by Marc Mulero
“Your promotion to high council may be short lived if these failures continue,” Mulderan said in a cold tone, “it was your responsibility to prevent the Sin expansion.”
Jeck clenched his jaw and broke eye contact with Mulderan.
“As a more economical matter, the funding toward the earth's core drilling has reached its goal,” a woman with long light brown hair stated. Her dark brown eyes scanned the room for a reaction.
“Great,” Alek blurted out, “then we should begin drilling immediately.”
“You should consider all the facts first, Alek, when you have them,” Mulderan said in a cool tone.
Alek looked annoyed, “Well, in the interest of transparency, perhaps you should enlighten us.”
Mulderan's long flowing hair fell over to one side as he shifted his head, “The matter is top secret. The information must be handled delicately. I'll be confident relaying the information in our New York fortress. So be patient and trust your leader.”
Alek leaned back and mumbled, “How can I trust someone who sentenced his own father to death?”
The highlord next to him kicked him under the table.
“Careful, Alek,” the Ice Queen warned.
“Let's be realistic,” the brown eyed woman said, “We wouldn't have made it this far without Mulderan's guidance. I, for one, plan to continue to respect his wishes.”
“Out of fear!” Alek said, raising his voice.
Mulderan shifted his gaze to Alek, analyzing him with an emotionless face.
“Out of loyalty,” the woman responded.
The room was silent except for the slight echo of the woman's last words. Alek took the moment to regain his posture.
“Prioritization of the significant threats, phase of the drilling development, and the announcement of the gathering date,” Mulderan announced with a still voice. “I have one more matter of discussion before I open the floor to any other topics. Eldra has served humanity with expert war strategy, heroic battle participation, and overall stellar performance measures. With this in mind, it's my pleasure to introduce the newest recipient of the Ayelan shot. On behalf of the continued survival of humanity, may her vision never dim,” Mulderan said, presenting his wife, who stood confidently.
The roundtable of highlords and council all framed their eyes with the Hiezer Salute. Eldra took a seat.
“The floor is open,” Mulderan said, while gesturing with his hand.
Blague and his team waited in the front of the mansion to welcome his scout commanders home. Volaina was beside Lito and Sabin, still dirty from the mission she just returned from. Sabin held out his hand low for Volaina to give him five. She looked at him, smiled and slapped his hand.
He leaned over to her, “You know, if they don't figure out that there was a spy among them, you may have just scored us one of the most valuable ambush opportunities,” Sabin said.
“I hope you're right. If we take hold of a fortress in Bulchevin, that may be another turning point for us,” she responded.
Lesh and Blague faced straight ahead as a diverse group of people were admitted past the breach point.
“Niro is nowhere to be found,” Lesh said to Blague.
“I figured that would happen sooner or later,” Blague responded, “He's not the type to participate as a commander.”
Lesh scoffed, “Neither am I.”
Blague let out a small laugh, “Are you defending him?”
She raised an eyebrow and didn't say anything.
A man covered in rags led the incoming group. He walked with a limp; his short, black hair was parted down the middle, greased to either side. Pigeons circled him, one of which decided to rest on his shoulder as he walked. He appeared to be in his late fifties sporting a large, sharp nose and a goatee. When he saw Blague, his eyes teared up.
Blague stepped forward and gave him a hearty hug, “Good to see you, Telfice.”
“I miss him already, Blague,” Telfice said as tears fell from his eyes, “To not see him standing with you, waiting to greet us, made it all the more real. Briggs was the best of us. No offense,” he said as he lightly hit Blague's chest twice, releasing from his hug.
“None taken,” Blague said with a grin.
Telfice sniffled and his pigeon cooed. He then extended a dirty hand behind him, “This is my lot. They serve me well and have been great scouts within the exiled continents.” He raised a finger to Blague and looked at him suspiciously, “You know what I always say?” Blague looked at him with his eyes nearly closed.
