Second note: Instead of 'memory suppression', Greywind intends to implement 'memory editing' and use telepathic 'suggestion' to win Ben's compliance. You'll see eventually how this plays out. So Cotton, therefore, is not prohibited from sharing details about Lagertha or Grind, but is still discouraged.
Wind and Fire - Chapter 22
-
While Greywind’s ruling cabinet seized many assets across the Union during the Great War, some assets were impossible to liquidate. Aside from acquiring monetary Talents, bank accounts or raw materials, which were relatively easy to incorporate into the military budget, other assets like corporate shareholding portfolios, entire companies or even private properties were trickier for the warrior’s to utilize. How were warriors supposed to manage civilian companies whose leaders had just been removed or arrested? Who was going to take care of billions of workers, alien and loroi? What were the warriors supposed to do with miles of storage houses, some of which had outdated equipment? There were companies whose capital was primarily invested in production machinery or manufacturing plants that even Gallens could not dismantle and strip for parts. Plus how would production lines at these factories be managed? The Imperial State also found itself owning vast tracks of land confiscated on hundreds of Sister Worlds and Colonies, but had no idea what to do with it.
To solve this problem, Greywind arranged for the Intelligence Community to promote civilians into management positions provided they were docile enough to obey new martial regulations and meet quotas. Many of these civilians were inferior employees already working for these companies but ignorant of their former Seinens’ illegal trades. While it had been suggested that high-ranking warriors should organize and lead the civilians, Greywind understood that the stigma isolating warriors from civlilians would only serve to escalate tensions and hinder production. Something the Union could not afford during the Great War. Civilians were better suited to manage their own lot, but would do so under the Mizols’ scrutiny. It also gave Greywind the justification she and her cabinet needed to recruit more Mizols and expand the Intelligence Community's influence. Thus giving the Emperor and her comrades the oversight they needed to maintain their control of the Union. Something that did not sit well with many Traditionalists or loroi opposed to giving the Empire more centralized control.
Among the civilians’ unconvertible assets was the Ginazaigo West Isle, which Greywind happened upon while reviewing the lengthy list of items now in the Imperial State’s possession. The Ginazaigo West Isle (or the Island as Greywind simply referred to it) originally belonged to an exclusively, rich civilian family with numerous business ties, including weapons dealing. Upon discovering the familial Guild’s involvement in war profiteering with the Umiak Hierarchy and other criminal elements, Mizol Intelligence Officers were eager to prosecute the Guild. Were it not for the familial Guild’s connections with certain Torrais, they would have lost everything and faced imprisonment. Possibly even execution. Instead a compromise was made in which the Guild gave up all its trading records and client names to aid the Mizols’ investigations against illegal commerce. And relinquished ownership of half its assets. Including the Island.
The weather of the West Isle was pleasantly cool and nearly consistent all year round, save for the occasional heat wave brought on every summer. Even for someone of Perrein heritage, it suited Greywind just fine. The Island’s green plateaus and flowery fields were picturesque, thanks in part to the mineral rich soil provided by a dormant volcano sitting at the Island’s center, which had seen its last eruption approximately two million years ago. Home also to flocks of birds that migrated across the sea to nest, herds of miros grazing the grassy landscape and marine-dwelling pleisos resting on the sandy shores.
Situated near the northwest of the Island was the Mansion, also relinquished by its former owners, now serving as a creche for currently one-hundred-twenty children. Many of whom were Greywind’s direct descendents, blood kin and a few loroi adopted into the Fourth Emperor’s familial clan. The creche could accommodate well up to two-hundred children, but in peace times this seemed hardly necessary. While Greywind had more relatives scattered across the Union, creches like this one were founded to provide Greywind’s children with the best upbringing and education. This particular creche was one of Greywind’s favorites since it also served as a holiday retreat for the Emperor’s familial members. The perfect place to host family reunions.
The children of Ginazaigo's West Isle had a paradise and privileges that many did not, though were still too young and spoiled to fully appreciate it. That seemed pretty clear to a couple of children being led through the corridors.
