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Matt Hein / Fantasy / Phoenix | |
| Order of the falcon; Part Two Part two of chapter four, Conciliate of Faiye. This read is quite long as well, and no, this doesn’t conclude the series, as of yet...there’s still part three :) Chapter Four, Part Two, Act One Wings of solace and bared fangs of integrity. As a worried Ludan sat affront his discussion table, his face noticeably fatigued from speech, Skye could easily tell something was definitely on his mind. She was now sitting in a modest, yet imposing room, its oak laden walls themselves adorned with wealth and extravagance. Although it surprised the acolyte that Ludan had not chose an office such as this for his personal time, she noticed that he had framed, a small sketch of Rinehart, himself and several other aides, as the penciled in picture hung on the wall, the image of Rinehart concealed by a news article posted next to the frame. “Hmm...” Skye thought, as she eyed the old picture with scrutiny, wondering why Rinehart’s visage would be concealed. Even as several of Ludan’s closer aides took a seat quickly, Skye remained nonchalant to the fact that such a situation could arise on such short notice, for moments ago the dining hall in all of its splendor had been filled to its brims with senators. Examining the environs of the small council room, she set her eyes upon several of the old senatorial busts to her side, examining the old and worn statues, faces austere and stoic. Although not fully realizing the extent of turmoil in which they faced, she began to understand why Ludan had aged in such a short amount of time. “Twenty years...” She thought to herself, as she eyed him, as the president sat broodingly at his desk, eyeing a clandestine document. Speaking of which, she recalled a conversation she had held with an aide several months back on how the stress of leadership brought upon its recipients nothing more than the foul bite marks of age. Nonetheless, she brushed aside her thoughts, as frivolous and wandering ways only brought unwanted truth that would only evince resentment. Taking several of those thoughts into account, she stepped towards one of the glass adorned mahogany china cabinets to the side, as C.W Beaumont stood quietly admiring its inner contents and artifacts. Eyeing one of the ancient crystal Musk’ets with interest, he was suddenly interrupted by Skye, as he turned around quickly, surprised to see her. “Oh...I thought you were one of the other councilmen, at first. I’ve been rather...agitated...lately.” “Pardon me, I need a word with you.” “What about?” “It’s about Ludan.” “Well, on with it, then.” “The president has been acting rather irritable as of late. I suspect...something isn’t right. ” “Contrary to what you may think, Ludan’s still tense over the ‘incident’ five years ago. For all of these years, it’s been haunting him.” “What incident? I don’t recall...” “He...didn’t want the public to know about it, save for his inncer circle. You see, several years ago, his wife and daughter were both murdered on the trade routes by militants... it was a pretty sad affair, and hell, it nearly killed the president.” “My god...why didn’t he tell me? What about Rinehart or the imperial council? Wouldn’t they have suspected?” “They found out eventually, but decided to keep it in the fiduciary of the republic. Matters such as these aren’t the business of other sovereign or rogue nations.” After the revelation, she cast yet another glance towards the president, as he continued to sit quietly , enthralled in his reading. “I’d appreciate it you don’t bring this up during the meeting...” “It’s nothing...really. But why are we wasting our time with these meetings, when we could be conducting diplomacy?” “That’s why we employ subordinate officers, Skye. At this very moment, they are debating for us.” Beaumont spoke, as he headed to his table, Skye stepping afront of him, as she blocked his path. “That’s not the case, Calvin! Look, I just want the truth! Can we really afford the burden of a doubt? Earlier on, someone at the conciliate spoke of a budget crisis!” She spoke, as his face began to darken, at once regaining his composure. “There’s little to be concerned about. The loyalty of our soldiers far surpasses the material needs of a wage. There is little to worry about.” As Beaumont passed her and took a seat at the table, speaking with Ludan and Frederik Poyle, she was left standing between the adorned china cabinet and the linen set table. Hesitantly, she took a seat and waited for Calvin to summon