“Communication is key,” they both said at the same time.
“Hah,” Telfice let out a laugh, “That's why you're our leader.”
He put a hand on Blague's shoulder and walked over to greet the other commanders. Lesh eyed the pigeons circling above Telfice, itching to take them out of the sky. Telfice's scouts respectfully nodded toward Blague as they made their way toward the mansion.
“This man has more connections than that bastard, Nemura,” Sabin said loudly, letting out a hearty laugh as he hugged Telfice.
Blague turned his attention ahead, awaiting the other man he was curious to see again. The man slowly walked forward, taking in his surroundings. His very dark, smooth skin radiated a richness about him. He wore a fitted black cloak with sapphire stones as buttons. His shaved head reflected the sun.
“Biljin!” Sabin shouted, “Any slower and I'll be dead by the time you get here!”
Biljin paid him no mind. He approached Blague and stuck out his hand. Blague extended his to give the formal handshake that he expected.
“Good to see you, Blague. You haven't disappointed. We are successfully reducing the Hiezer control. I'm glad I bought into your vision.”
“The information you’ve been providing has been invaluable. You're one of the only eyes we have in the upper classes,” Blague said.
“I've ascended quickly,” Biljin responded, “I'm to be accepted into the Dactuar class within months.”
“That would be a game changer,” Blague said happily.
“Indeed,” Biljin responded, “It took great lengths not to be followed. You should see the rags I left at the entrance.”
Blague didn't respond to that comment.
“I know we don't see eye to eye on everything, but tyrant control is one thing we both know has to change. I've lent you my intellect and you've used it so I could climb these arbitrary class ranks. I'm a forward thinker; let this meeting show me that I haven't spent all this time for naught.”
Blague stared at him for a moment, remembering the distaste he had for his arrogance. “You're free to go on your own whenever you please, Biljin. it's your choice if you want to remain with us. Although I appreciate your great contributions, I would never beg for your services, let alone alter the group’s meetings for your individual preference.”
Biljin had a look of disappointment as he looked Blague in the eyes, but eventually backed down and gave a slight nod.
“I'm assuming that genius intellect figured out that the goals of our big picture outweighs that ego of yours,” Blague said somewhat lightly.
“I suppose it has,” Biljin responded.
“The candidates are ready in room 1B2,” a voice said through Blague's radio.
“Let's proceed to our induction,” Blague replied as he led the line of commanders toward the front door of the mansion. “Before we join the civilians and general public, I have an announcement to make,” Blague said as he turned to face his most trusted group. “Due to Volaina's stellar infiltration of the Hiezer elite guard, we have intel that the Hiezers have built a fortress in upstate Old New York. The highlords will gather from around the world to meet in about one month. This is our chance to go on the offensive. There is a large risk in doing so, but it’s necessary to draw eyes away from our inevitable expansion. We will discuss logistics and strategy after the induction, but I wanted this news to begin sinking in now,” Blague finished as he turned back around to open the door.
Blague walked to room 1B2 with his entourage behind him. He met with Cherris, who was standing at the doorway.
“Niro has vanished. I know you wanted to thank him. I'm sorry,” Cherris said while looking down.
“That's alright. I have a feeling we will see him again one day,” Blague said as he entered the room.
The commanders walked in, each with their own swagger, not two of which were remotely alike. Five candidates stood in their assigned spots, ready to be judged for a promotion. The commanders took their seats facing the candidates. Blague sat in the middle and began the induction process.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you have incredibly large shoes to fill. Briggs was exceptionally resourceful: a master of communications and an elite solider. We sit here today to judge whether any of you has the potential to be half as great as he was. Drino,” Blague said as he motioned toward him, “please begin.”
Drino stood up from his corner seat and, in a militaristic fashion, walked over to the first candidate. “This here is Airos, born into the Sin class. He has an extreme drive to turn this world upside down in order to improve the living conditions for his mother, wife, and soon to be child. Airos has been the sergeant of Squad X and is nothing short of a war hero. Do you have anything to say for yourself before the commanders comment?”