- every-warrior-final-b.png (128.77 KiB) Viewed 177490 times
>Yes,< another child by the name of Softwood sent. >And so is writing.<
>Children, do not disrespect reading and writing,< their caregiver and teacher, Black Mark, sent mildly offended as she led the small mob of young ones.
>But it is so hard,< Softwood grumbled.
>Learning is hard, Softwood,< sent Black Mark. >Because it is work. But work is worth the reward.<
>I hate work,< Rune sent defiantly. >And I still hate writing.<
>Rune!< Black Mark mildly took offense at that. >I am surprised with you. I seem to remember you sketching marks in just your first tozon.<
>I just like to draw stuff,< sent Rune. >Not write!<
>Well, writing is like drawing,< sent Black Mark. >Except it is drawing in which you have to follow rules so that everyone understands what the drawer (or writer rather) is trying to tell the readers.<
>It is still boring,< Quill sent defiantly, as was typical of a two-year old.
>Boring or not, it is a skill you will still need,< sent Black Mark.
>But why do warriors need to read and write?< sent Softwood. >We just need to know how to fight.<
>There is more to being a warrior than just fighting,< sent Black Mark. >When you are injured in battle, how will you understand the instruction manual of a medical kit? How will you know which buttons to press on holopanels when you are required to operate a cruiser? What will you say to your superiors when they demand documentation?<
>Doc-what?< asked Quill.
>Material that provides information that serves as a record.<
The children turned up confused eyebrows at the definition.
Black Mark sighed. Being a scholar for children was challenging. >In simple terms, it is stuff you write down so that it will always be there in case you forget it.<
>Oh!< the little ones responded in unison as it finally sunk in.
>I guess that is important,< Quill concluded.
>I still don’t understand why we need to learn such boring stuff,< sent Rune. >If it’s so important, why not make Listels remember all of it? They love remembering everything.<
>Listels are not always available, Rune,< Black Mark pointed out. >What we teach you children here will be necessary for your trials. Otherwise how will you ever hope to become warriors?<
>But you are not a warrior, Teacher,< sent Rune.
Black Mark was silent a moment as she digested Rune’s message. It was not sent with the intention to slight or discriminate. It was simply a statement of fact. A fact that sometimes bothered Black Mark, but one she had come to accept humbly after decades of civilian life.
>Yes, that is true,< sent Black Mark, gripping the front flaps of her open robe. >But that did not stop me from pursuing other talents. When I failed my trials many decades ago, I was certain my life was finished. I found myself working at a a library in Rogoth as a mere cleaner. Believe me, children! I was just like you; with a passionate disinterest for the written word. But do you know what is more boring than reading and writing? Scrubbing and polishing. When that mundane routine seems to become your life, you become restless. You need something else to occupy your interest and sharpen your mind. So, in my spare time, I would look through the books of the library and, slowly but surely, found that books and documents were truly fascinating. And, as a consequence, not only did my literary skills improve. I became better acquainted with the vast archives. The more I read, the more I could build ideas in my head.<
The children snickered at the unintentional joke. >Build ideas in your head!< Softwood giggled. >That’s funny!<
>I am being serious,< Black Mark sent. >I am not even a Listel, and yet I became skilled in writing and scholarly studies because it became the object of my focus. So well that the Scribes of the Rogoth Libraries decided to first give me menial tasks of copying documents and books. Proofreading digital archives. My knowledge eventually caught the attention of the Toridas Chroniclers who required someone to commit their memories and vast knowledge to written word. Every now and then, civilians would approach me to improve their own reading and writing skills. Even warriors soon followed shortly thereafter. Which is how I was eventually noticed by the Mizols sent by the Fourth Emperor Greywind who hired me to be a caregiver-<
>Teacher, your story is making me bored,< Rune sent abruptly.
The other children agreed. Black Mark groaned through sealed lips. Often she did not know what seemed more challenging: engraining discipline in these children or trying to cultivate their interest.
Overlooking Rune’s insensitive comment, Black Mark wrapped up her monologue, >My point is this: I may have failed to become a warrior, but by studying something of interest, I developed a skill that is sought after. Listels may be able to remember everything, but when they are not available, what then? Books and archives are the knowledge that we can fall back on. We read to understand. And write what we know so that others may understand.<
>I don’t understand,< Rune sent bluntly. As hasty as a loroi child’s capacity to learn was, it was still hard for their infantile minds to appreciate literature.