order to the loquacious assembly, wondering if all of the formalities would ever end. “Order, please!” “I would prefer to open this discussion with a prayer to our savior and lord, Akael Me’Han, if it so pleases the committee.” Beaumont spoke, as the officers at the table saluted the flag of the order of the falcon, Poyle speaking. “Sovereign lord, Akael. We call upon your embodiment to lead our office through these times of turbulence; to instill upon us the integrity to conduct our obligations with grace and candor. Our committee invokes your name to grant us the discretion to precede the path of prosperity, to support the cathedral of the Rohadrim, office of the state, and general welfare of its patrons.” Beaumont spoke, as the table fell into silence, the intelligence minister motioning towards Ludan. “Sir Ludan? Would you please join us now? My apologies for the abrupt intervention of your state dinner, as I realize you hoped to accommodate several VIPs, but we are in the midst of a politically sensitive situation here. Before all of you I have set a letter printed by the FIN office. Would you please take the liberty to read it?” Dear fellow FIN member. In regards to the occurrences of the past week; It has been verified that a former member of the conciliate, who shall remain unnamed, had taken the interim leadership of the province of LaGuardia, following the mysterious circumstances of the death of Sensei Rinehart. Renounced for his religious studies and opinions which were widely valued by both theocrats and scholars alike, we have received little word from LaGuardia regarding my news, so further inquiries will be present. We will be mobilizing defensive forces slowly. Remain vigilant, C.W Beaumont FIN Administrator. “Why did you exclude Jade’s name from the letter?” Skye asked, as she looked up from the brief, the president taking a closer look. As the head of the FIN committee, the decorated Beaumont sat as an eminent figure on the council, astute but tangible in nature. His golden hair combed beck under his militant cap, he looked up from his lead position, as he spoke to Skye. “Regretful, isn’t it?” “You mean the letter?” “No...that our reputable agency was so arrogant to sit back and wait until a member was killed before taking action...Fate lashes at us so harshly...” “Look, other than this pointless letter, why did you summon us here? Don’t we have more important affairs to attend to?” She asked, as the rest of the council gave her an odd look, Beaumont taking off his reading glasses, as he sighed, rather irritated. “You’re integral to bringing stability towards the region, Skye! As of late, the region about us has been struck with uncertainty, the bitter and stinging essence of war wafting about the atmosphere. Since you are the heir to the throne over LaGuardia, we need you to confer with your people to avert any conflict!” “Of course, Skye. As of now, you’re the only person who can conduct an honest dialogue with the enemy. We want you to speak with Jade.” “I cannot return to my people after fleeing from them...I should have died back there...” “Heh...martyrdom truly isn’t the most heroic of actions, Skye. You believe dying for one’s believe is truly honorable? How about living to carry on that belief? That’s why we need you...our country and your people need you as well. We cannot afford to go to war. Not now, maybe never.” Beaumont spoke, as Poyle applauded his statement. “Ah, well said, Beaumont! The realist as always!” “Ludan?” Skye asked, as the president looked up from his place, the others eyeing him oddly. “You have barely spoken since we’ve started the meeting? Is...something the matter, sir?” Looking up, Ludan grinned and reassuringly shrugged off the idea, speaking. “Ah, of course not...the situation as of late has been rather stressful, ‘tis all...I see no reasons for alarm...” “You’re still reflecting...on what happened five years ago...the ‘incident’, right?” “Skye, I plea with you not to resuscitate matters such as these. What’s done is done, there are no remedies to the scorn of loss.” “Let it be, Beaumont...perhaps I should reveal what truly happened. There’s no sense in hiding the truth anymore. The rest of my extended family was killed five years ago...” Ludan spoke, as he stood up and headed towards the FIN door, facing away from his council. “They were murdered by knaves, heartless militants which neither possessed clear conscience, nor justification for their acts. Annette did not deserve to die for her political affiliation, neither young Amaranthe...and yet, they still