Airos stepped forward, “Blague, I've been with you since the inception of this group. I will follow you into the deepest layer of hell if that's my duty.”
Airos followed his speech with a pound to his chest. Blague gave an old fashion salute back to him.
“I admire this man's drive and previous service, but this position isn't set for a war hero,” Blague said.
“Airos has served me diligently. He's more than capable to fulfill the role,” Drino rebutted.
Lito shook his finger at the candidate and shook his head, “That man right there, he is not a communications expert. And this room knows, we need to improve our communications.”
“I wouldn't toss away a veteran so quickly,” Telfice said, “He may be exactly what this leadership needs.”
Blague put his hand up. Drino promptly walked over to the next candidate.
“This here is Kenna. She has been coordinating the civilian home assignments and also has been elected to manage the budgets for the new buildings. She is as ambitious as she is vivacious,” Drino said, obviously pained in reading the words that she drafted for him. “Do you have anything to say for yourself before the commanders comment?” Drino asked.
“My résumé speaks for itself,” she said confidently.
“I like her,” Biljin said.
Sabin laughed, “You would.”
“We need more brass and brain in this cohort,” Biljin replied.
“Coordination does not necessarily translate to technology. Not to mention she has zero experience on the battlefield,” Volaina said.
“I concur,” Blague said.
Sabin raised his hand, “We could use an official coordinator. Our group is rapidly expanding, so things may get out of hand soon.”
The commanders conversed, some agreeing with each other. After a moment, Blague raised his hand and Drino walked over to the next candidate.
“This here is Rodest. He was Briggs' understudy in communications. He is incredibly talented with technology and has been vouched for by Briggs himself on multiple occasions. Do you have anything to say for yourself before the commanders comment?” Drino asked.
Rodest stepped forward, “I am the missing link in your leadership. I don't mean it arrogantly. I mean it in the sense that Briggs was like a father to me. I was with him through every mission and have a knack for technology. Outside of that, I'm as adaptive as I must be to fulfill my role. I stand before you to continue to lay my life on the line in order to see that the vision of our people becomes a reality.”
He then stepped back into position.
“This kid has what it takes and his expertise is needed,” Telfice said.
“I like him, too. I've worked alongside this mijo a bunch,” Lito said.
Biljin leaned forward to analyze him, looking him in the face “He doesn't have the confidence of a leader and I'm not so sure that's something that can be learned.”
“Hah,” Sabin said, “He's not squirming or cowering in fear as you rip him apart. That should count for something.”
Blague raised his hand and Drino continued on.
“This here is Oscin. He's a very talented pilot and is a whiz with communications and technology. The catch is, this kid is a raging alcoholic and a smart ass. Do you have anything to say for yourself before the commanders comment?” Drino asked.
Oscin stepped forward, pulled out a flask, took a swig, and stepped back.
“A wildcard! I like wildcards,” Sabin said. “You got our leader back in one piece from flying in a Hiezer jet, so that's gotta count for something,” Sabin added, excited to see what the others had to say.
“I can whip this guy into shape,” Lesh said, “If you believe his talents are worth it, that is.”
“Are you kidding? He's the most disrespectful candidate so far. This kid is years of discipline away from being worth anything,” Drino said while pointing right at him.
Blague raised his hand and Drino advanced to the last candidate, scoffing at Oscin as he walked by him. Oscin tipped his flask and gave Drino a smile.
“This here is Morn. Up until recently, he sold jewelry in Clestice. He has developed useful connections over the years and has proved to be resourceful throughout missions and within the mansion. The downside is his hot temper. Do you have anything to say for yourself before the commanders comment?” Drino asked.
Morn stepped forward with his tanned trench coat, boots, and curly salt and pepper matted hair.
“It's an honor, commanders. If ya decide I'm worth your time, I'd be happy to contribute at a higher level,” Morn said.
