Harper!”

“What?” Twoface asked.

The little one pointed to the one who knocked over the blocks. “Char-we,” he said before pointing back to himself. “Harper.”

Twoface seemed to understand now. “You are Harper and that is Charlie?”

Harper nodded.

“Thank for clarifying. Charlie, if you do that again, you sit in timeout.”

Charlie made a farting noise with his lips before waddling off. Twoface sighed.

“Not easy, no?” Caregiver Han commented, cradling one of the three year old girls to her chest. “I remember an old Yinghuo saying back on Aldea. ‘If you go three days without being punished, the roof will cave in.’”

Twoface blinked up at the Yinghuo woman. Before getting distracted by Icespear yelling at a five-year old boy for kicking her ankle this time. The little one scurried away, giggling like a maniac with the angry Teidar chasing after him.

“And a tiger, no matter how vicious, never eats her cubs,” Twoface added another proverb.

“That last one is actually Chinese,” Han admitted. “But impressive, Miss Twoface.”

“Really?!” Icespear called out, overhearing the ladies’ conversation. “Well at the Teidar Academy, they say, ‘People who spout proverbs love to speak more than do!’”

>Is that a real proverb?< Twoface asked.

>No! I just made that up to make a point! Get over here and help me!<

>Calm down, Icespear.< Twoface sighed, rising to her feet. “Han, can you watch the little ones here? Before Icespear loses control.”

“You better hurry then.” Han let the three-year old girl down before sitting with the children to recommence building blocks.

Twoface rushed over to help Icespear out. It had been decided that Icespear better serve as a guard at the creche. But since one of the caregivers was sick today, Icespear had to fill in. The Teidar liked to argue against it, it was a duty included within the terms of her probation.

Twoface gently tugged the little boy over to the timeout spot. Having learnt some human disciplinary principles herself, Twoface knelt down to his level. “That wasn’t very nice, Wole. Would you like someone to kick you like that?”

The little boy refused to answer.

“Come now.”

Little Wole shook his head.

“That is what I thought,” said Twoface. “Now you will sit in timeout for two hundred solons. Afterward, when you are ready to say sorry to Icespear, you can go and play again.”

Wole pouted, fidgeting restlessly in his seat.

“Twoface,” Noah called, rushing through the garden. “Need your help at the dorms.”

“The infants?” Twoface guessed, getting a nod for an answer. “Coming. Han, you and Icespear can keep an eye on the children here for a while without me, can’t you?”

>Don’t leave me alone here,< Icespear sent.

>I thought Teidars didn’t beg,< Twoface couldn’t help but chuckle.

>I’m not begging!<

>You’re doing fine. Just don’t kill anyone.<

Icespear glared through narrow eyes at the Sentinel. A few children begged Twoface to stay and play with them. It touched her to know that the little ones thought so fondly of her. She promised she would be back later.

Following Noah to the dorms, Twoface’s ears were assaulted by dozens of crying infants and toddlers. The caregivers, human and Loroi alike, were struggling to comfort them. But they kept wailing.

“Twoface, if you would,” Noah invited.

Twoface looked for a particular infant about a year old. The Sentinel lifted up the crier, rocking her gently as she cooed, “Quiet, Dawn. All is well. I’m here.”

Dawn kept crying until her green eyes caught sight of Twoface. Her wailing stopped. Her face calmed. All trace of sadness seemed to leave her instantly.

“Yes, Dawn,” Twoface beamed. “Everything is alright.”

The rest of the children kept crying despite the adults attempts to comfort them.

Looking up into Twoface’s silver eyes, Dawn smirked. Twoface didn’t need to feel it through sanzai to know Dawn was happy. The rest of the children suddenly stopped crying much to the adults’ relief.

Noah had taken the liberty to record the children, including Dawn in Twoface’s arms. While recording was not an alien practice among Loroi, it certainly struck the Loroi as odd that humans doted so much time in recording trivial moments for personal amusement.

“Hey, Twoface,” Noah said, still holding the camera. “Do some baby talk.”

Twoface looked up at Noah, her gaze reflexively switching between him and the camera lens. “No.”

“Why not?”

“It’s silly. And not good for children’s development.”

“That’s not entirely accurate. Besides it’s funny.”

“It’s weird.”

“Come on,” Noah pleaded. “Please. Dawn wants it. I know she does. You know it. I know it.”

Twoface sighed. She couldn’t believe she was doing this. Looking down at Dawn, the Sentinel said in a childish voice the humans taught her, “Ah joe boo. Ah joe boo boo do do.”

The human caregivers snickered with delight. The Loroi could not understand what they found so humorous about spouting nonsense. Though the children seemed to like it too.

Dawn giggled up at Twoface. Her laughter seemed contagious as the rest of the children within the nursery started laughing along with her.

“Twoface, I don’t know how you do it,” said Noah. “But I’m glad you can.”

>Indeed,< a Loroi sent. >How come your presence has such a positive effect on these children?<

Twoface sent tactfully as she rocked Dawn, >I wish I could say.< She said aloud, “I’m taking Dawn for a walk. I’ll be back in a few bimas.”

Twoface cradled Dawn close as she strode through the halls. The little human had grown so much this last year. Who could not adore such a child?

>Twoface.<

The Sentinel turned to see Listel Saszet Cotton approach.

>I was informed there was some distress in the nursery,< sent the Listel. >I was coming to help. But it seems everything is alright now.<

>We’re fine,< Twoface confirmed.

Cotton looked down at little Dawn. Waving her index finger, she greeted, “Hello, sunshine.”

The Loroi could not be certain if Dawn retorted with a sneeze or spat out a fart. Either way it was comically adorable.

Cotton chuckled. >Any events?<

>The children were in distress. But expressed great joy as soon as Dawn was laughing.<

>Fascinating. Anything else peculiar?<

>None that seemed noticeable,< Twoface sent with tact.

Cotton was satisfied. It amazed her that a former Soroin could be as sly as a true born Mizol, even without powers. Cotton had learnt to be the same by necessity. The two had become well acquainted upon Twoface’s arrival to the creche last tozon.

A beep on Cotton’s wristcomm got her attention. She tapped it. “Yes?”

“Torrai Azerein Greywind and her company are inbound,” security reported. “Arriving in approximately forty-eight bimas.”

“Understood. Thank you.” Cotton tapped off her wristcomm. >Excuse me, Twoface.<

>Of course, Cotton.<

Cotton was not offended by the informality on Twoface’s part. The Observer actually thought it beneficial for the two of them to drop formal titles whenever not in the presence of superior officers. Helped to foster trust better.

Cotton made her way to the arena where some children and adults of varying ages gathered in a circle. It was not unusual for some children or even adults to choose to train even on a free day, but no one seemed to be training. Cotton squeezed her way through the cheering crowd to see what the center of the spectacle was.

Sasha and Ben were in a pushup competition. To make the challenge more interesting, each competitor had a Loroi sitting on his back. Both males lowered and hefted themselves up in sync as Instructor Copperrod sounded off, “Twenty-one! Twenty-two! Twenty-three!“

“Keep going, Ben,” three-year old Cobalt cheered him on, sitting cross-legged on the thirteen-year old.

Ben heaved, straining to push himself up for the twenty-fifth time. Cotton could not help but admire just how strong human males were.

The gardener laughed, “You are strong, Ben. But you are very tired.”

“I’m not tired!” Ben snarled, pushing himself up alongside Sasha for the twenty-sixth time. The crowd of girls, boys and Loroi cheered him on.

“Yes, you are. You are strong. But Sasha have power to spare.” The big man dipped down effortlessly for a twenty-seventh dip.

Ben strained to keep himself suspended, pushing with everything he got to match with Sasha. He squealed agony, his limbs gave out like jelly as he collapsed. Cobalt tumbled off as she lost balance from the collapse.

The crowd laughed.

“Sasha still remains the undefeated champion,” said Instructor Copperrod.

Sasha roared with laughter. He allowed Thorn to climb off his back as he got up to offer Ben a hand. “You do pushups very well. One day you beat me. But not yet.”

Ben huffed, taking the big man’s hand as he was helped to his feet. Sasha gave the teenager a hearty pat on the shoulder.

“Well I intend to beat you today,” a competitor roared. The crowd became silent as Hailstorm came forward. Unsheathed never spoke unless invoking a challenge. “Get back on the ground.”

>I think Sasha needs to recuperate a bit first,< Copperrod sent.

“Challenge accepted,” Sasha laughed. He got back on all fours, Thorn climbing back on his back.

“Hey, no fair for a Teidar to enter a pushup competition,” one boy accused. “She could easily use her powers.”

Hailstorm obliged as she removed her amplifier. “Don’t need them.” She got down on all fours as another Loroi youth climbed onto her back.

The crowd cheered as Copperrod signified the start. Neither human nor Loroi intended to lose to the other.

Cotton patted Ben on his shoulder. “Come. I need you.”

“Oh but I want to see who kicks who’s butt,” Ben pouted. “Can’t it wait?”

Cotton whispered into his ear, “Greywind is coming.”

Ben looked at Cotton surprised. “Already?”

“Change of plans,” Cotton confirmed. “She is coming early. And wants you to give some new arrivals a tour of the grounds.”

Ben eagerly complied. “Okay. Let’s go.”

They left the spectators behind. Upon exiting the arena, Ben made for the landing pad.

“Where are you going?” Cotton asked.

Ben looked at Cotton. “Uh… to do my job?”

Cotton scoffed, “Not in that state! You can’t greet our arrivals covered in sweat and stench.”

“I don’t stink.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Poophead.”

“Come. And hurry. We need to be quick.”

Cotton arranged for the servants to bring them some fresh attire to the bathing chamber. Being a Saszet certainly had its benefits. The Listel scrubbed Ben thoroughly with haste.

“Ow!” Ben whined. Cotton’s fingers dug into his scalp.

“Your hair isn’t clean enough,” Cotton said mildly annoyed, not letting up as she kept massaging the soap into his hair.

“Ow?” Ben wanted to see if Cotton would catch on.

“Since when did you become so sensitive?”

“Since when did you become so rough?”

Cotton pointed out, “There is a time to be gentle. And there is a time to be rough. And if I seem rough, it’s by necessity.” She finally finished cleaning Ben’s hair, rinsing her hands of the soap.

“Well you don’t have to be mean about it,” Ben muttered.

Cotton huffed. “As a human would say, ‘suck it up.’ You’re training to be a warrior after all.”

Ben gave Cotton a wry look as she turned to rinse her hair. Grabbing a bottle of soap, he hissed, “Suck this!”

Cotton shrieked as streams of soap coated her nude form. She glared heatedly at her charge. “Come here!”

Ben cried delightfully as Cotton chased him around the pool.