live in my heart...” “Why did you not tell Rinehart about it? Or do you continue to live in the past, pretending that it never happened?” “And how so does it matter to you, Skye? Some affairs are best left alone. My wounds have already mended, and the caress of good wishes is no longer necessitated.” “And all wounds resurface over time...as a healer, I was taught that from an early age. If anything, I’d surmise that your soul is bleeding profusely.” “I admire your prudence, Skye, but...” “Ludan, you’re in no condition to head a council just so!” “Let my words be a deciding factor.” “You spoke about Rinehart earlier? Why did you conceal his visage? Look at your wall? What do you see?” “Nothing...I see absolutely nothing, other than documents cast aside. What are you implying?” “That you have some sort of animosity regarding Rinehart? You seem overtly evasive to discussing anything related to him...” “I’d rather not speak about it...Skye, let us attend to more pressing matters. We have to address the situation regarding LaGuardia. Recent intelligence intercepted-” “You’re changing the subject, Ludan! You cannot run from your past forever! I know a men who has a similar predicament to yours... I feel for him, actually. The poor fellow thrown between duty and death at an early age...” “And who might that be, I dare ask.” “Sense Rinehart...” “What?!” “Don’t you remember, Ludan? When I was younger, Rinehart told me of your antics as a religious scholar. About that time both of you slipped past the religious guard of the Kai Ne’Hr to get a glimpse of the Sum’Mit.” “When we were still scholars at Kai’len.. Yeah, those were peaceful times for the republic...I can recall that event still vividly.” “If you recall those events, then why repress your other thoughts of the earliy days? Why look at it with blind eyes?” “I have my reasons...it’s been twenty years since we divided our boundaries, and I have not spoken a word to him since...I prefer to keep it at that. It’s best not to mess with the past...” “As far as I’m concerned, you’ll wither away unless you make some sort of reparation. Your face is wizened, and you eyes dark...” “Over the years, I have aged greatly. One might say this is the mark from serving office. That ‘tis all.” “Or the mark of resent...” “Enough, Skye! We need to discuss matters that command utmost urgency! Frivolities of the past can wait!” Frederik Poyle spoke, growing rather impatient, an rather unuasual trait in so reserved a general. “My agreements...however, we need to get back to the original discussion. I was speaking about proposed military action against LaGuardia...” Ludan spoke, as he took lead of the meeting, surprising Skye. “We currently have no information on the advances of the enemy, contrary to what I expected to find in the field reports. However, we did manage to establish a dialogue with a source from the academy...” “What about this source? Was this intelligence of any value to us?” As Beaumont contemplated the statement, the ornamented door the FIN office opened rather unexpectedly, as from the environs of mechanical telegraph and typing devices, an officer slipped into the room and presented a parchment envelope to the director discreetly, extending his greetings. And yet, as soon as the man left, the golden knobbed door to the office securing with a resonating click, Beaumont perused the document as a look of worry appeared on his face. “I’ll reveal that to you in a moment... Miss Skye, could you please step forth?” For a moment Skye hesitated as C.W looked at her oddly, beckoning her forth, his reading glasses tipped. “Why...do you summon me, sir?” “This is a grave matter, miss Skye...the state has requested our council to deliver you to their authority, in exchange for the aversion of conflict...” “And what if I do now comply with your demands?” “Simple, Skye. We’ll deny you haven here. We have no time to bribe our guests with favors for them to simply divulge information to us! But I’m not going to force you either...that’s your decision.” “What?! I refuse to do so! This constitutes blackmail!” “And unless you cooperate with us in speaking to sway your people, we have no choice other than to follow suit with the aggressor’s demands...” Calvin Beaumont spoke in a rather devious tone, as he stepped towards her. “You’re kidding? Aren’t you? This is absolutely absurd! Nonsensical! I could never believe...” “Regardless of what you may believe, there are no other options on the table! Either you concede to our demands, or return to your boundaries.” Standing between Calvin Beaumont and