Black Mark sighed, mildly frustrated. >I know,< she sent. >I do not hold it against you if you do not like the subject. All I expect is that you try to learn. After all, do you think warriors succeed if they do not try?<
>No,< the little ones sent in unison.
>So will you try to learn then?<
>Yes,< the children sent back in unison. Though a few deviants replied, >Maybe.<
I guess that’s as good as it gets, thought Black Mark. As troublesome as children could be, she truly felt honored and privileged to be able to teach the children of the Emperor’s kin. And was generously paid for her talents. Another perk of working at this creche was residing at the Mansion itself.
The Mansion was a vastly large place of several buildings bearing a fusion of geometric and organic designs. Giving it a remarkable resemblance to a small village. Some buildings blended into the surrounding environment of natural rock formations and grassy terrains, becoming a part of the landscape. Many of the Mansion’s corridors and trails were designed to offer walkers sublime scenery, either with mural walls depicting ancient loroi or entropic moss that covered a few halls.
The mob of children led by Black Mark passed through the Gardens, heading straight into the Arena along with the dozens of the other children accompanied by their respective teachers and caregivers. Only the infants were absent, since they were still far too young to partake in these events. The Arena itself was a recent installation to encourage the young ones’ athletic and combat skills. Apart from physical training, the Arena could be used for a number of other functions, such as hosting festivities and competitions. The Arena itself was open-sided, consisting of a round poured rubber floor beneath an inverted dome made from high tensile strength materials. Twelve curvilinear pylons sitting along the dome’s edge suspended the inverted dome roof. At the roof’s center was a circular opening where the midday sun’s light poured into the Arena’s center point.
- creche-arena.png (124.13 KiB) Viewed 177490 times
>Why have lectures been cut early?<
>What are we doing here?<
>The Emperor has come to visit!<
>I wonder if the caregivers know something we don’t.<
>Maybe the Elders have come to test us?<
>I heard we have special guests.<
>Aliens are here!<
>Who wants to meet aliens? When are they going to bring some menfolk around?<
>I’m bored.<
>Why do we have to be here?<
>I have so much studying to do!<
>When do we play games?<
>I’m hungry!<
Quill, having trained sufficiently to block out the broadcast of sanzai chatter, honed in on her teacher and asked, >Teacher, why are we all here in the Arena?<
>I told you. Because the Emperor and many important Elders have come to visit,< Black Mark replied.
>But why?<
>I don’t know.< Black Mark truly had no idea. >Maybe they have special news to share with us.<
>I’ve heard and seen sanzai imagery of aliens,< Softwood chimed in. >Are aliens really here?!<
>From what I’ve understood, yes,< Black Mark sent back. Indeed some of the Soroins had ‘told’ her the news, rather than send it. Which struck Black Mark as mildly suspicious, but who was she to question?
>Oh, I’ve never seen an alien before,< Rune sent, hopping excitedly from her perch. >I want to see one!<
>Easy, Rune,< Black Mark tried to calm her down. >And straighten your shawl!< She reached over to pull the longer end of Rune’s shawl over the girl's left side. While many coast dwelling Deinars traditionally wore shawls for protection against the brutal winds, the children’s asymmetrical shawls were more ceremonial than functional.
A Soroin hollered, “All rise!”
The telepathic prattle died down as the children rose from their seats. The Soroin verbally called for silence as a few more children gossiped amongst each other.
“Silence!” The Soroin called out once more. “Stand at attention! Entering now the fourth elected ruler of the Loroi Union. Her Highness, Torrai Azerein Greywind, her honorable Chiefs of Staff and the Ambassadors of the Alien Assembly.”
Backs stood straight. Arms pressed into sides. Young minds burned with an aura of fearful reverence as an intimidating presence entered. Gazes fell onto the authoritative loroi whose crown gleamed like a four-pronged star. A queue of high-ranking Chiefs and five aliens followed after.
