Ghosts of Koa, The First Book of Ezekiel

by Colby R Rice

  "Money, Councilman, that's what I mean. Hard currency. Bills. And thanks for the history lesson, but I noticed how you skipped over the Order's long-time acts of aggression on Civilian Alchemy and their Guilds prior to the bombing--"

  "A necessary measure to ensure that both societies benefit from advancements in the high art."

  "Advancements? Advanced bullshit is what that is."

  "James," Sal interjected. "There is hardly a need to be combative--"

  "There have been numerous reports of raids on Civilian hovels," James continued loudly. "Raids without warrants, arrests without probable cause, murders without trials. Civilians from Civic Demesnes all over the world have filed reports of theft, battery, abuse, and rape, all pointing to APs and other Azure perpetrators. But the Alchemic Order states that these human rights violations, while 'unfortunate' occurred in the course of enforcing justice. Now, I'm not sure how gang-fucking defenseless Civilian women promotes justice, but I guess I should ask: how do you respond to these allegations, Councilmen?"

  Holy crap. James, you are the MAN.

  Billings threw the first punch. "Heh! Azure perpetrators, indeed! People will blame the Order for anything nowadays, as though Civilians have suddenly become incapable of harming or killing one another. Where's the evidence, I ask you? We need more than just the flighty testimony of a few shell-shocked conspiracy theorists."

  "Well it's your lucky day, Councilman. In my hand here, I have a report produced by Guild 40, an Azure Guild of the Alchemic Order itself, that details the grotesqueries of this war. I focus now on page 23, which discusses the impacts of warfare on children. Very much within today's theme. 'In the past three years alone,' it says, 'Over three thousand minors have disappeared from their homes or on their ways to school. Over 80% of the missing children hail from one of the fifteen Civic Demesnes, and over 60% of these children fall between the ages of just a couple months to about seventeen years old'--"

  "That is truly tragic, but--" Billings started.

  "--and many of them have been found months later, dead and blackened as though burned. According to autopsy reports, the nature of the burns suggest that these child corpses were so heavily drained of their First Matter that they carbonized. There have been protests and witnesses claiming that Azures and Azure Alchemists are targeting children for their high First Matter content. What do you make of this, Councilman?"

  "There have also been protests and witnesses claiming that these 'missing children' have defected to Koa and were even forced to serve as soldiers." Billings voice was tight. "The Koan attacks on Demesne Five are evidence of this enough."

  "Corpses can't defect or serve, Councilman. You still haven't answered my question."

  "Because it's pure nonsense! Each Alchemist that is trained under our flag is quite aware of their responsibility to the Articles39!"

  "Aware isn't good enough!"

  "Gentlemen, I'm afraid that we're slightly beyond the issue at hand," Sal said. "Let's move on."

  But James had already stuck the poker onto the bull's ass. Billings was fired up.

  "We are at war, James," Billings said. "There will be casualties, even child casualties, unfortunately. But as for Alchemists purposefully kidnapping and experimenting on anyone, especially children, that is poppycock. Anyone who claims to harm the innocent under the Alchemist flag is an imposter. This is all Koan propaganda, used to cover up the fact that they themselves are gang-pressing vulnerable children, ghosts of war, into their ranks to do their dirty work. The rise of these 'ghosts of Koa' is a clear testament to that. To deny that is to ignore the pure and simple truth."

  "Fine, Councilman. But then how do you explain the 'pure and simple truth' that First Matter had been extracted from the bodies of the children who have been found?"

  "I'm a politician, not an alchemical pathologist! I cannot explain the lack of First Matter in any dead body. But I can assure you: that technique, the draining of First Matter, is strictly forbidden. In the days of old, any who practiced such barbarism were severely punished by the Order. And while I can't be sure of the morality of rogue Civic Alchemists, no Azure Alchemist has dared to do such a thing since."

  "Yes, and I'm sure you're making sure of that. Seeing as you're so invested in human life and not at all motivated to keep your own pockets heavy, I'm sure you're personally overseeing the war," James remarked dryly.

  "Peh! Yellow journalism still has a market in the new age, I see."