“No running in the bath!” Cotton called out. “Stop!”

Ben laughed, “Make me!”

Ben shot out of the bath with Cotton in hot pursuit. Armed with a towel, Ben whipped back at Cotton. The Listel ripped the towel out of his hands, wrestling him to the floor.

Cotton heaved as she pinned Ben down by his wrists. “You are such a reprobate.”

“You’re a loony,” Ben said back with a wry grin. “And very naked.”

Cotton blushed, moving away as she realized their nude forms made contact.

Ben giggled like a child.

“That is not funny,” Cotton chided him.

“You’re funny,” Ben beamed, propping himself up on his elbows.

Cotton tried giving him a dead serious look, but his silly expression and childish attitude made it hard to be strict with him. She scoffed out a laugh, chuckling along with Ben.

“Ah, Ben,” Cotton breathed out. “What am I supposed to do with you?”

Ben thought it over. “Mm? Feed me. Love me. Humor me. Then feed me some more.”

“No more joking around,” said Cotton, climbing to her feet. “We must finish washing. And quickly now. The Emperor will be here soon.”

The climbed back into the bath. Cotton sat, exhaling with relief as she washed Ben down with a bucket to rinse the soap out.

“I remember when we first came here,” said Cotton. Setting the bucket aside, she rinsed the mess Ben made off herself. “You seemed so bashful then. But you have become very well accustomed to Loroi habits.”

Ben grinned at the happy memory. “Yeah. I guess I have.”

The Listel shook off her nostalgia. “I think we have bathed enough.” Cotton stood. Ben couldn’t help but notice the streams of water hugging Cotton’s curves as she stepped out of the bath.

The Listel gazed down at her charge. “Are you well?” Ben seemed spaced out. “Ben?”

Ben snapped out of his trance, inwardly berating himself for forgetting propriety taught by the elders. “Oh, uh, fine. Sorry.”

“You seem to have been quite strange lately,” Cotton observed. “Are you troubled?”

Ben shook his head. “Nope.”

Cotton suspected he hid something, but let it alone. He motioned for him to follow. “Come then. We must hurry.”

Ben froze as he realized something terribly wrong. “Um, I can’t.”

“What seems to be the problem?”

Ben made a few nervous gestures, struggling to find the words to explain his predicament. But his blush gave it away.

Cotton had adopted some human habits herself as she uttered, “Oh!” She turned swiftly, the view of her rear not making Ben’s situation any easier. “I… that-” She grunted. “Please… take your time. I will… dry off. And wait for you… outside.”

“Thanks, Cotton.” Ben indeed took his time to relax. But the magnetic pull of Cotton’s anatomy kept drawing Ben’s gaze, making it difficult.

Cotton stepped through the drying grid, static electrical currents licking droplets off her body as she was dried within solons. She waited outside the bathing chamber after pulling her suit on. Ben followed shortly thereafter, dressed formerly in a standard jumpsuit with his shawl bearing the Union minnir.

Ben grunted as the two made their way to the landing pad. “Uh, Cotton?”

Cotton cast him a glance as they strode side by side. “Yes, Ben?”

“Sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

“Certainly you did not, Ben. I assure you. I was just… surprised.”

“Oh, great. Uh, Cotton, since you’re a Listel, does that mean you’re always… um… going to… remember everything?”

The answer rolled out slowly, “Yes.”

“Oh.”

“But you need not worry, Ben. I am also good at keeping secrets. I will not share anything pertaining… well… you know what.”

“Okay, cool.”

Two formations of Stinger craft flew overhead. Followed by the roar of a large shuttle hovering over the grounds toward the landing pad. Ben’s heart beat with excitement. Greywind was home. They found Housemaster Crescent waiting a safe distance from the landing pad as the shuttle touched down. The gust from the shuttle’s engines died down. The boarding ramp opened. There came Greywind marching out of the shuttle, flanked by four Praetorians. Attendant Link followed close behind the Emperor.

Ben’s instinct was to run up to Greywind and give her a welcome-home hug. But training had taught him to stand at attention and greet his superiors formally. Housemaster Crescent offered her formal salutations.

“Hello, Ben,” said Greywind.

Ben bowed. “Greetings, Emperor.” He waved warmly at the Emperor’s Attendant. “Hey, Link.” Link smiled back. “Hey, Praetorians.”

The Praetorians just stared back at Ben, solemnly humorless.

Ben shrugged. “Or not.” He turned to Greywind. “Um, where’s everybody else?”

“Everybody else?” Greywind asked.

“You know, the Diaderets. The Ambassadors. And Lodestone.”

“Their services are required elsewhere for the time being. But will be arriving in a few days. Along with the rest of our family.”

Ben was looking forward to seeing everyone in the family come home from duty. Especially his friends that he had grown up with at the creche. Some of whom would be returning from completed trials or active duty. Sadly not everyone in the familial clan would be able to make it. That was duty’s burden.

"Are you ready to meet the new arrivals?” Greywind asked.

Ben nodded. At the Emperor’s behest, Tempo and Detair Softwood descended the ramp with three small children. Softwind knelt down to show Ben little Nimarey in her arms.

“She’s cute,” Ben commented.

“She is,” said Greywind. “And she has a brother.”

Ben looked at the little boy clutching Tempo’s leg. Little Prabir nuzzled half his face into Tempo’s thigh as Ben approached.

“Hi, there,” Ben knelt down the little boy’s level. He learnt from experience to take it slowly with the shy ones. “I’m Ben. Nice to meet you.”

Prabir buried his face more into Tempo’s thigh.

Ben turned finally to the seven-year old girl. He stood and approached. “Hi.” He got an answer in the form a phone with typed message:

‘Sup?

Ben just stared at the device as she handed it to him.

“Young Io here,” Greywind pointed out, “is deaf. She will be able to hear in a few days when her ears heal. In the meantime, she must use her… Robin phone device to communicate. Feel free to utilize it.”

“Oh,” Ben said simply. Taking the Robin in hand, he wrote back: I’m Ben. What’s up Io?

Io typed back: Nothing but alien sky.

Ben smiled, writing back: You’re funny. You’re named after one of Jupiter’s moons, right?

Io shrugged. She wrote: Pretty much. The Queen of the Universe wasn’t kidding when she said you knew a lot about the Sol System.

Ben chuckled, writing back: Just remember to call her Emperor or Azerein when you’re in a good mood.

Io raised an eyebrow. She typed: What should I call her when I’m not?

Ben: Vanilla poophead.

Io awkwardly gasped with a smile. That was apparently her laugh. Ben didn’t seem so bad to her.

Ben turned to Greywind. “She seems okay.”

Greywind rolled her eyes. “I am so glad you approve of her person.”

“Are you being sarcastic?”

Greywind tapped his shoulder. “Stop being a silly Earth creature. I want you watch over Io here for the next few days until she can hear. Help her to settle in. You can start by giving her a tour of the grounds. Best if Cotton should also accompany you. Her archive of the facilities should be helpful.”

Ben nodded. “Okay.”

“Okay…?”

Ben sighed. “… Emperor.”

Greywind nodded. “Off you go then.”

Handing the device back to its proper owner, Ben urged Io to follow. Looking up at the Emperor, Greywind waved Io along with an encouraging hand. Cotton made to follow the two young ones.

“Listel Saszet,” said Greywind. “You and I will have much to discuss later.”

Cotton bowed before following after her Ben and Io. Detair Softwind left with little Nimarey for the nursery. Tempo took Prabir to the Garden where he could join the other toddlers and preschoolers.

>I hope you will pardon me for not preparing a proper welcome, your highness,< sent Housemaster Crescent.

>You needn’t ask for one, Housemaster,< sent Greywind. She was indeed early.

>In any case, we are happy for your return, Azerein. I am most anxious to discuss the creche’s latest developments. As well as a few issues that need addressing. And preparations for the familial clan’s reunion.<

>We will assemble the adults later,< Greywind acknowledged. >For now I want to see the children simply as they are.<

The Housemaster bowed, excusing herself to register the new arrivals and prepare their accommodations. Greywind’s Praetorians left to inspect the area. The island was under constant surveillance, but one could not be too careful. The Emperor went to see what her young scions, relatives and wards were up to.

[wolf329]

This is great fun, an introduction to so many, and a return of familiar faces.

Is this roughly set soon after Dawn?

[Snoofman]

This is great fun, an introduction to so many, and a return of familiar faces.

Is this roughly set soon after Dawn?

About one year after Dawn. Yes.

[Snoofman]

V - The Creche

===(+)===

Greywind remembered the number of children from last year upon her last visit.

Thirty human boys.

Twenty-one human girls.

Sixty-eight Loroi.

A total of one-hundred and nineteen children.

With the departure of the six-yearlings to commence their trials and the delivery of clan Rainfall’s latest batch of infants, there were now seventy-nine Loroi children inhabiting the island. The arrival of this year’s rescuees (including the three recent human arrivals) had boosted the number of human children to fifty-eight.

While the number of Loroi children seemed to fluctuate with each tozon, the human population of the island only rose. The majority of elders expressed concerns that, if the Emperor intended to adopt more humans, there would not be enough room within the next few tozons. The creche would have to expand to accommodate not only new arrivals but the first generation of humans to be born on Deinar.

If only the rest of the Union were this easy to govern, thought Greywind as she trodded through the mural halls.

A couple dozen strides ahead of her she saw some of the human and Loroi youth playing bandy. Greywind was amazed how quickly some of her scions had taken to Terran sports since the arrival of more humans to the island. Especially the roller blades the humans introduced the Loroi to. That was very apparent to one Loroi girl too immersed in the game to notice the Emperor as she entered their detectable range. The Loroi was knocked off her feet as a boy roughly shoved her, stealing the ball from her before smacking it with his stick. Greywind could not be sure if he meant to shoot for a goal or pass the ball out of his opponent’s reach. But she did notice the ball’s collision coarse for her head. Her extraordinary powers stopped the ball in midair before Attendant Link could hope to intercept it.

The young players froze as they finally took notice of the commander-and-chief they almost hit. Two crashed into each other, toppling to the floor. Link suppressed a giggle. With ball in hand, the Emperor strode toward her scions and wards with upright posture.

“Hello, Emperor,” the children said, solemnly timid.

“Greetings,” Greywind said back simply, her cerulean eyes falling on the boy who hit the ball. “Is that you, Soma?”

Young Soma slowly glided over on his roller blades toward Greywind with a beckoning of her finger.

“Perhaps you should be more certain of where you want the ball to go before you hit it at full force,” Greywind advised.

Soma’s head dipped in shame. “Sorry, Emperor.”

“I should hope so, my young ward.” Greywind’s eyes burned brilliant cerulean. The ball floated back toward Soma. ”You wouldn’t want to injure anyone now, would you? After all, a game is no fun when someone gets hurt.”