the attending officers of the meeting, Skye pushed her chair in and looked towards Frederick Poyle for aid, the officer caught between duty and opinion. “Miss Skye, my aid to you would evoke detriment to the state. It is no longer in my best interests to defend you...I’m sorry...” “I will not concede!!!” She angrily shouted with resolve, as she stepped back towards the center of the office, drawing forth her emerald staff and closing her eyes as she directed the weapon at Beaumont. “I order you to cease and desist now!” “I am not bound to your orders, Beaumont!” “But you are bound to legality to observe the laws of my country whilst within their boundaries. Now, abandon your weapon so we can resolve this matter in a diplomatic sense.” He spoke, taking a seat on the carved and polished chair, taking a feathered quill in hand, as he procured some parchment paper from affront him. “Of course, I should be hearing that from you, daughter of impeccable Rinehart.” “Your methods of persuasion aren’t as democratic as I would have hoped...” Skye spoke, as she once again took a seat at the table, scowling. “And just what do you suggest as a solution?” “Your conduit to LaGuardia. I could very well convince the conciliate that you... constitute a threat to our welfare.” “Now, just a moment, Beaumont...” “You have reason, Ludan?” “Of course! As president of Faiye, I would not believe for a moment that Skye represents a threat!” “However, due to her relation to you, I believe that would void the merit of your statement, am I not correct? Conflict of interest, such an unforgiving doctrine to live by...” “Even so, Mister Beaumont, I would have to make the interjection that even with the satisfaction of their request, they may still pursue military action against us.” “Sovereign countries are compelled to uphold those promises as well. Candor in their statements would suggest their veracity.” A voice spoke, as the entire council looked over towards the intelligence office door, as an austere but eminent man, stopped short of the meeting, bowing forth to Ludan. “My apologies for my unanticipated entrance, president! I was summoned here by Beaumont earlier. Fashionably late as usual, I surmise?” As Ludan saulted him for the formality, Beaumont took the liberty to make an introduction, ceasing the debate. “Ah, excuse my formalities, Miss Skye, Sir Ludan… I would like to introduce to you, a very affable fellow, himself a graduate from the LaGuardia military academy and a dissident of Rinehart’s provenance…Professor Andrew Aston.” As Frederik motioned for the man to proceed, a younger figure, dressed in a white scientific suit and spectacles, his face clean and brazen, his ruby eyes seemed rather harsh and piercing, as Skye looked at him with suspicion. As he took a vacant seat, the man eyed Skye rather analytically, as he voiced his greetings to her with candor. “Ah, allow to introduce myself, Miss Skye…I believe you were the valedictorian yourself in Professor Finche’s militant history class, myself second to you…how enviable it must be to meet you in person, but alas…I do summon your assistance on this dire affair…even though I have my…inherent doubts of your compliance…” Professor Aston spoke, as Skye looked at him oddly, A familiar face nonetheless, but yet, a sort of mystique about him, perhaps that tinge of arrogance that flowed throughout all noble blood. It seemed to her as though such a proud eloquence only served as a dividing factor between herself and the rest of her echelon. “I don’t believe we have met, Mister Aston…although I have fond recollection of your political ranting in the auditoria debates you frequented…of course, that is less suitable to my tastes…” “Ah, ‘tis true…surprising someone with such prowess in militant history would have a lack of taste for political reasoning…but then again, philanthropists have never usually embraced the principles of true ‘reality’…” “Hmm? You mean to say militancy is the only way to go about diplomacy, then? That’s saddening…” Skye replied, as Ludan intervened. “Miss Skye, Professor Aston…I see you both have... already met previously. Perhaps you can place past arguments aside?” Frederick asked, as Aston innocently complied, Skye disgusted at his arrogance. “Mister Beaumont? Continuing this discussion?” Clarence looked up from his studies, undaunted by the tension, and spoke, a soft, yet rough tone in his voice, his eyes sharp and still. “Of course, we were debating our course of actions...peace is the priority of the state as of current, and our only window of opportunity to