  "Councilman Morgan," James addressed his next victim. "You've been pretty quiet during this discussion. Is this the silence of indicted?"

  "No, I'm merely reflecting on your analysis of the war. As compelling as it is, however, I'd like to get back to discussing the Articles39 repeals. Media sensationalism doesn't quite whet my palate."

  "Not nearly as much as squeezing every last dime from the Fifth Demesne does, apparently. That seems to get you drooling. Not so much a gourmand of death as you are of embezzlement, Sally?"

  Sal laughed softly. "Your fascination with political and economic corruption is intriguing. But it seems to me that if you're looking to do a cost-benefit analysis on war profiteering, you should start looking at the kunja addicts popping up in the Civilian territories. Everyone knows that Koa is responsible for that, using strung-out stewards and stewardesses to bankroll their terrorism. No Azure Alchemist, especially a properly-trained one, would ever produce such an imperfect chemical abomination. Tell me, James. What do you say to that?"

  Zeika had already taken the gas cylinder off, strapped on a particle mask, and had begun to clean the rifle. But now, she craned her neck, interested in what James would say. Even though the 'war on kunja' was another one of the political crutches of the Cabal, the cause had merit. Civilians were falling like cards to kunja's call, a call that fried their brains into a comatose oblivion. Like Sal and Billings, Zeika wanted it out of the Protecteds. It was the only point on which she and the Cabal agreed.

  "What I'd say--" James started. "--is that you're right. Kunja is a problem. On the other hand, to help alleviate that problem, the Orders should stop sanctioning Civic Demesnes. For Crissakes, Civilians can't even move across borders to get to work! They can't feed their kids, afford to keep the electricity on. How do you expect them to cope with not being able to provide for their families?"

  "Well, the solution seems pretty straight-forward to me," Sal said. "Civilians-- if they are willing to relinquish the title-- can have full access to such things if they decide to become Azure."

  Oh for fuck's sake... that again?

  "That's not going to happen, Sally. You know that."

  "And yet the fact remains. Azure society is open to all, and so is its infinite abundance. However, if Civilians decide not to become Azure citizens, then they must work with the resources that their nation provides them; and in that case, they must remain diligent and make due like the rest of the world. Even through certain... challenges."

  "You call dodging bombs, bullets, and military clashes challenges? Are you mad, man?!"

  "I can think of worse. Everyone has problems, hard times. Even Azures. Since so many critics of the Alchemic Order fail to acknowledge Azure humanity, it might comfort you to know that we suffer in this war too. However, we don't use our despair as excuses. We find a way. Civilians and the Civic Demesnes, they must also find a way. Otherwise, Azure citizenship offices are located throughout all 52 Demesnes. Civilians have full access to them just like everyone else. Councilman Billings and I will even be heading up some citizenship drives ourselves in the coming months."

  "What a crock!" James snapped. "The only way to be treated as human is to throw away their natural citizenship? Not only is that an insult considering why Koa started this war, but it completely disregards the integral role that the Civic Demesnes played in the very establishment and advancement of Alchemy. They've given just as much to the high art as Azures, but in order to eat, they've got to surrender their identi
ties over to you? That doesn't sound a bit kookoo to you, Kachoo?"

  Sal chuckled. "I am not being cruel; I am merely stating the obvious and the inevitable. Be as controversial and as inflammatory as you like, James, but fact is fact. However... we all know that radio ratings don't really benefit from broadcasting the truth."

  "Okay, then let's close out this delightful little interview with some truths. Councilman Billings. Isn't it true that Azures have been targeting disenfranchised Civilian citizens for their First Matter content? Yes or no?"

  "James," Sal interjected with a sigh. "How is this relevant to--"

  "The draining of First Matter--" James pressed. "'Siphoning' is what it's called, is it not?"

  "This line of questioning is preposterous and has nothing to do with the Articles39!" Billings exploded. "I've had quite enough of this! Producer! A word, please!"

  Zeika could hear the distant scrape of a chair against wood, as though Billings was getting up to leave.

  "Ishmael, please--" Sal intervened.