Greywind silently eyed the crowd of children and caregivers before sending, >Greetings, my children.<
Remembering their drilled formalities, the crowd of young and old sent back with respect, >Greetings, Emperor.<
>I see some new faces here,< Greywind sent pleasantly. >And it is nice to see some familiar ones. You have grown up so quickly. Speaking of familiar people, you seem to remember our old friends, the ambassadors.< She turned to the four aliens. “Honorable ambassadors, you remember the loroi children here during our visit last tozon. Do you not?”
Taking the cue, Ziga spoke up, “Indeed we do, your highness. Greetings, little sisters! It is good to meet you all again.”
In awkward fashion, the mob of children replied slowly, “Hello, Ambassador Ziga.”
The other four ambassadors stepped forward to offer formal greetings as well. While loroi did not typically seek out the company of aliens, the Emperor convinced the ambassadors that it would be beneficial for the children of her familial clan to get some alien exposure during her yearly visits to Deinar and this creche. As a way to teach loroi children from a young age that these aliens were representatives of the peoples whom the loroi were sworn to protect. And to ease the tensions that had stained the relations between the Union races during the course of the Great War. To ensure that the children of this creche showed nothing but benevolence for their alien allies, Greywind had instructed the caregivers to stomp out any sign of racial prejudice. While Greywind did not actively advocate for racial equality like the Barsam Church or the Universalists, she understood that allowing racism and prejudice would fester interspecies relations. The loroi needed aliens to trust them again.
The Diaderets came forward as well to offer salutations before moving to the side along with the ambassadors.
>You may be seated,< Greywind sent out to her children. The young ones sat back down, eyes trained on the Emperor. >You all seem surprised that I and my compatriots have arrived unannounced. Indeed, Housemaster Crescent was assuring me upon arrival that she would have prepared a proper welcoming ceremony had she been aware. Make no mistake; such a ceremony is not unwelcome. But I would rather see this creche as it behaves in actuality. Not as what others want me to see. And while I am pleased with this creche’s progress, improvements are still needed. Among these is speaking. For you see, your vocal communication will soon become more important than ever. Because this creche has been chosen to host a unique project. And today we have a very special guest. And I expect all of you to show him courtesy and kindness.<
>Him?< the children seemed to think collectively.
Small clusters of telepathic chatter popped throughout the mob of children. The atmosphere filled with waves of curiosity and excitement. A few even inquired of the caregivers who were just as clueless.
-
As amazing as the loroi people were, Ben found their silent “sanzai” language to be astoundingly unnerving. It just felt weird to watch people that stared at each other but did not talk. He remembered the thousands of people who lived on Grind and how loud they could be when gathered in large masses. When Ben met the hundreds of males living at the Toridas Monastery or toured the busy streets of Toridas, the loroi were unusually quiet. Except for the occasional grunt or cough. It was equally weird to be waiting outside the Arena, listening to a lot of aliens say… well, practically not much. Also weird that he and Cotton had been forced to wait in hiding in the Garden for a while now. Had it been an hour already? The longer they waited, the more anxious Ben got.
“Ben,” Cotton said, standing beside him. “It is almost time. Are you ready?”
“Cotton, I’m nervous,” Ben said, fidgeting nervously. “What if they don’t like me?”
“Nonsense!” said Cotton. “What loroi could not like a handsome, little male?”
Ben was not entirely sure.
“Ben, I promise it will be fine.” Cotton knelt down, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. Touching did not seem like such a taboo for Cotton now. At least when it came to Ben. “Now do you remember the greeting we talked about?”
Ben nodded.
“And in what language, Ben?”
“In Trade.”
“Very good.”
Cotton received a beep on her wrist-comm. It was time.
Cotton stood straight and formal. “Now we enter, Ben. Ready?”
Ben nodded, rubbing his forearms anxiously.
“Keep your arms at your sides,” Cotton instructed. “Stand straight. And… march!”
Ben marched with stiff arms and legs, walking proudly like a toy soldier.
“Ben, not like that!” Cotton snapped as they rounded one of the tall pylons. “It looks silly. Just… just walk as you usually do.”
-
“And here he comes,” Greywind said as well as sent to the crowd.