Soma grabbed the ball. “I’ll be careful.”

Greywind relinquished her psychokinetic hold as Soma took back the ball.

“I will see you all later,” said Greywind. “Enjoy your game.”

“Thank you, Emperor,” the young ones said together, rolling out of the Emperor’s way as she strode by with Link.

“She is so cool,” said Katniss.

“Suck-up,” a boy muttered.

“Come on,” River snapped her blue fingers. “Let’s keep playing.”

Soma dropped the ball and they were back in the game.

Greywind kept walking until she came to the shrine. Statues, totems and emblems of various Loroi spiritual beliefs adorned a grand chamber lit up by burning candles. Ever since the arrival of more humans, a few human icons of various human religions populated the shrine as well.

Greywind stood with Link silently just outside the range of the Loroi practicing with their human counterparts in choir. While vocal harmonizing was not a foreign concept to Loroi, the humans had introduced an array of musical genres. Some of which the Loroi had not even conceived of before contact with Terrans.

Greywind had listened to many kinds of human music. Some of it she could not stand (particularly rock or metal). But music with softer tunes were quite pleasant. Among these was a spiritual form of human harmonizing called Gregorian chanting. Sister Judith had been the first to show the Emperor this captivating form of musical worship in the form of a recording. The old nun apparently participated in choir with her mendicant peers during her former residency on Earth. Even for a mere recording, the monophonic melody of human voices bedazzled the Emperor.

The walls of the shrine echoed as the choir chanted, “O come, all ye faithful.”

>Beautiful, isn’t it Attendant?< Greywind whispered.

Link agreed, >Spellbinding, your highness.<

Greywind was by no means religious, but had an appreciation for spirituality. Especially when expressed through the beauty of art and music. For a whole bima she simply stood as the waves of musical chanting washed over her. There was something captivating about the echoes of human plainchant. So delighted was Greywind by this music that she instructed Judith to organize choirs at the creche. Even went so far as to allow the singing of religious chants with the provision that Judith not attempt to make converts of the Loroi. Judith was quite moderate in her beliefs anyway.

The old Emperor strode casually into the chamber with Link close behind, entering the Loroi’s detectable range. Sister Judith was bemused as she noticed some of the Loroi singers falling out of tune. It took a few seconds for her to deduce that someone of great import had entered when the humans suddenly stopped singing. The little nun turned face to face with Greywind.

“Ho! Your imperial highness,” Judith said, startled. Some in the choir chuckled.

“Greetings, Sister Judith de la Cruz,” said Greywind. She extended her salutations to the rest of the choir. Some of the human children waved back.

“We were not expecting you so soon,” said Judith.

“I have come early. And could not help but overhear your song.”

Judith hunched slightly, humbled by the praise. “Well, we have certainly been practicing.”

“We’re going to sing for Christmas,” a little human girl said out of the blue.

“I am certain the clan will enjoy it, Inva,” Greywind said back. “I will not distract you any longer. I will see you all for the evening meal.”

Inva asked, “Is that dinner?” Some humans laughed at her naivety.

“What else.” Greywind left for the exit.

Judith wished the Emperor a pleasant stay as she returned to conducting the choir. “Da Capo! From the top, everyone. And one… two…”

Greywind kept strolling on, passing by Loroi and humans, young and old, each bowing with reverence. Her long ears picked up some distress as she passed through the gardens. She found a caregiver wrestling with young Idaho.

Idaho shouted, “Let me go, you stupid blueberry!” He swatted his arms at her.

The caregiver struggled to calm Idaho, brushing off the bruises the boy left her. “Behave, Idaho! You are supposed to be working at the stables! You’ll be getting two more days of stable duties for this!”

Idaho fought back as she tried to pull him along. “I’m not going back! Ouch! Let go!”

“Stop!” Greywind commanded silence. The two looked up at the Emperor. “What seems to be the problem?”

>Azerein,< the caregiver sent with a bow, conveying more details concerning Idaho’s punishment.

>Really?< Greywind turned toward her ward. “Idaho, Caregiver Coldstone tells me that you have been punished for inappropriate behavior. Is that correct?”

Idaho stubbornly refused to meet Greywind’s disapproving gaze.

“Idaho, be honest.”

Idaho shrugged. “It wasn’t a big deal.”

Greywind inwardly seethed, not sure whether to be more angry with Moonrune or Idaho. But reined in her emotions. “Frankly, a boy engaging in a tongue duel with an adult certainly seems a… big deal."

"We're both ten."

"A ten year old Loroi is not the same as a ten year old human. I do not approve.”

Idaho tucked his arms in, lips quivering. His warden did not need sanzai to see anger and shame clashing in his mind.

The old Emperor sighed. “I will make you a deal. If you choose to return to the stables and finish your work right now, I promise not to extend your punishment.”

Idaho refused to budge.

“Idaho,” Greywind offered a warning tone. “Do not be difficult. I am your warden and I am trying to be good to you. Don’t you think I deserve the same?”

Idaho’s defiance burnt out as he grumbled, “Fine.”

“‘Fine’?”

“…Emperor.”

“Off you go then.”

Idaho stomped away.

>I apologize if it seemed I made a spectacle, Azerein,< Coldstone sent sincerely. >I will make sure he goes back.<

>Don’t bother,< Greywind dismissed. >He knows the way.<

>Pardon me, Azerein, but there’s a chance the human will try to sneak off again.<

>That’s what we’re going to find out,< Greywind informed Coldstone. >Sometimes loyalty can be better reinforced when you give the subject a choice. Besides, letting him go on his own gives me the opportunity to determine Idaho’s reliability.<

>As you will, your highness.<

>By the way, where is Moonrune?<

>Confined to the guest house, Azerein. She has not been allowed to come out for two days.<

>Good. Keep her there.<

Greywind dismissed Coldstone to carry on her duties. The old Emperor made her way toward her favorite balcony. She let out a long exhale.

>There always seems a new problem to be dealt with, doesn’t it, Attendant?<

Link stood alongside the Emperor near the balcony’s edge. >I suppose it is inevitable, Azerein.<

>Whether aboard Cry of the Wind,< Greywind despaired, >or at the Imperial Seat. I hope Moonrune had the sensibility to keep her pants on at least. Or Idaho’s for that matter.<

>Do you intend to confront Moonrune, Azerein?<

>I’ll deal with her later. Another day of confinement seems fitting.<

The old Emperor rested on her elbows on the balcony’s stone rail. She caught sight of six human and eight Loroi children on the beech below. A few smacked a ball to keep it aloft, kicking up streaks of sand. A few ran for the sea to senselessly splash water. One Caregiver stood close by to supervise. A girl around eleven years caught sight of the Emperor. The young human jumped eccentrically, waving at Greywind. Upon seeing the source of the girl’s excitement, the rest of the children looked up at the Emperor and waved. No doubt overjoyed at their warden’s and sire’s return.

Greywind returned the gesture as she extended her left hand out to them. >They seem so happy,< she commented, putting her hand back down on the ledge.

>Of course, Azerein,< sent Link. >They are happy because you created a good home for them.<

>The persons under my employ made it.<

>But only because you gave them the resources to do it, Emperor. Your wards and scions know this. And they love you for it.<

>Do they?< Greywind thought skeptically.

>Well, they might forget from time to time. But they love you still.<

In act of vulnerability, Greywind sent, >Will they always love me?<

Link raised an eyebrow. >Azerein, I don’t understand.<

Realizing her error, Greywind composed herself. >Nothing. Forget about it, Attendant.<

Though confused, Link accepted the command.

“Emprah!” Greywind turned to see a three year old girl waddle down the stone steps of the balcony. He squeeled joyfully, “Emprah! Emprah!” Step by stone step she waddled down to the Emperor.

“Greetings, little Huma,” said Greywind. Marching up the steps, she scooped the little human into her arms.

A whole mob of youngsters and their guardians came over from the garden to greet the Emperor.

“Blue mama,” four-year old Aiguo hugged Greywind’s leg. “Come play with us, blue mama.”

Greywind let down Huma. “Alright. Only for a short while. Then I have other things to do.” The human guardians could not help but chuckle as they watched Aiguo and Huma lead the Emperor by the hands to their playground.

===(+)===

The day rolled by. Greywind took her time to greet each of her adopted wards and progeny. Io seemed to be fitting in quite well thanks to Ben’s encouragement. Though the other children found it odd that she was initially deaf. A few thought it unfair that she got to use an electronic device while the rest were prohibited during daytime hours, but were made aware that Io needed it for communication. Nimarey seemed settled into the nursery. Prabir was quite shy, even wept a bit. Being surrounded by so many new faces whilst being separated from his parents was overwhelming. It would take time for him to adjust.

Most of the creche’s inhabitants formerly welcomed the Emperor back when assembling for dinner. While Greywind still expected the humans to show militant professionalism when necessary, she had gotten used to their casual attitudes by this point. Casualty helped to ease their work burden. And the old Emperor had to admit there was something relaxing about the humans’ casual nature. After finishing their feast, the children eagerly ran off to the simulation chambers and gaming lounge. Some were eager to test their skill in battle simulations. Others just wanted play for fun. A few of the human children simply wanted to play with their phone devices. Most Loroi still didn’t understand humanity’s obsession with social media (even without a digital channel in the Union to distribute such content). Though a few Loroi children who had grown up alongside the humans liked to partake in the humans’ ‘groupie’ pictures just for a good laugh.

The rest of the adults took this opportunity to clean out the dining hall and rearrange it for staff meeting. The conference hall would have been more ideal, but the dining hall was the only place to comfortably accommodate the entire (or almost entire) creche’s staff. A few guards had to keep an eye on the children and a few caregivers be present at the nursery. They would be brought up to date later on. Pitchers of water and carafes filled with noiler, tea or coffee were distributed.

Greywind at this point had switched out of her armor in favor of a grey robe. She felt oddly naked to be without her armor or crown. But it was better to seem more unceremonious before her creche’s staff than appear intimidating.

The staff meeting covered several matters that evening:

Sister Judith’s plans for ceremony to welcome the new arrivals. Taking stock of the number of goods consumed. Calculating the creche’s expenditures to budget for the coming tozon. Concerns for children being exposed to dangerous objects. Confirming this tozon's inspection of the guards' armory locker (to ensure that children could not access the Loroi's weaponry) and that all weapons were accounted for. Conflicts of colleague’s individual schedules. Human children still recovering from psychological traumas. Progress of said children’s therapeutic sessions. The emergence of potential candidates for the Mizol and Teidar Academies. Arranging appointments with Nedatans to give these candidates proper counseling.

On that note, the Emperor suggested that the creche could save itself some travel expenditures if the Nedatans came to visit the creche for the upcoming family reunion.