accomplish this endeavor lies in the exchange of Skye. However, her dissent only fuels the tempest, which stressed may leave our window desecrated and shattered.” “An interesting explanation, but I propose we pursue this matter democratically, as Skye implied. A vote, then?” “It is not in my best interests to take the liberty to wager the chance of peace. But alas, if those are the wishes of the council, very well, then...” “A secret ballot...Mister Aston will tabulate the results, for the sake of honesty.” “Commence the session, then...” As Beaumont concluded his statement, the attending officers at the table, save for Skye withdrew their quills and wrote their opinions on the tattered parchment sheets, Poyle folding his and passing it towards professor Aston as he adjusted his tie. The others following suit shortly, Beaumont went back to his reading as Aston counted the ballots. “Voicing support for conduit; Fordham, Beaumont, Adriana, Iganov...” “Opposition for conduit; Poyle, Lockeheed, Kimera, Asteroth, Selleck...” “I thought the ballot was secret?!” Skye asked, as Aston looked towards her with a smile, lecturing her once again. “Ah, but the code of ethics revolving around ballots of secrecy only apply to those taken to public parties outside of the internal authority. Read section seventy of the imperial statute codebook, Skye...professor Finche would be so disgusted you neglected that.” (“Arrogant, egotilistical dog...”) She thought to herself as she contained her inherent urge to request his dismissal from the council, her counter only interrupted by a pleased Poyle, as he spoke to Skye. “Very well, it is settled, then...we shall pursue another venue for peace. I suggest we wait this out and...” “Time...to us constitutes unfathomed value, Poyle! Our council cannot afford to dawn on a preemptive action of the enemy! We need to strike firstly!” “Of course…however, our militant forces are low on supplies…just recently, our treasury failed in their strive to purchase higher grade equipment for our mobile alone…we need a way to raise funds quickly…” “But with the economic loss in place, this will be next, near impossible…increasing the tax rate upon our already impecunious citizens will only raise tension and an ebb of dissent amongst the working class!” Skye retaliated as Frederik reconsidered for a moment. “Taxation or not, we continue to argue amongst ourselves for such fickle matters of monetary affairs! No...we need to rally the common people for support. Unity may lead us through conflict, but a widened gap will only escalate the damage. Argent’s statements earlier carry much logic, whether you label him “anarchist’ or ‘radical’! Thereto, I assent his opinion…” He spoke, as Beaumont looked up in agreement from his reading, as he joined in. “Surprisingly, I must concur with Frederick, but for other reasons besides the welfare of the working man. With the support of a secondary guard, we may have the defense needed for a victory, or at least the preservation of our cities.” The FIN director spoke, as Ludan turned to retailate. “Ah; but that statement is off base. Firstly, for more resources, I believe we should issue executive orders to demand an increase in factory production. Our lack of wealth in the treasury can only be attributed to lack of production. Secondly, we need more trade with foreign countries like Gillead, Valencia, even Dragonia to rally foreign support...” “And why have they not allocated forces to aid us as of late? Twenty hours ago, we send carrier pigeons to deliver our pleas to neighboring districts, only to receive little implication from them...does this disturb you at all?” “Quite distirbing in its entirety...FIN units from across the countryside have failed to respond to any of our public calls.” “You believe it’s a conspiracy of come sort?” “Of course not...as the intelligence director, I would be well aware of such an insurgency. Believe me, though, ther are probably lying low for the moment...” “Then why the sudden withdrawal of visiting mercantile fleets and artisans?” “Perhaps they were expecting conflict? Merchants can be such cowards at times, boasting of their profiteering and exploits at their bars, whilst they flee at the faintest hint of conflict. Disgusting.” Senator Fordham spoke, as he broke his silence, another senator explaining. “That’s the very reason why the city was placed under marshal law, Senator. The city has established a moratorium on all travel as well...” “But wouldn’t this action incite already fueled resent about the people? Lower class working men are