The loroi children’s curiosity peaked as they peered past the Emperor, catching sight of two individuals that just entered through the pylons. It was a loroi Listel who seemed to be escorting-
>Is that a male?!< one of the older girls blurted out with pleasant surprise.
A few children, particularly the eldest, rose excitedly from their seats, straining to get a look at the approaching male. Many of the older girls nearing puberty suddenly had hopeful grins, suspecting that their elders were about to give them a special ‘treat’. Grins grew wider and blood pumped as the little male came closer. He was tiny. He was clad in white, black and gold. He was handsome. And he was…
…not loroi.
At least it looked like a loroi. But clearly was not. In place of blue skin was a hide of pale pink. Where beautiful, pointed ears should have been were oval-shaped lugs. And most disconcerting of all was the closer the loroi-thing came toward the children, the more the girls realized something terribly wrong; the loroi-thing seemed to have absolutely no detectable presence. It was telepathically invisible. Hopeful grins subsided. Girls rubbed eyes to ensure they were not seeing an illusion. The children sitting closest to the action shifted in their seats uncomfortably as the loroi-thing and its loroi escort came closer, stopping by the Emperor’s side.
Most of the children had absolutely no clue what sort of creature just entered the Arena. Though one of the eldest girls sent out with a sudden realization, >Is that a human?<
>As a matter of fact it is,< Greywind confirmed.
Waves of gossip and anxious chatter washed over the mob of children. The older children had been formerly taught about humanity, but not one of them had ever seen a living human before.
Greywind sent what she spoke, “My children… allow me to present Ben.”
One girl unexpectedly shot up from the crowd and shouted in Trade, “It’s a freak!”
>Sit down and be silent!< Greywind barked.
The young one immediately did as she was told. Greywind sighed. This was not quite the response she was hoping for. And also noticed Ben nervously fidgeting.
Ben himself was indeed nervous. And yet curious at all the dozens of young, blue faces. All of whom were staring intently at him. He slouched slightly, tucking his arms into his chest, afraid that maybe these loroi did not like him.
“Ben,” Greywind called out to him. “Introduce yourself to the loroi here.”
Looking over at Cotton, who offered an affirming, “Just like I taught you,” Ben tentatively stepped toward the mob of children. The little ones seated closest apprehensively scooted away from Ben. It felt disheartening to be looked upon with such fear, but Ben did not give up.
Lowering arms to his sides, Ben timidly began in Trade, “Um, h-hello. M-m-my name… is Ben.”
A few of the girls leaned forward slightly.
>What is it saying?< one girl sent out.
>It’s too quiet.<
>I can’t hear it.<
>Why doesn’t it send sanzai?<
“Ben,” Cotton whispered as she knelt beside him. “They cannot hear you. Speak louder!”
Taking a deep breath, Ben shouted out to the crowd, “HELLO!”
Loroi jumped in their seats, arms held up defensively at the sudden outburst from the loroi-thing.
“No!” Cotton urged Ben. “Not that loud, Ben. Try again a bit quieter.”
Ben sighed and tried at a moderate volume this time. “Hello. My name… is Ben. And I am… pleased… to meet you all. I… hope… we can be… friends.”
The caregivers relayed Ben’s message to the children who had more difficulty with the spoken Trade. While the children were still on edge, they were a little more at ease knowing the loroi-thing called Ben did not seem harmful.
Greywind watched a bit apprehensively. The children needed a bit of encouragement. Noticing three nearby children eyeing Ben, Greywind sent out and spoke, “You three!”
The three girls looked up at their Emperor.
“What are your names?”
They sent back, >Quill, my Elder.<
>Softwood.<
>Rune.<
Greywind continued her dual communication, “Yes, I remember you three now. You were all so tiny when I first met you last tozon, but have grown so quickly.”
The trio grinned bashfully at the praise.
“I want you three to come forward,” said Greywind. “Say hello to Ben.”
>Us?!< Quill sent shocked, unsure about getting close to the Loroi-thing. >We- I- can someone else do it?!<
>I am not asking,< Greywind sent deadly serious. “Come forward and say hello to our guest.”