Not everyone was keen on the idea.

“It may seem unorthodox,” said Greywind, “but we have invited menfolk to the island before. The Nedatans shall only be with us a few days.”

“With all due respect, Azerein,” said Housemaster Crescent, “there are going to be hundreds… actually, thousands of visitors. I don’t think it wise to expose so many Loroi to menfolk.”

“Housemaster, I am surprised with you,” said Greywind. “We are not some larrikin mob.”

“No offense, Emperor,” said Beverly, “but some of your Loroi kids’ mischief might challenge that assertion.”

“I assume you are referring to the incident involving Moonrune and Idaho?”

Some humans nodded with less than happy looks.

“Loroi are familiar with the concept of a hussy,” said Greywind. “I have also not forgotten our previous discussions enlightening me about the dreadful realness of… ‘predators’… as a human calls it, Miss Miller. Moonrune may have embarrassed herself by descending to the level of a hussy. But I assure you she is no predator.”

Beverly said further, “But what are you going to do about Moonrune, your highness? What she did is unacceptable.”

“Her actions were indecorous I admit,” said Greywind. “But she is not the first to be ribald.”

Han chipped in, “But it’s still illegal, Azerein.”

“If I may be permitted to interject,” said Tempo. Greywind allowed it. “Moonrune has disobeyed the creche’s rules. That is true. But technically has not broken the law. In order for Moonrune to have actually committed a crime, she and Idaho would have had to violate specific parameters, such as being completely unclad or being in the actual act of coupling. And since the act seems to have been voluntary from both participants, Moonrune is not guilty of coercion. They kissed, which violates the creche's code of conduct, yes. But kissing does not equate to a crime.”

Beverly couldn’t believe she was hearing this. “But you can’t just let her go around kissing little boys!”

A few men laughed.

Beverly scolded them, “Shut up! This is serious, you idiots!”

“Order!” Greywind called out. The men quieted down. She carried on, “Miss Miller, it is not your place to say what we Loroi can and cannot do. Now while we are happy to consider the advice of our human staff, the Loroi handle Loroi affairs. And we can’t prosecute each other for every bawdy act.”

“Excuse me, Emperor,” Judith interjected, “what I think Beverly means, indeed what we all mean, is that we just want the children to be safe. Especially when we are about to receive thousands of guests to our little home here. I remember Rune as a child. She was a sweet girl. She still is. But even I could see she looked upon the boys here lustfully. Now I’m not saying that sexual interest is a sin. But it becomes one when it compels us to disobey rules. Moonrune deserves to be forgiven for her mistake, but… she is not likely to learn from her mistake if she is let off with a simple warning.”

"I agree," said Twoface. "Also, Azerein, if we don't set an example, what is to dissuade other Loroi from indulging in such deviant behavior? In fact, what happens when one such deviant goes too far?"

Greywind considered Judith’s and Twoface's words. “The point is made. If Moonrune repeats misconduct, she will be banned from the island. Meanwhile, she will be penalized with labor duties. Both before and during the celebrations.”

“That ought to knock some sense into her,” Patrix commented. Some Loroi laughed at the unintentional ‘sense’ joke.

Beverly didn’t accept that. “But your highness-”

Greywind said firmly, “This conversation is finished.”

Crescent moved onto another matter, “While we are on the subject of visitors, Azerein, we don’t have enough guest rooms to accommodate so many.”

“No need to worry,” said Greywind. “I’ve put in a request for a squadron of seafaring vessels to drop anchor off the coast. They will arrive in two days. Each ship has more than enough rooms to accommodate our guests.”

“Sounds expensive,” Sasha remarked.

“Spared at no expense,” Greywind shot back. Some of the humans could not deny that was funny. While Greywind never laughed or smiled, she found that humor helped to put the humans at ease.

“Well, I suppose that issue is settled then,” Crescent remarked. “Would anyone else like to address a subject or problem not yet covered?”

“I do,” said Noah. “When are we going to get more imported goods?”

Greywind said, “You are going to have to be more specific than that, Mister Locke.”

Noah cleared his throat. “Emperor, what I mean is when are getting new supplies from Terran space?”

“When the Council drops the sanctions.”

“How long will that take?”

“I am sorry, is there some urgency I am not aware of?”

“Urgency?”

“Are the humans here in danger of food shortage?”

“Uh, no.”

“Are they properly clothed?”

“Yes.”

“Doctor Yuan, do you have all the medicine and medical equipment you need?”

“Absolutely, Emperor,” Yuan confirmed.

“So then what seems to be the problem?” Greywind waited for an answer.

“Emperor, what I mean is,” said Noah, “there are some things we’ve been going without for a while.”

Greywind rested her elbows on the table, folding her fingers together. “Specify.”

“Well, for starters, we don’t have anymore coffee.”

“Our Listels have been able to synthesize a substitute to provide you with all the caffeine you need.”

“But that stuff’s crap,” Patrix blurted out, earning him some angry looks from the Listels. “Eh, no offense ladies.”

“If you think the lab-grown coffee is crap,” Greywind emphasized the Terran slang, “you are not obligated to drink it. I’ve also been enlightened about the symptoms of… caffeine withdrawal. The Doranzers can offer medication to ease these symptoms if you would like.” Greywind saw the distraught looks on the humans’ faces. “I understand these sanctions have made life challenging for some of you. But coffee is a non-essential item. As are many of the goods that many humans at this creche want. Sometimes we must learn to get by without certain comforts in life.”

“But, fraulein- I mean, Emperor,” said Wolfgang, “couldn’t you maybe pull some strings?”

Greywind didn’t understand the expression. “Excuse me, Mister Schreiber?”

“I mean can’t you use your… authority to make it happen?”

“Absolutely not,” Greywind said firmly. “As commander-and-chief, I can do many things. But some things are beyond even my capacity. Now once diplomatic relations between our two nations are optimal, and sanctions can be dropped, we will gladly discuss the prospects of importing commodities for our human staff. Until then, the Loroi will not pay sanction fees just for a crate of coffee. Unless you happen to have four thousand talents at your disposal.”

The humans silently digested the bitter truth before Beverly toasted with her mug, “Lab coffee it is then.”

“Um, Emperor,” Judith interjected. “While we’re on the subject of interstellar affairs, there is something I need to talk about.”

Greywind asked, “What is on your mind?”

Judith hesitated, struggling to find the right words. “A-as you are undoubtedly aware, relations between the Terran government and Loroi Union have been… well… uneasy this past year.”

“You mean the Confederacy?” Copper Rod hissed. Loroi were less than fond of this newly founded Terran government.

Judith conceded, “Yes. What I’m trying to say is… is there still a possibility to return to Terran space?”

“Due to tensions between our two nations,” Greywind informed the humans, “interstellar travel must be restricted to diplomatic officers. But, as I explained last year, no human under our employ need worry about their legal standing within the Union or the Terran Confederacy. The Terran envoys have also assured me that none of our human staff are in trouble. When your contracts expire, all humans wishing to return to Terran space may do so without fear of prosecution.”

“Yes, that is good to know, your highness,” said Judith. “But what if… some of us had to return now?”

Greywind thought that an odd request. “Is there some urgency?”

“Well,” Judith hesitated, “I… I’m not saying there is. B-but if there was… is it possible?”

“Judith, surely you have not forgotten the terms of your contract,” Greywind reminded her.

“Yes, Emperor. But suppose someone here needed to go back… and was willing to forsake payment-”

“Nonsense! Every one of you is guaranteed by law. Sister Judith, is there something you are not telling me? Does there seem to be a problem?”

The old nun hesitated. Even the humans gave her questioning looks.

“I… I withdraw the question,” said Judith. “It doesn’t matter.”

Greywind didn’t believe her but let it rest.

Housemaster Crescent carried on the meeting, “Are there any other issues to be addressed?”

Caregiver Stonewill came forward with a complaint, holding up a book. The book flew into Greywind’s hands with a thought. The Loroi’s psychokinetic powers never ceased to amaze the humans. Greywind overheard someone whisper, “The force is strong with this one,” accompanied by a couple chuckles.

Greywind inspected the cover of what appeared to be a poor illustration of a bipedal Arreka with a green pentacle imprinted on its belly. Opening to a random page, she read aloud, “Now the star-belly-” she struggled to pronounce ‘ch’, “sneetches? Had bellies with stars. The plain-belly sneetches had none upon thars.” Greywind quirked an eyebrow as she finished translating. “Is this a child’s attempt at fiction or just bad poetry?”

Stonewill explained, “Azerein, some of the human staff have been bringing booklets such as these into the nursery and exposing the Loroi children to them.”

“I’m sorry, but since when was Dr. Seuss’ moral tales a bad thing?” Noah asked.

“Mister Locke, you must take this seriously,” Stonewall chastised.

“What’s wrong with Dr. Seuss?”

“That-” Stonewill pointed at the booklet, “-is fiction. Exposing the little ones to that garbage is detrimental to their cognitive development.“ Stonewill had never been fond of human fiction. In fact she was quite opposed that some of the Loroi kids had taken a liking to it.

“Garbage?! That’s crazy,” Noah scoffed. “The kids love Dr. Seuss.”

Stonewill failed to conceal her impatience, “You are not listening. Loroi toddlers are not prepared to process fiction. If the older children want to waste their time on human… fantasies… it is tolerable. But filling the toddlers’ minds with nonsense is not healthy!”

Han tried reasoning, “Stonewill, please, children’s books are harmless.”

“Not if they confuse our youth!”

“Don’t be such a grinch,” said Noah.

Stonewill didn’t know what a grinch was, but the insult still hit home. “How dare you!”

“Silence!” Greywind called order. “I encourage human fiction be taught for the sake of developing the Loroi youths’ capacity to discern factual information from fictional. And, occasionally, some fiction does impart good moral principles. As long as all our children are able to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s not, fiction is acceptable. But Stonewill is correct. While the human toddlers seem to respond better to these… children’s books… it could confuse the Loroi toddlers. From now on, Loroi toddlers are to be barred from fiction. And that is that.”

Stonewill huffed with satisfaction, “Thank you, your highness.” She offered a smug grin toward Noah.

“I hope you get coal in your stocking this Christmas,” Noah grumbled.

Stonewill shot back, “I hope the Snee-shes teach you to grow up.”

“Noah, Stonewill, you will mind your tones,” Greywind warned. Amazing how childish even adults could be. No matter their race.

Stonewill turned her focus to Greywind, failing to notice Noah rubbing his forehead with his middle digit.

“Are there any other issues in need of addressing?” Crescent asked.

“I have one,” said Icespear. “Azerein, you said last year that Twoface and I would be on probation for one tozon. We have fulfilled our duties and abided by your terms dictated.”