deprived of their freedom to travel about, which may lead to conflict...” “They are patrons of the state, and obliged to operate for our interests only!” Iganov vociferated, as Beaumont followed. “They would also act for their general welfare as well, which leads us back to the question, ‘how to address the demands of the enemy’ If anything, they have already issued a separate ultimatum...” “Earlier ago, you said it was a request, and not a demand...” The attending senator Asteroth replied. “Lightly put, a request, but I perceive it quite differently. When one asks for a favor, and threatens retaliation for lack of satisfaction, I cannot help but think otherwise. You’re a Credulous fool.” Beaumont spoke. “Look! Let us get to the point here! You summoned us over the recent assumptions that LaGuardia, has indeed, deferred from the Conciliates interests. How can we even verify the truthfulness of such a statement if the usually mandated forty eight hours has not indeed, passed? This set of actions is a direct violation of the Garrison free Treaty of 1941.” Councilman Selleck spoke, as Beaumont intervened once again. “I beg to differ, sir. If I recall correctly, there was an amendment in this treaty, ratified sometime later. It quotes that military or diplomatic action could be taken in the case of a political or national emergency, such as the passing of a leader…” “However, this does not justify attacking our allies!” “From what I would surmise, their lack of dialogue and abstruse policy only exemplifies that military action may be imminent.” Professor Aston spoke, as another councilman joined in. “Do you not find it ironic that only twenty four hours ago we considered ourselves allies with LaGuardia? Perhaps we should take a moment to reconsider our approach?” “How could one reconsider when the regime in question is under the authority of a tyrannous dictator? The lack therein of a dialogue continues to compound our case of military action against their province.” Aston replied, as he stepped forward. “Wait a moment...this is entirely conflicting! Several moments ago, you spoke of a dialogue within the LaGuardia Military academy! When in fact, you say one does not exist, I am only further convinced that your case is constructed of false pretenses…” Skye spoke, smiling at Aston, as the professor fought back his attempts to lash at her somehow. “Ah I respect your prudence, Miss Skye, but I wish to propose a theory...let’s say, hypothetically, that an insurgent faction within LaGuardia’s borders and supported by the citizenry decided to rise up and oust the sensei. Do you believe this is possible by any chance?” “Oust the Sensei? Rinehart was a gentle soul, and would not oppress his people!” Skye spoke, in a manner of resolve as she continued her argument. “That theory is off base and entirely speculative!” “Speculative, yes...off base, perhaps my inclusion of ‘theoretical’ fell upon deaf ears. For the record, I am not charging your father with any acts of malice or conspiracy...” “Aside from this debate, dear council, I would wish to inquire whether anyone has information on this swordsman who has approached from the brush just recently? Sir Dash Dracon?” Aston asked, as Skye looked towards him, the professor looking towards Skye with an interest at her retaliation. “Is it not true, that this very man, whom many have seen as the ‘Akai’ may be nothing more than a fraud? My sentiments on his noble deed of saving a fellow politician, however, his statements are quite conflicting. First off…” “Have you had the opportunity to meet him? In my eyes, you are acting entirely upon speculations, actions no professor of rational doctrine would grace…” “Miss Skye! That is highly demeaning!” Aston replied, as Skye once again intervened. “’Tis true, however…the professors code of ethics clearly states that ‘one must take upon themselves reason and discretion, before professing theories of little base or credibility’…” “However, there is a margin of reprieve! I clearly reviewed such statements for their accuracy before professing them! Take into witness account, at the same given period of time LaGuardia fell under strife, the swordsman just ‘happened’ to step into its boundaries. What does this tell you, hmm?” Aston asked as Ludan intervened harshly. “This is entirely pointless! In fact, I can see no sense of rationale in these arguments whatsoever! How condescending of you to flaunt your opinion of one’s character at such a time? Sire Dash is of affable nature, so let us leave it at that, would you? ” “Perhaps we should leave these