  "Answer the question, Councilman," James pushed.

  "YES! Siphoning! And as I've already told you, it is strictly forbidden!" Billings snarled. "If you or any agent of the Civic Order wishes to investigate these ridiculous accusations, start with the sudden influx of the Ninkashi into Civilian and Azure Demesnes! Start with the attack on the Guild of Almaut! It's only logical! Those animals are hungrier for First Matter than any creature that walks this Earth. I'm sure in your quest for 'truth', you will also find that the only reason the Ninkashi are running loose is because of Koa's terrorist bombings. Every attack on a border destroys protective fields, which both the Civic and Alchemic Orders now have to rebuild! This is the whole point of the repeals, you tousled muckraking fanatic, to stop Koa from killing us all! PRODUCER!"

  And Zeika could actually hear the ogrish stomps of Billings' feet as he stormed off, presumably to ruin James' career.

  "He's been such a delightful guest. So spirited!" James said dreamily. "I do hope the both of you visit our studio again. Shall we close out this lovely segment, then? A final word on the Articles39, Councilman?"

  "Please," Sal said, his voice heavy with exasperation. "We've spent quite enough time away from the issue at hand."

  "Last question, then. What lies ahead regarding the repeals of the Articles39?"

  "There have been public hearings in all 52 demesnes for the past couple of weeks. This is giving local Councilmen of all the demesnes a chance to register their citizens' votes of support or non-support for the repeals."

  Zeika stopped wiping down the barrel and creased her brow. She hadn't heard a lick about these supposed "hearings", and she and Manja had been all over the Fifth Demesne, bartering and trading. No rumors, no flyers, nothing.

  "When votes are tallied, representatives for each demesne, myself included, will bring the issue to the Council floor at the Halls of Pact on Monday, April 28th, where the final decision on the repeals will be made. Many Azure Demesnes have already tallied their votes. They support the repeals."

  "And will the voices of the Civic Demesnes, the voices of the people, truly be heard?"

  "The voices of the right people, yes. Those representatives who are still in good standing will be allowed admission into the Council hearings and will have ample opportunity to speak. We can't just let anyone into the Halls of Pact, of course. As dictated in the Treaty of Alliances, the voices of the people will be represented by good, just citizens."

  "Because we all know how the Alchemic Order loves justice. With the growing tensions around this issue, there is bound to be severe backlash amongst Civilians if the repeals pass. How does the Order plan on confronting this possibility?"

  "Oh, I can assure you. The Order is more than prepared to deal with the masses."

  "You can turn it off, Manja," Zeika whispered. She put the rifle parts down to dry. "Reading time." For the first time since he'd started talking, Sal's words put a chill in her.

  Manja turned off the clunky jukebox and sat down in Zeika's lap, books in hand. She opened her favorite, which wasn't really a book but a monster truck magazine called "Metal Crush Paradise". Zeika smiled and shook her head. God only knew why Manja loved that stuff.

  "Hey Zeeky? Is Caleb an Azure too?" She turned the page.

  "Yes."

  "If the Azures don't like us, then why did we help him?"

  "Because he helped us, and... we should show kindness to our enemies. It's the right thing to do."

  "Will that make Azures be nice to us?"

  "No."

  "Why not? We're Azures too, right, Zeeky?"

  Zeika pursed her lips. "No."

  "But we got powers. Doesn't that make us special like Azures?"

  "It makes us special, but it does not make us Azure."

  "Then are we Civic Alkists?"

  "No. Civic and Azure Alchemists learn their powers. We're... something different."

  "Then what are we?"

  It was a question Zeika had asked herself and her parents for years, but they had no idea. No book had ever held the answer, and time hadn't put them any closer to a solution. They-- their powers-- just were. That's all they knew.

  "Zeeky?"

  "I don't know, baby. But you mustn't tell anyone about our powers. People might get scared or angry. They might come hurt us. You have to keep our secret safe, okay?"

  "Well okay... but what about Caleb? Won't he tell?"