“So you have,” said Greywind.

“So then… are we going to be released, Azerein?”

“Yes.”

Icespear shot up excitedly from her seat. “Really?!” She couldn’t believe it.

“As a matter of fact you are being reassigned, Teidar Icespear.”

“Really, Azerein? Whereto?” Icespear was most eager to know.

“You are being reassigned as combat instructor.”

“Combat instructor?” Icespear quirked an eyebrow. “For who?”

“My wards, of course.”

Icespear’s jaw dropped. “What?”

“My human wards are growing up. They need proper combat and survival training. And who better to teach them than a Teidar with experience?”

“B-but, Emperor, I’m a fighter. I prefer to return to service-”

“You are in service,” Greywind reminded her.

“But why me?” Icespear despaired. “Copper Rod and Patrix already teach combat to the children.”

“True, they are excellent instructors. But you have more militant discipline. Something my more obstinate wards will need for their upcoming training. Secondly, unlike most Teidars, you are unusually articulate. A valuable, indeed, necessary skill. Your pedagogic talents leave something to be desired, but this shortcoming can be remedied. And so, by the power vested in me, I promote you to the formal rank of Teidar Ragan Icespear. Your armor and privileges will be restored, as will Mizol Twoface’s. I have faith that you will not disappoint.”

Teidar Icespear sunk into her chair. She scanned the room, taking in her colleagues’ reactions. The humans applauded her success.

“Congrats, lassie!” Patrix said with a smile.

Wolfgang saluted Icespear, “Alles glute, Teidar Icespear. ”

“You go, girl!” Beverly hooted.

Though clapping hands seemed an odd ritual for sounding approval, a few Loroi mimicked the gesture as they offered their support for Icespear. While they seemed happy for her, Icespear was anything but.

The applauds died down. The Housemaster asked, “Anything else to be brought to light?”

There was none.

Greywind dismissed the staff, “This meeting is finished. Enjoy the rest of the evening.”

The staff rose from their seats, filing out of the dining chamber to either retire or assume night duties. Andre, the head cook, tutted as he stayed behind to pluck cups left behind by the staff.

“Naughty people, always leaving their cups,” said Andre as collected the dirty crockery. He noticed Icespear still seated in her spot. “Eh, pardon, Madame Icespear. What are you still doing here?” He waved a hand in front of her eyes when she didn’t answer. “Salut! Are you well?”

Icespear slowly raised her eyes to meet Andre’s. He shivered as she muttered, “No.”

[wolf329]

Uh oh, Icey ain't happy.

Another great chapter building more and more of this story.

[gigachad]

life can hit you so hard that it’s really difficult to get up and go, but the very essence of a person is important to get up and move on. Please accept my condolences, it’s nice to see that this good story continues.

[Snoofman]

life can hit you so hard that it’s really difficult to get up and go, but the very essence of a person is important to get up and move on. Please accept my condolences, it’s nice to see that this good story continues.

Spoken like a true sage. Your kind words are well received. And keep going I shall... both in life and in the spare time I have to write.

[Snoofman]

Author's note: you may have noticed that I have used the words 'year' and 'tozon' interchangeably. Though I had not realized until recently that there is a significant difference between a tozon and a year if you convert them. A tozon is 256 to 257 Earth days. From this moment on, you can assume that a mention of a tozon in my previous posts ought to be considered a literal year. And from now on a year will be a year and a tozon will be an actual tozon.


VI - The Girl in the Dream

===(+)===

It had been a good, long day. Ben was happy. Greywind was home. Some new arrivals had come. Io, despite her condition, seemed to fit in quite well. His caregivers had taught him the importance accepting others for their differences and help them feel included. Something a few of his peers, human and Loroi, seemed to forget as they taunted and teased the “deaf girl”, as they dubbed her. Ben was ready to run to her defense if she seemed in distress. He never tolerated bullies and some arrivals could be vulnerable. His virtue proved unnecessary, however, as Io seemed to deflect her taunters with some witty humor on her Robin phone. For a girl that didn’t talk, she seemed clever with words. Impressive for a seven-year old girl.

Io further impressed the other children with her gaming skills when the children assembled for evening games after dinner. She was particularly good at Fleet Master. Learnt the controls quickly. The newcomer aggravated quite a few young Loroi, certain of their tactical superiority over humanity. Io’s unbeatable skill drew the attention of the rest of the Loroi and human youth as the newcomer faced off against Ironwood. The ten-year old Ironwood was visiting. Unlike Moonrune, she was more responsible and so was permitted to mingle with the human youth.

The children watched two holographic fleets exchange fire. Ironwood, who had aspirations of being a Commander one day, mashed her controls, clearly exerting a lot of effort to keep her fleet’s formation whilst deflecting Io’s onslaught. Ironwood decided to end the match quickly by launching a wedge through Io’s ships. This proved a mistake as Io’s fleet broke up the wedge. Ironwood groaned despair. Her fleet had suffered massive losses. Io finished the match when she deployed clusters of strike groups to pick off Ironwood’s remaining ships one by one, saving her flagship for last.

The mob of kids laughed and jeered at Ironwood, “Plunger! Plunger!”

Ironwood sneered at Io, whom simply sat with an innocent grin on her face. Io jumped with fright as the children roared with cheer. Her hearing was slowly getting better, amazed by the new sounds she registered for the first time.

Ben patted Ironwood on the shoulder. “Don’t be sad, Softwood,” he consoled her. “It’s just a game.”

“It’s Ironwood now,” the former Softwood said back, shrugging off Ben’s comforting hand. Defeat in a simulation was a deep blow for Loroi hoping to be Torrais one day.

Io surprised Ironwood as she walked around the projector table and offered her Robin phone to Ironwood. The confused ten-year old took the device. She read the message: Good game. You are an awesome player. I would love to play again some time.

Ironwood wrote back: Are you just patronizing me?

Io: Nope. Just reminding you of the importance of good gamesmanship. BTW I love your Round Bob.

Ironwood was thrown back. She typed: My what?

Io: Your hair looks like a Round Bob. It’s an old hairstyle. A lot of female celebrities have one to show their glamour.

Ironwood’s mood seemed to lighten. Did this little human really think Ironwood looked glamorous? The ten-year old Soroin accepted the girl’s flattery. “You do not seem so bad,” Ironwood said with a grin, handing the Robin phone back to Io.

The Caregivers ruined the children’s cheer as they returned from their meeting and called out, “Game over! Time for baths!”

Many human kids whined, “Oh!”

“Move out!”

The children filed out of the gaming lounge. Some humans pouted as they were forced to part once again with their beloved devices. Caregiver Coldstone held out an expectant hand to Io, who looked up confusedly.

“Deposit your device,” Coldstone instructed.

“Oh, the Emperor said Io here can keep her device,” said Ben. “She’s recovering from deafness. She needs it to communicate.”

Coldstone had dealt with quite a few liars ever since the Emperor began adopting human children. And caught several human children attempting to sneak out their devices from time to time. But Ben had proven to be the most trustworthy among them. The Caregiver waved them along.

“No fair the new girl gets to keep her phone,” eleven-year old Autumn grumbled.

“Stop complaining,” said Coldstone, confiscating Autumn’s device.

Io followed the rest of the children to the bathing chamber. She was in for a shock upon realizing that everyone at this creche bathed together. Most unsettling of all was watching Ben strip down casually right in front of her in the bath’s changing room. Ben apologized upon seeing her discomfort. Having gotten used to the Loroi’s customs, he often forgot most newcomers were not comfortable with being nude. Offering the awkward newcomer a towel, he allowed Io to strip down more privately before leading her to a bath where the girls liked to bathe apart from the boys.

“Ember,” said Ben. “Can you help the new girl? I don’t think she can handle having a bath with the boys.”

Ember groaned, “You humans and your weird nudity taboos. Send her in.”

“Thanks.” Getting Io’s attention, Ben pointed to her, then to Ember.

Io seemed to catch on. She struggled not to catch sight of Ben’s bits as he cast aside his towel and stepped into a nearby bath. Io jumped as the naked Ember gently tugged her into the bath. Io reluctantly cast aside her towel, limbs shriveling to conceal her indecency as she descended into the warm water.

>Her cheeks are very red,< sent River as she scrubbed Veil’s back.

>That’s because most outsiders are taught that nudity is a taboo,< five-year old Alabaster sent, massaging soap into her white hair. Her red eyes glowed as she levitated the soap bottle into the hands of one of her kin. >Strange how most human girls like boys, but can’t stand gazing upon their blades.<
>Who doesn’t like blades?< Ember wondered, scrubbing down Io’s back.

Io’s ears were better picking up sounds that her mind could not conceive before her treatment. The giggles and murmuring of many voices. The splashing of water. The pattering of feet. All invading her ears all at once. It was exciting as it was overwhelming. That combined with the alien customs of these Loroi put her a bit on edge. But the blue elves’ friendly demeanor helped put her at ease. She made to step out of the bath as Ember finished scrubbing her back and rinsed the soap out of her hair.

“Where are you going, silly human?” said Ember, catching Io’s wrist. “Don’t you know anything about Loroi customs? You must scrub my back too.”

Io eyed the brush Ember handed to her. Even when the Loroi sat on the submerged bench, Io just stood dumbfounded as the Loroi waited expectantly. It took several solons for Io to deduce that Ember wanted to be bathed as well.

>She’s blushing even redder now,< River giggled as she watched.

Alabaster sighed, knees making small waves as she walked up behind the shorter Io. Io shrieked as Alabaster encircled her from behind, guiding her toward Ember. “Here,” said Alabaster, gently taking hold of Io’s smaller hands. “I will help you.”

Io tensed under the taller Loroi’s touch. Alabaster showed her how to scrub. Io shivered under her touch. These Loroi were certainly cold. Soon Io got used to the motions and started scrubbing Ember’s back on her own. The newcomer did have to be guided with a few other steps involved in bathing. Even more challenging for the Loroi was trying to communicate with a recovering deaf human who didn’t even speak.

Io was in for another surprise when, upon finishing the bath, she was dried instantly stepping through the drying grid. She eagerly put her clothes back on, checking to make sure her Robin phone was still in her pant pocket.

Ben came back to show her to her room. Io would be sharing a room with Luke, Ripley and Kirk.

Ben wrote to her on her phone: If you need anything, just go to one of the Caregivers sleeping nearby. Try not to make it a habit though. Loroi respect people when they prove they can take care of themselves.

Io wrote back: Can I come and ask you instead then?

Ben: Anytime. Just not tonight.

Io: Why not?

Ben: I got an appointment with Cotton.

Io: You mean the pink-haired elf?

Ben: That’s the one.

Io: Got it. What’s the appointment about?