fickle matters behind us and...” “ That’s preposterous! How a fellow graduate of the LaGuardia Military Academy cannot see beyond her own erroneous beliefs, clouded by this... foreigner, is beyond all comprehension to me! Is it truly socially acceptable for yourself to frolic about with this swordsman? I find it corrupting to the venerable and benevolent creed of our forefathers!” “Professor Aston! Perhaps you should reserve the vitriol for a later date and concentrate on the task at hand...but before we do so, I propose we terminate this discussion immediately, and take a much needed intermission...” Frederik spoke, as Ludan, and the rest of his council agreed unanimously. “Terminate an intelligence discussion? At the eleventh hour?! But, alas, I shall respect your wishes, sire…” Professor Aston spoke, as he darted a quick and audacious glance towards Skye, enraged at her outbursts.. As the committee stood up and talked casually, Skye sat broodingly at her seat, contemplating which events would lie ahead of her...or the possibility of escaping from the formalities, to once grace the golden and precious silence so coveted in this day and age as something so simple as peace. But perhaps she thought, the intellectuals of Faiye perceived euphoria in an administrative sense, opposing hers. War equated to them as discussions of passion and tactic, a game no less played by those rabid dogs of the wild to outsmart their quarry...but these animals held guns and swords, upping the ante on every stake ...perhaps there was far too much on the line here. And all at once, Frederick Poyle and the others took a seat once again, as the council went back to their meeting, as Ludan started his argument. “Addressing the aforementioned statement, I would also wish to state...” He started, his statement interrupted as highly decorated military officers in pressed suits and caps barged into the hall, a look of worry about their faces as they spoke. “General Beaumont! Ludan Lockeheed!” One of them stated, as the president and his general stood, assaulting the officers, as they followed through with their formalities. “Excuse us, my sir, but we have been ordered to escort you from your council immediately! Your presence is necessitated elsewhere.” “What is the meaning of this?” Beaumont spoke, as he stood up sternly, to approach one of the officers, a look of tenseness about his face. “Do not be alarmed, General...the enunciation hall sent us…you are summoned to direct our troops…” “Direct troops? Ludan has not yet appropriated war! How is this coherently possible?” Frederik Poyle asked, as he looked at them with a calm sense. “There has been an emergency meeting of the parliament… both houses took a majority vote to forward a war initiative…your signature for such an act is not warranted…” The lead soldier spoke with candor, as Ludan stepped affront him, voicing his concerns. “What? Wait a moment? A leading provision in our charter suggests that a council of government administrators must be present at such delegations!” Ludan spoke, as the leading officer handed him a small envelope. “President! We do not have time to contest government decisions! For your knowledge, the parliament inaugurated a panel of pro-tempores to contest your decision…therefore, you no longer retain any sense of authority over this matter…” “What? Are you saying Ludan no longer serves as president?” “No longer acting president…the commander of company currently, is Sergei Iganov…” All at once, the entire council fell into a state of shock, as Ludan eyed Sergei with anger, the senator chuckling at him with arrogance. “Sergei? What is the meaning of such treason?” Neglecting to reply, Sergei stepped out of the room, motioning for the rest of the entourage to follow, save for Skye. Ludan following ahead to perhaps make sense of the situation, he issued his final orders to her, his amber eyes filled with anger. “Miss Skye…please retain your position…I bid you farewell…” He spoke, as the doors once again closed to the council room, and an odd silence seemed to emanate from the austere environment. Sitting at the table, Beaumont’s cloth bound book still halfway open, a textile mark in its center, which commanded little significance. Defying Ludan’s orders, Skye once again approached the penciled drawing of Rinehart, attempting to make sense of Ludan’s supposed distance to her father, and his logic behind such actions... Well, that was interesting, wasn’t it? Your comments are much appreciated! Other links of interest. |
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