He stepped back and gave a look to his competition.
“He's a hothead that almost jeopardized the mission, but he's since been reliable and has proven to be resourceful,” Lesh said.
“He’s been able to survive with you know who,” Sabin said motioning to Lesh, “He must be a tough customer.”
Lesh rolled her eyes.
“I'm not sure his general resourcefulness will be enough to adapt to a group of roles he's had no experience with,” Blague said as he raised his hand.
The room became louder as the last candidate stepped back into position.
“Thank you, candidates,” Blague said, talking over the crowd, “You're dismissed.”
They walked out of the room in a single file as the commanders continued to converse with each other.
“Commanders, take a half hour and submit your votes. Majority vote wins. If there's a tie, the two candidates with the most votes will be voted on again. After the voting has completed, we will discuss the strategy of our upcoming invasion and induct our newest member,” Blague said.
Eugene woke up in a daze, his eyes unable to focus. He heard Jason's voice as if he were underwater. He quickly realized his hands and feet were tied. He twitched spastically, scraping his bare arms on the cement floor.
“Cut it out, jackass,” Nemura's muffled voice warned, followed by a backhand to the face. He then pulled Eugene by the hair, “Can't you see the boss is speaking?” Nemura asked with a grin, staring him in the eyes.
Eugene’s eyes still struggled to focus as they kept rolling to the back of his head every few seconds.
“The Aura grows!” Jason's voice carried through the air.
When Eugene regained his focus, he could see the entire Aura gathered around the jets. They all wore hooded half cloaks, except for Jason and his new prize who stood next to him, Jen.
“We've been blessed by a higher power. This island has given us the ability to evolve. We would be foolish not to embrace it,” Jason said staring at the smoke-filled sky.
He awkwardly extended his left hand, reaching
for Jen who was a few feet away.
“Asura and I are now connected. We will soon learn how to operate through one mind. I can already feel her thoughts. You will all experience this in time,” he promised.
Jen stood unsteadily with her head tilted toward the ground. The scars on her face were wine red. The effects of the geyser had begun to settle in.
She seems calmer, at least for the moment. I thought she was going to kill me.
Eugene took in his surroundings. He watched as Nemura re-cloaked himself, trying to regain his focus on Jason’s speech.
By some stroke of luck, we're both still alive. Well, I know why she's alive, but why me? Is it because I'm to be used as some sort of message?
Jason tilted his head to the side, letting his eyes roll to the back of his head. He lifted both of his arms. “My loyal servants, brace yourselves! This is the beginning!” Jason shouted.
Not a moment later, Jen let out a terrifying scream. She dropped to the ground and stared at her hands, all of her muscles were tensing. She clutched at her chest and shrieked again. Eugene tried to stand up to get a closer look. Jason stood with his arms raised, unmoving, showing no reaction to her cries. The ground around Jen's hands and feet cracked as the members around them bowed. Eugene noticed something odd. They weren't bowing to Jason, they were bowing to Jen.
“Asura,” they began to chant.
Jen jerked her head up, whipping her hair back from her bulging reddish eyes. The smoke surrounding Auront began to move in their direction. Jason was concentrating, but it didn't seem like he was controlling what was occurring; Jen was responsible for it. Some sort of power was obviously emanating from her. The deep red smoke started to close in on them as if an avalanche was chasing them. Jason gently lowered his arms, with limp wrists and a smug face. He slowly opened his eyes and smiled at Jen.
“Asura, welcome to God. You and I will be the first to achieve harmony. But first, please,” Jason motioned with one hand, “release your chaos,” he said smiling.
Jason put both hands behind his back and leaned in, staring at Jen with half opened eyes. A long black lock of hair with a deep red frosted tip fell over his face. Jen's face was full of rage. Eugene attempted to peek over the heads of the group in front of him, trying to see through the hooded crowd. The smoke was moments away from approaching.