Ben: Late night science.

Io got a nagging suspicion and felt compelled to ask: As in science science or naughty science?

Ben: Naughty science?

Io quirked her lips to the side. She wrote: Bad joke. Forget it. Thanks for showing me around Ben. You’re pretty cool.

Ben smiled, wishing Io a good night. He left for his room, switching out of his standard jumpsuit for a pair of sweat pants and Superman-logo shirt. When duty didn’t demand it, he liked to dress casually like a Terran. A few kids came by his room, asking if Ben wanted to hang out for just a while longer or play a quick game before bedtime. Ben politely declined. Cotton would be coming soon. Besides he needed to take care of something personal first.

Ben was feeling anxious. This unsettling feeling had been bothering him quite a lot lately. An eager sensation, pleasant yet unpleasant when it randomly flared up at an inconvenient moment. Some days it was bearable. Others it became absolutely uncontrollable. And right now seemed like an opportune time to relieve himself before submitting himself to another one of Cotton’s experiments. Laying down on his bed, Ben exhaled as he allowed the feeling to run its course. His thoughts wandered to Cotton, of her curving hips in the bath. He thought of Moonrune, his childhood friend now a full-grown female, and the spectacular assets she had sprouted. So many gorgeous faces rushed through his mind, human and Loroi alike, making his heart beat faster. Ben’s excitement rose as he suddenly felt a warmth build in his-

Swish!

The door slid open. “Ben, it is time for your-” Cotton froze in the doorway as she caught sight of Ben. “Oh!”

Ben shriveled into a ball, rolling onto his side to conceal his activity. “Cotton! Can’t you ring?! Or at least knock?!”

Cotton swiftly turned her back to Ben, ears and cheeks turning deep blue. “I am so sorry, Ben. I did not- it was not my-” She grunted uncomfortably. “I… will… wait outside… for you… to finish.” The door slid shut after her.

Ben’s face turned red, completely flustered and embarrassed. He tried to focus on finishing his session. But being intruded upon while in the act killed the mood. Which was just as well since Ben needed some quick relief. He could refocus on his imaginary indulgences some other time. Seeing no informal protrusions on his person, Ben joined Cotton outside his room.

“Are you-” Cotton struggled with the expression, “-finished?”

Ben nodded.

“Ah, very good. To the lab then.” Ben followed his guardian to the main manor and the elevator that would bring them down to the subterranean lab. Cotton could tell from Ben’s hunched shoulders and tight lips that he was still tense. “Ben, how is your health?”

His answer rolled out slowly, “Okay… I guess.”

Cotton felt she ought to say something but was not sure what. Her attempts of consoling Ben came out hastily, “I hope I have not offended you, Ben. I will be sure to announce my presence before entering your room from now on. But I am not ashamed of what I saw. Nor should you be. Self-stimulation is perfectly normal for human and Loroi menfolk. In fact it is necessary for your physical and mental health. Attempting to resist the impulse would be unwise. So please do not hesitate to indulge in such activities so long as you do so privately which I know you have discipline for anyway.”

“Um,” Ben said awkwardly, “thanks for your advice?”

Cotton beamed with a smile. “It is my duty as your guardian.”

Arriving at the subterranean laboratory, Ben was led to the medical bed. Cotton helped to fit on his skull cap along with a few other remote medical sensors. He gulped down a cup of sedative offered by her to help him relax.

Ben jumped as she pecked his cheek. “What are you doing?”

Cotton gave him a baffled look. “Giving you a good night kiss. I have always done that.”

Ben looked down sheepishly. “Right. Sorry.”

Cotton awkwardly patted his shoulder. “No, I am sorry, Ben. I will be in the next room if there is a problem.”

Ben sighed, throwing himself onto the medical bed.

The other Listels exchanged odd looks.

Jade inquired, >Did something happen, Saszet? Ben seems distressed.<

Cotton kept the details of Ben’s arousal to herself and simply instructed, >Don’t ask.<

Jade shrugged, turning back to her work. >Fair enough.<

>Ben’s pulse seems quite high,< sent Pure Sand. >It might take a while for the sedative to take effect.<

>The Emperor will be coming down to inspect,< sent Cotton. >Ben can’t be awake while she’s here. He needs to relax.<

Cotton went back into the examination room and stood by Ben’s bed.

Ben looked up at her. “What’s up?”

“You seem tense, Ben. You must relax.”

“I’m trying,” Ben grumbled.

“Tell me a joke.”

Ben eyed her curiously. “Huh?”

“I want to hear a joke.”

“Now?”

Cotton smirked. “Yes now.”

“I can’t think of a good one.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Ben sighed as he tried to think of something witty. He gave a whack at it, “Okay. How do you discipline a Loroi?”

“I do not know.”

“Knock some sense into her.”

Cotton gave Ben an odd look. “I do not get it.”

>Nor do we,< Pure Sand agreed.

Ben shrugged. “Okay, um… here’s another one: how do you motivate a Loroi?”

“Inspire her with fables of valor,” Cotton guessed.

“Wrong. Keep her in a positive state of mind.”

Cotton chuckled.

>That’s not funny,< sent Pure Sand.

Hope chortled, >At least it was better than the first.<

Ben laughed, “Um, heh! Uh, how do you serve Loroi?”

“To the upmost of my capacity?” said Cotton.

Ben smiled through thin lips. “Serve her nice and tender… just the way a Nissek likes it.”

The Listels could not compose themselves as they laughed. Save for Pure Sand who sent, >Worst joke I ever heard.<

Ben told several more terrible jokes. Cotton saw the distraction was working as he began to relax. Slowly the sedative took effect, making Ben doze off. Cotton returned to her colleagues in the observation room and sent a message to Greywind informing her that Ben was sound asleep.

Greywind eventually arrived with Tempo. The Listels rose from their stations and bowed with respect.

>As you were,< Greywind acknowledged. >Saszet, how is Ben?<

>Resting well,< Cotton sent back. >And entertained us with some jokes.<

>Were they good?<

>Terrible actually. But still funny.<

Tempo rolled her eyes.

>So then,< sent Greywind, >I want an update. What progress have you made?<

Cotton activated a holographic image of Ben’s neural activity along with several neural projections. >Perhaps we should take it from the beginning. For the past eleven tozons, we have collected as much neural data from every human inhabiting this creche. And, am happy to assure you, that none of them seem to suspect our ulterior motives. Every one of our human subjects has been informed that their participation in our experiments is for the sake of understanding the human psyche. Although a few have commented, and I quote, ‘Hope you’re not trying read our minds.’<

That gave Greywind pause.

>A joke on the humans’ part, I assure you, Emperor,< sent Cotton. >Our continual monitoring of their activities seems to confirm that the humans are still unaware of our actual research concerning Project First Son.<

>What a relief,< sent Greywind. >I assume then you have also collected enough data from Dawn and Twoface.<

>Indeed we have,< Cotton sent excitedly. >In fact, the data we have extracted from them seems to have hastened our progress.< Cotton pointed, comparing Ben’s neural activity to that of a Loroi’s on the hologram. >As you can see, Azerein, areas of Ben’s inferior parietal lobes do not seem to cooperate with the activity within his motor cortex-<

>Listel,< Greywind stopped her. >Since I lack the articulate archive of a scientist, perhaps you could summarize your observations in simpler terms.<

Cotton tried to simplify, >Unlike most other sapient species, a Loroi brain seems to possess the most neural connections. Particularly pathways responsible for speech, perceptual processing and motor functions. These areas are constantly in communication with each other. While humans have similar brain structure, in spite of our biochemical differences, they seem to lack this synaptic sophistication. Coincidently Loroi binzers seem to share this mental disorder.< Cotton demonstrated the neural flares of a Loroi sending sanzai on the hologram. >Unlike Loroi, humans can only employ certain sections of the brain at any given time. Since the lotai seems to be an unconscious construct, it cannot be brought down from outside influence. But what if it could be done inwardly?<

Now this intrigued Greywind. >Inwardly? How so?<

Cotton passed on her instructions to her colleagues. Ben flinched and twitched in his sleep as electrodes began stimulating his brain to fashion a specific pattern of neural impulses. The holographic display of Ben’s neural pathways brewed into a lightning storm.

>As you can see, Azerein,< Cotton pointed out, >thanks to the data we have collected, we can stimulate Ben’s brain to mimic that of a Loroi’s in sending.<

>But humans cannot send,< Tempo pointed out. >To send would prove that humans possess sanzai. I seem to recall from your previous lectures that human brains can mimic a Loroi’s at best. But not to the point of achieving sanzai.<

Cotton acknowledged, >I still hold to that belief since there is no proof to the contrary.<

>So what does this attempt of mental mimicry achieve then?<

>My colleagues and I believe that we can get Ben to lower his own lotai by convincing him to attempt sending.<

Greywind was intrigued now. >Can it really be done?<

>We are about to find out. All it requires is the Emperor’s participation. If you would oblige, Azerein.<

==== (+) ====

Ben was standing on a beech. Deinar’s three moons were orbiting unusually close. He wondered if they were close enough to brush away Deinar’s rings. Which struck him as odd. How could the moons be closer than usual? Loroi were bathing in the waves, with no attire but the sea to conceal their indecency. They seemed uninterested in Ben’s pleas for them to put their clothes on. Instead they simply danced, partially submerged beneath the waves. Every now and then casting a flirty glance toward Ben. “Come and join us,” they begged him.

>Ben?<

Ben turned to see a familiar face approach him on the beech. “Grey!”

The young Grey came up to him. But she was different. Her old green jumpsuit had been replaced by dark grey uniform. Her gray hair had grown past her shoulders. She seemed more mature now, though Ben could have easily recognized her face.

“You’re back,” Ben said, pleasantly surprised. “What are you doing here?”

>I came to see you,< sent Grey. She took notice of the nude forms dancing in the waves. While she was aware that the Loroi in Ben’s dreams were just projections, it could still be disconcerting to be in the presence of Loroi without detectable presence. Especially when they were naked. >I see you are admiring Loroi anatomy.<

“Wha?!” Ben remembered the Loroi dancing in the waters. “Oh, I was just- I didn’t- I don’t like them. I mean I do like Loroi, just not in that way-”

Grey quirked an eyebrow at him.

Ben buried his face in his hands. “Oh, this is so embarrassing.”

>It seems normal to me,< Grey assured him. >You are a male after all.< She noticed that that didn’t seem to help put him at ease. >You know you could just wipe them away if you concentrate. We are in your dream after all.<

“We are?” Ben looked up at Grey. “How do you know?”

>Well, since when does Deinar have three moons?< Grey pointed up. >And since when did they orbit Deinar at such dangerous proximity?<

Ben looked up and counted. There was Talas, Mepona and- “Wait a minute! Luna’s not supposed to be here!”