The stupefied Loroi looked up at Black Mark, hoping she would interject on their behalf.
Black Mark just stared back at them. >Don’t look to me for help, children. Your Emperor gave you a command.<
>So,< sent Softwood. >what should we do?<
Black Mark grinned wryly. >You better do what she tells you.<
Taking a courageous gulp, the three girls stood up and slowly approached Ben. Ben froze anxiously as the three loroi of similar stature came closer, folding his arms in around his chest. For a few moments the three loroi and one human just eyed each other down.
>So, what now?< sent Softwood.
>Maybe we say hello,< Rune answered.
>But who goes first?<
>I will,< sent Quill. Focusing her eyes on the little human, Quill sent out, >Greetings, loroi-alien-male-thingy!<
No response.
>I repeat,< Quill sent again, focusing intently as she put her fingers to her temples. >I want to converse. Answer!< Still no response. >Please?<
>Humans cannot receive or send sanzai, Quill,< sent Cotton. >You must speak with him.<
>Speak?!< Quill sent stunned. >But I don’t know how to speak.<
>Well we all have to start at some point. So you best start trying now.<
Softwood, growing restless, stepped up to Ben. Mustering up her courage, she awkwardly uttered, “H-h-h… h-hay… hay… hay…l-l-l…l-low…”
“What?” said Ben.
“H-h-hay-low-ow-ow.”
“Huh?”
“Ben,” said Cotton. “She is trying to say, ‘hello’.”
“Oh!” Deciding to take a chance to reach out, Ben threw forth his left hand. Or should he have used the right? No, he would stick with the left. “Nice to meet you.”
Softwood eyed the alien hand curiously. Did he want something from her? Maybe the Ben-creature was marking territory by signaling others to keep distance from him.
>It is a humanity greeting custom,< Listel Cotton sent Softwood. >Humans grasp hands with each other to show comradeship and establish trust.<
>Oh!< Delicately, Softwood encircled her blue hands around Ben’s pink hand. And gasped at the sudden warmth of his skin and the lack of presence. Like she were touching the hand of a mystical creature from the Chaos Legends. >Weird!< she sent out astounded.
Seeing no apparent harm, Rune held her hands behind her back and waddled up alongside Ben to get a better look at the human. All of him. Blond hair. Pale, pink skin. Blue eyes. And were those freckles dotting the bridge of his nose and cheeks?
- bens-new-friends-final-b.png (164.43 KiB) Viewed 177490 times
Rune returned the gesture with an even bigger smile and grasped his hand, equally astonished at the warmth and lack of sanzai presence.
>Rune,< one of the children called out. >Is it safe? What is it like? Can you sense the human?<
>No,< sent Rune, still holding Ben’s hand. >But he’s really warm. And seems friendly.<
The rest of the girls slowly approached, fear overcome by interest. Each wanting to get a better look at this outsider. Soon Ben found himself surrounded and shaking hands with dozens of blue-skinned girls, each wanting to get a feel of him. He beamed with a joyful smile. These loroi children seemed quite nice.
Cotton sighed with relief, pleased that Ben seemed to be making friends quite quickly.
Yes, we seem to be making progress, the old Emperor thought with hands on her hips.
The caregivers and guards of the creche observed, clearly conflicted about this situation. The newcomer’s presence left them on edge, but seeing no danger, let the children have their fun. Even the alien ambassadors were mildly fascinated by the spectacle.
Ziga momentarily forgot about his concern for Ben’s safety. To see aliens reach out to each other driven by curiosity and compassion was the goal of the Barsam’s faith.
“Now this is what I call true communion,” the Barsam said happily.
“Well, they seem to like the little savage,” snorted Dermo.
“Indeed,” Lodestone agreed. She and the Diaderets had had their doubts, but things seemed to be going well. >Perhaps adopting the little human will work out after all,< a grinning Lodestone sent to her fellow Councilors.
Brightsword just watched unimpressed with arms crossed. >I give it a month before the little ones start tearing him apart.<
Lodestone lifted a confused eyebrow. >Tear him apart?<
>Because they’ll all be clambering to get a piece of him.<
]