  Zeika bit her bottom lip, feeling the scales of survival tip inside of her brain. Saving the detective was a stupid move. It had put her and Manja's powers out in the open, tagged them by an Azure that they barely knew. The most she could hope for was that he was so dazed he wouldn't remember the incident. Or at least wouldn't remember how he survived. It was a stretch, though. Manja had nearly turned his chest into swiss cheese taking the metal out. Besides, Caleb wasn't just some dim-witted AP. He was something different. Like they were.

  She sighed, too wearied to continue her mental tennis match. No matter what, Caleb still had higher authorities to please. There was no guarantee that their saving his life would mean anything in the long run. As far as debts went, all it meant was that they were even. She and Manja had to lay low in the meantime, keep forging, and get the hell out of Demesne Five as soon as they could. They would need to have some good answers ready if and when Caleb finally came calling. That, or an escape plan. Otherwise, their generosity might become their most fatal mistake. Ever.

  The last thing Caleb remembered was being thrown off his feet. His eardrums had nearly split in two, crying blood beneath the bomb's roar. Then there was a gentle touch at his chest... then agony. Memories flitted through the dark, flickering in and out, like fireflies avoiding a child's grasping fingers. He ushered them into a corner, sealing them behind a wall of his consciousness. But some of them were unruly. Untamable. They darted around, just out of his reach-- and then long crawling tickles, ones Caleb couldn't scratch, netted together those rogue shreds of his life and pulled, dragging them, and him, to the surface. Mother. The Glaive. Sairen.

  He shifted and peeled open his eyes, wresting from the grips of his nightmares.

  "Finally awake, you lazy son-of-a-bitch? Hope you had a good nap while we're all working our asses off out there. You've been out four days straight."

  Caleb blinked and then squinted as Joseph's grinning face came into view. "The girls..." he groaned. "Both of them..."

  "Wow, it was that kind of dream, unh? Nice."

  In spite of himself, Caleb couldn't help but chuckle. It hurt. "Jesus. Come on, man. You know what I mean. What happened to those two kids?"

  "What kids?"

  "The girls. The ghosts of war in the hollow."

  "Hmm. Well, as we were coming down, we did hear some scurrying, but we thought that might have just been you and your team trying to get out. There was no one there when we arrived-- no one other than you."

  "What happened?"<
br />
  "We got there. Saw the alcove blown to shit, and you were lying up against some rocks, patched up. We thought you'd self-medicated or something."

  Caleb shook his head. Something deep within his skull started to throb. "It was them."

  "Your little angels, huh? Well, it sounds crazy, but don't worry about remembering right now. Heal up good and then you can just debrief us later. Gotta say though, whoever you're talking about probably saved your life-- but they also robbed you blind. Heh! Probably would have taken your sack and balls too had we not shown up, the little vultures!"

  Joseph pulled Caleb's wallet out of his own back pocket and tossed it to him. The five hundred bucks he had in there was gone. So was the metallic stripping on his ID and credit cards, strangely. He smiled. The little brats. It was a fair price for an on-site surgery, though.

  He looked up, his smile falling away. "What happened to Cam and Bly?"

  Joseph's warm gaze cooled. "The cove was practically around your ears when we got there. God only knows how you avoided the backlash, but Cam and Bly... they didn't make it, man. The bomb practically tore them apart."

  "Did Persaud make you collect the parts?"

  Joseph looked away and nodded. "Yeah. We even scraped. It's messed up. Just the whole idea of it. Whatever happened to respecting the sanctity of a corpse? I know First Matter is valuable and all, but Christ..." He was shaking his head, as if trying to ward off a bad dream. "I mean, we all used to break bread together, you know? They weren't just body parts."

  Caleb shifted. True. They weren't just parts. Cam was a stand-up guy, welcoming, a decent cop. But Bly... he'd been quite prepared to kill all four of them and just walk away. Caleb certainly wasn't going to throw a party over his death, but he couldn't honestly say he was sad to see him go, either.

  He let go of the thought, instead turning his attention to Joseph. "Persaud's a First Matter freak. He'll extract it from wherever he can, so long as it's legal. Sacrifices of the flesh, as he calls it."