Grey rolled her eyes. >Of course it’s not.<

“So then-” Ben looked back to the Loroi dancing in the water. “Get out of here!”

The disappointed sea nymphs groaned as they dove into the waves.

>Did you just order them to dive?< Grey asked. >Surely you realize they’ll drown- Wait! Of course they won’t. It’s a dream.<

Ben laughed, “Ha ha! You’re so weird, Grey.”

>Not as weird as you.<

“So if this is a dream, then that means…” Ben looked out over the sea. “We can do whatever we want here.”

Grey expected Ben to dive into the sea. Instead he ran across the surface of the water as if it were solid ground.

Ben waved Grey over. “Come on! Don’t you want to walk on water like Jesus?”

>Who?<

“Some mythical dude that lived a long time ago. Said to be able to do magic.”

>Magic?< Grey sent skeptically. >Really?<

“Yeah, like walking on water or turning water into wine.”

>Sounds ridiculous.<

“Stop being a poophead and come on,” Ben teased, kicking up some water.

Grey scoffed out a chuckle. >Why not?<

Taking a few cautious steps toward the water, Grey expected her foot to sink beneath the waves. Instead she did like the human and stepped on the water’s surface as if it were solid ground.

Ben smirked wickedly as he ran up and shoved Grey back onto the sand.

>Seed-head!< Grey snarled. >What was that for?!<

“Because it’s funny,” Ben giggled like a maniac as he ran for the ocean’s horizon.

>You will be sorry when I catch you!< Grey barked, jumping to her feet and racing after Ben. They skipped over rolling waves, passing by the occasional fish breaking the water’s surface. Grey tackled Ben after finally catching up to him. The two tumbled forward, sinking beneath the water.

Ben just smiled at her as they sank into the depths. Grey smiled back. He jabbed a playful finger at her rib. Grey struck back. The two kicked and parried as they struck each other’s tender spots. Grey swam upward with Ben close behind, breaking the water’s surface.

>You are silly,< Grey laughed.

“Let’s fly,” said Ben.

>Fly?<

“It’s a dream, remember?”

Ben levitated out of the water. All sense of restriction left Grey as she suddenly felt, like Ben, she could do anything in this world and slowly uplifted herself from the ocean of dreams. Together they flew up into the clouds, passing by the occasional balloon, aircraft or bird.

“I feel like Superman up here,” Ben said happily.

>Yes,< Grey agreed, feeling the wind pass over her. >I suppose it’s easy to feel so empowered.<

>Grey,< a voice called from nowhere. Grey recognized that voice. >Grey, can you hear me?<

Grey, having learnt better mental discipline at this point, responded, >It’s you. What do you want?<

>We need you to convince Ben to attempt sanzai with you.<

>Sanzai? But I can understand him just fine as he talks.<

>It’s not enough. We need him to try using sanzai.<

>I’m not helping you to manipulate him.<

>This is not manipulation, Grey,< the voice assured. >We want to be able to detect him. To bond with him. You seem to love bonding with him. Wouldn’t you like to intensify that bond?<

Grey could sense no deception coming from the voice. She regretted trying to erase Ben’s memories all that time ago and was devastated at nearly losing his trust. But the thought of seeing Ben’s actual essence, to touch his soul overwhelmed her. She loved to be here with him, but she wanted more.

>If you try to make me harm him again, you can forget about my help,< Grey sent.

>Just get him to calm himself and convince him he can send like you,< the voice instructed. >But first you must pacify him.<

Flying alongside Ben, Grey surprised the human as she took his right hand into her left. >Ben, I need something from you.<

Ben asked, “Need what?”

She flew under him, taking his other hand into her right. Closing the distance between them, she pressed her forehead to his own. >Come with me.<

Ben’s excitement eased down as contact with Grey washed him over with tranquility. The winds faded away. The cloudy and blue skies faded away.

==== (+) ====

>Ben certainly has a creative imagination,< Cotton commented, keeping her conversation with Tempo exclusive.

Tempo urged her, >Saszet, this is not as easy as it looks. I need to concentrate.<

Tempo sat by Greywind, who lay sleeping on a nearby medical bed within the examination room. Tempo’s eyes burned brilliant red as she guided the projection of Greywind’s younger self through the dreamscape. Greywind had been asleep for a while. The Listels in the next room recorded both sleepers’ neural activity. It was best to give the Emperor time to bond with Ben in the dreamscape before trying the test.

Cotton was overwhelmed with excitement every time Tempo and Greywind participated in these tests. Under oath of secrecy she was as eager as she was obligated to record Greywind’s delve into Ben’s subconscious. She watched Tempo guide Greywind’s subconscious projection through the dreamscape.

==== (+) ====

Grey brought Ben to her second home, a village run by relatives of her familial clan where she spent the better half of her childhood on Perrein. It did not take sanzai to see that Ben was absolutely amazed by the environment. The village was sheltered under the colossal roof of a fungal canopy. Were it not for the occasional beam of sunlight that pierced the roof, one might be fooled into thinking that Perreinids lived in never-ending night.

Ben looked around at all the Loroi going about their business with wonder and intrigue.

“There are a lot of Loroi men here,” Ben could not help but notice. “I’m surprised they’re allowed to wander so freely.”

>Perreinids are typically the most disciplined of Loroi,< Grey commented, having regressed to younger version of herself to fit the memory. >Menfolk only have to be protected by Loroi that lack restraint. That’s why the menfolk of our village are allowed to wander so freely.<

“This place looks even better than the first woods we found each other in,” said Ben.

Grey laughed, >That’s because our village here didn’t have a drought at the time this memory took place. I also learnt some of the basics of mental discipline. And my relatives of this village were certainly better teachers than my mother.<

Ben recalled from their previous exchanges the details of the brutality Grey suffered under her mother. “She sounds like a real bitch.”

Grey laughed, having learnt from her previous visits with Ben in the dreamscape what a ‘bitch’ was. >You have no idea.<

“So, uh, why did you want to show me this place?”

>Like I said, it’s the place where I learnt basic mental discipline. And I want to try it with you.<

Ben regarded Grey with confusion. “Try what?”

Grey stood closer to Ben, holding his hands. >Ben, I love you very much.<

Ben smiled back, gazing into her blue eyes. “I love you too, Grey.”

Grey blushed, touched by the sincerity of his words. >That’s why I want to bond with you. I want you to feel what I feel, what any Loroi feels, when we bond with sanzai.<

This surprised Ben. “Really? But I’m not Loroi. Is that even possible?”

>I want to find out. Will you try with me?<

Ben hesitated. “Um, since you’re Perreinid, you’re not going to try any mind tricks on me, are you?”

Grey assured him, clutching his biceps. >No, no! I swear nothing like that, Ben! I just want to see if it’s possible. You mean so much to me and I thought we could strengthen our bond if we tried it.<

>Very convincing, Grey,< sent the invisible voice.

>Go bite a blade,< Grey hissed privately at the voice. She focused again on Ben. >Ben, I can’t force you. But I want this. Will you do it with me? Please?<

Ben thought it over, not sure what to make of Grey’s request. “Well… I…”

Grey’s left hand slid up Ben’s shoulder, cupping his cheek in her palm. >Come on. Please?<

Despite his reluctance, Ben could not resist Grey’s affectionate touch, her pleading eyes. “Okay,” he gave in. “I’ll try it with you. So what do I do?”

>Wonderful.< Grey could barely contain her own excitement of bonding with Ben. If it worked. They knelt down together, facing each other as Grey instructed, >I want you to try and send to me.<

“Send?”

>Sanzai.<

“But I can’t.”

>Please just try, Ben.<

“But I don’t even know what to do.”

>Let me start by describing it, Ben.< Grey thought back to her teachers’ lectures on the mind. >A mind is like a world, each separate from one another. Sanzai is the bridge that links them together.<

Ben processed this as best a human could. “Okay.”

>What you have to do is reach out.<

Ben reached out toward Grey with his arm.

Grey narrowed her eyes. >Not with your hand.<

“Oops.” Ben lowered his arm.

>Let’s start with some basic sending. Say my name in your head.<

“Um, okay.” Ben thought Grey’s name. “Is it working?”

>It might if you concentrate.<

Ben repeated Grey’s name in his head over and over. “I don’t feel anything different.”

Grey sighed. >Let’s try something else. We should practice projection.<

“Projection?”

>When Loroi send a message, they also send details intertwined with it. Like memories and feelings. Think of something simple. An object. Anything so long as it’s simple.<

Ben nodded. “I’ll try.” Ben looked around to focus his attention on something. Catching sight of some glowing mushrooms, he concentrated on his desire to send the thought of their luminescence to Grey. He asked, “Well?”

==== (+) ====

Cotton could not help but feel disappointed as she watched the events unfold through Greywind’s connection to Ben. She and her colleagues were so sure of their theory. Ben’s brain was being provided with all the stimulation it needed from the skull cap and Greywind’s personal interaction. Were they missing something?

>We must try another tactic,< Tempo resolved.

==== (+) ====

Nothing was working. Despite Ben’s attempts, he just couldn’t send.

>Grey,< the invisible voice sent. >Try meditation.<

Grey complied. >Ben, let’s try something else. Meditate.<

“How?”

>I will show you. Just let go of all your thoughts and concerns. Let your mind go blank.<

“You mean like Zen mode?”

Grey sighed. >I don’t know what Zen mode is, Ben. But if that’s what it takes, then try it.<

Ben shrugged, crossing his legs. “Okay. Zen mode: activate.”

Grey rolled her eyes at Ben’s odd sense of humor. But at least he was taking this matter seriously. >Focus on your breathing, Ben. Don’t think about anything else. Don’t focus on any particular thing other than your breathing. Just let go of all other matters.<

Ben calmed himself, focusing only on his breath. He wondered, do I even need to breath in my dream? He inwardly berated himself as he refocused on meditating. The world of dreams fell away as he and Grey entered an infinite blankness. There was no light. No sound. Not even a ringing in his ears. In the midst of the endless nothingness, Ben suddenly saw something. Not with his eyes. But he saw it. A mob of foggy ghosts hung on the edge of his senses. They all struck Ben as common blue hues against a dark background. His hypnogogic state made it hard to focus, and yet the more time passed, the more he could distinguish the ghostly hues. The three clusters closest to him each had a distinct semblance. One was like a cloud of misty foam, gentle and inviting. The second was an aura of sparkles twinkling in rhythmic pattern. The third was like a column of gray. Though it lay still, its essence seemed to shift and flow like particles of ash carried on the wind. Yet this wind remained within the confines of the immovable column. Within the gusts of its containment, Ben could see flashes of ember. Like cinders that sparkled before being swallowed up by the flows of ashes.

Ben checked to see if his friend was still with him, “Grey?”

>I’m still here, Ben,< she sent back. She was still seated before him. And yet she was lying still.

In his hypnogogic state, Ben realized what an odd thought that was. How could Grey be seated and lying down at the same time?

>I’m here,< Grey repeated soothingly. Ben found it harder to look upon her. Her form suddenly seemed transparent, fading away until the darkness drank her up.

“Grey,” Ben asked, “what’s going on?”

>Don’t worry. I’m here.<

Ben searched the darkness to find her. “Grey! Where are you?”

>I’m here,< the answer came from the column of swirling cinders and ashes.

Ben looked confused at the ashen column. “You? You’re not Grey. You’re nothing like her.”

>But it is me, Ben,< the ashen column sent, its cinders flared brilliant ember as it spoke. >I’m right here. I- I- I-<

The ashen column shifted its form and came closer to him, followed by the other two clouds. Yet now they didn’t seem like clouds anymore. They took on more humanoid forms, frightening Ben as they surrounded him.

“Who are you?” Ben demanded, trying to muster up his courage. “What are you? What are you doing?”

>Ben,< the column of ashes and cinders sent, its tone resembling nothing like the gentle Grey. It stretched out a smoky arm of burning cinders. Now up close Ben could see the cinders burning with brighter intensity now, swirling and flowing like a swarm of angry wasps. They touched him.

Ben cried out as they stung, burning his flesh, “NOOOO! GO AWAY!”

>Ben, calm down,< the misty foam sent out, suffocating him as it smothered his airways.

“NO! STOP IT! LET ME GO! HELP ME! ANYBODY! COTTON! EMPEROR!”

==== (+) ====

Ben moaned as he slowly came to. His mind fought to escape the hypnopompic trap that threatened to pull him back to sleep. A familiar voice triggered his instinct to wake up.

“Ben, can you hear me?”

“Oh,” Ben groaned.

“Are you alright, Ben?”

“Ugh,” Ben mumbled, opening his eyes to see Cotton standing beside him. “Cotton?”

“Are you well, Ben?” his guardian asked. “Are you feeling any pain?”

“Mm? No. But my head feels really foggy.”

“I see. Your brain was showing some very unusual activity.”

“Really?”

“Can you tell me what you remember?”

Ben rubbed his tired forehead. “Oh, can we save it for tomorrow? I just want to rest.”

“Please, Ben,” Cotton gently insisted. “Remember this is for science. For understanding the human psyche. Now please, can you describe what you remember from your dreams?”

Ben fought his exhaustion and explained what he could recall. He was on a beech with some nude Loroi dancing provocatively in the ocean, much to his embarrassment. He remembered meeting his imaginary friend, Grey. Together they ran across the surface of the water, flew up into an endless sky. Visited the home where Grey spent her childhood. Strange to Ben that an imaginary friend should have such an elaborate background.

“I see,” said Cotton. “Was there anything else?”

Ben tried to remember. “Um, I think… I remember… Grey vanished… and I was… like… stuck in a dark place surrounded by ghosts.”

“Ghosts?”

“Well… I don’t know. That’s just what they felt like to me.”

“Felt or saw, Ben?”

Ben thought it over. “Mm, no. I mean… they felt like ghosts… it’s… hard to explain.”

“Well, did you also see these ghosts?” Ben nodded. Cotton pressed for more, “what did they look like?”

Cotton absorbed the details of Ben’s description. “Fascinating, Ben.”

“It didn’t feel fascinating,” Ben admitted, having gotten the strength to sit up on the medical bed. “It felt scary.”

“The ghosts frightened you? What did they do?”

“They came closer. They grabbed me. It felt like a sting, burning me. I thought they were trying to suffocate me.”

Cotton placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I… cannot imagine how terrible it must have felt for you, Ben. But surely you understand that dreams cannot harm you.”

Ben nodded meekly. “I know. But… it felt so weird… so… real.”

“Do not worry about it, Ben. It’s over now.” Cotton undid the clasps of Ben’s helmet. “You can leave if you want.”

“Already?” Ben slid the helmet off his head, setting it aside.

“I think we’ve conducted enough science for tonight. Go and rest now.”

Ben hopped off the bed. “Cotton?” He surprised the Listel by pecking her cheek and taking her into his embrace.

Cotton grinned down at her charge, hugging him back. “Received with gratitude, Ben. Go on now. Try to get some rest.”

Ben was escorted to the elevator. Upon his departure, Greywind and Tempo, who were quietly in hiding, came out. The Emperor, her most trusted Mizol and the team of scientists convened within the laboratory.

>The test failed,< Greywind sent bluntly.

>Apologies, Azerein,< sent Cotton. >We were so certain of our theory.<

>And yet,< Greywind added, >the test did seem to offer a new illumination. Ben verbally responded to our sending while asleep. Even kept reacting when I woke up. I was certain for a moment that he was fully aware when his eyes shot open.<

>I thought Ben was awake too,< sent Cotton. >But it seems, according to Ben’s recollection, that he was still partially subconscious. Unaware of who exactly was attempting to send to him.<

>Indeed,< Greywind commented. >But we have still not cracked the lotai.<

>But the data we gathered should have sufficed,< Pure Sand insisted. >Perhaps we are missing something.<

>Maybe an unconscious trigger,< Slipstream suggested. >We have the data necessary to stimulate Ben’s brain, but not the spark to ignite the desired reaction.<

>Spare us your philosophical annotations, Farseer,< Jade moaned. >They are irrelevant.<

>Jade, there is no need to be hostile,< sent Hope. >Slipstream may have a point.<

>Perhaps the test must be conducted on different subjects,< Pure Sand suggested. >Maybe we should summon Twoface and Dawn. Their bond could-<

>No,< Greywind sent strictly. >Do you remember the details concerning the incident at the Green Sea Hospital? It took a considerable amount of effort to cover up that event and avert suspicions. While I am eager to hold onto Twoface and Dawn, I do not want a repeat of that event at this creche. Such an incident would be too difficult to conceal. Our closest colleagues and peers could never be dissuaded. We would be liable for an explanation. Thus jeopardizing our secrecy. The study of Twoface’s and Dawn’s link in the dreamscape must be slow. Cautious. At least until we better understand the vulnerabilities of Ben’s psyche. We have done enough for tonight. All of you retire. You may reconvene tomorrow and collate.<

The Loroi complied. Greywind left for the lift with Tempo while the Listels shut down their equipment before they would return to the surface.

Tempo held an exclusive dialogue with Greywind, >If I may say so, Azerein, they may be right. Dawn and Twoface have an obvious link. Why not explore it?<

>Because we could be sitting on a bomb for all we know, Tempo,< Greywind sent back. >In spite of our telepathic sophistication, there is still so much we Loroi don’t know about sanzai. Much less the human mind. Am I entering Ben’s psyche in the dreamscape? Or is he entering mine? Did Dawn unleash that wave of hysteria last tozon? Or did Twoface? Did one possess the power while the other acted as an amplifier of sorts? Tampering with what we don’t understand invites great risk.<

>Though you are willing to take such risks with Ben,< Tempo pointed out as the elevator reached the surface level.

Greywind explained as they stepped out of the lift, the doors sealing behind them, >Ben is controllable. And the influence of his mind is minuscule compared to the power that Twoface and Dawn unleashed.<

>So it seems. But if you intend to expand the human population here, and if more humans begin to show similar traits as Dawn and Ben, trying to keep this project secret may prove frivolous. In fact, if I may be so frank, being too careful might hinder its progress. It seems wise to conceal Ben’s and Dawn’s capabilities as long as possible. But we may have to risk exposure if we hope to break the human lotai.<

>I am aware, Tempo,< sent Greywind. >We speak no more of this. Let us retire.<

>Rest well, Azerein.< Tempo bowed before leaving for her room.

At her personal chamber, Greywind switched into her night robe. She sat on the edge of her bed. Concerns for Project First Son, the seemingly imminent war with the Terrans and unresolved issues plaguing the Union (particularly the reports of civil unrest on Deinar) cried for her focus. But Greywind couldn’t bear them for the moment. Now she just wanted to rest.

But she wanted something else. Something besides sleep. For a long moment, she wrestled with the temptation until it won out. Picking up her wristcomm, she contacted Ben. A part of her hoped that he would be too tired and ignore the message. Yet he answered.

“Come to my chambers,” Greywind commanded.

Several hundred solons passed. Greywind wondered if perhaps Ben did not want to come. Maybe it was better if he-

Ping!

Greywind tapped her wristcomm, granting Ben entry. The doors slid shut behind him as he slowly walked up to Greywind. The Emperor stood to her full height, slowly stepping toward her ward.

“Hey, Emperor,” Ben said tiredly. “Um, is something wrong?”

“Hello, Ben,” Greywind said back. “I was just… I received word from Listel Saszet Cotton that you were participating in another one of her medical tests.”

“Y-yeah,” Ben said meekly.

“I was told that you were distressed during the test.”

Ben shrugged. “News flies around here.”

Greywind came within arm’s reach of Ben. “Are you well?”

Ben shrugged again. “I’m okay.”

The old Emperor came closer to her ward. Ben shrunk under her intimidating form. Cupping his jawline in her blue palm, Greywind stroked Ben’s warm cheek with her thumb. “Are you sure?”

Ben could not help but be in awe of the Emperor's dominating presence. The touch of her cold skin against his ought to have soothed him. Yet, for some reason, it made him shiver. Anxiety gripped his heart. His muscles tensed. His lips trembled. His eyes became bleary.

Greywind held her ward’s face in both her hands, asking with concern as his tears fell, “What’s wrong?”

Ben sucked in a silent gasp as he tried to speak. The words wouldn’t come. He couldn’t help but fear that, if he spoke, his speech would turn to a sob.

“What’s the matter?” Greywind asked again. “Why do you cry?”

“I-” Ben sobbed, sucking in as he tried to hold it in. He croaked out, “I don’t know. I just… ” Sniffle. “I just don’t know.”

Forgetting all thought of propriety and formality, Ben dove into Greywind. Though shocked at the initial contact, Greywind ensnared Ben in her embrace. Caressing his spine with one hand while stroking his hair with the other.

“I just don’t know,” Ben cried again. He felt that same awful feeling as he did in the dream, surrounded by those apparitions. Something seemed very wrong, but he couldn’t understand why.

Greywind kissed his forehead, taking in his scent as she held him close. “Peace, First Son. You have nothing to be afraid of. I am here with you.”

“Emperor,” Ben mumbled as he held onto his warden, crying into her chest.

Greywind rested her forehead against her ward’s. “Come,” she whispered, taking hold of his hands. “Come, First Son.”

Ben followed his warden to her bed.