by L K Hingey
From deep in the crowd, coming from the agricultural sector, someone yelled out, “We want the truth. Detain the councilman so we can hear the truth!”
Kimber smiled, recognizing the voice. She was thankful for the help because every head in the chamber quickly began to nod. She held her breath as two enforcement officers walked over and instead of grabbing her hands, grabbed Nicholas Quinn’s arms, placing them behind his back. They nodded to Kimber sternly, as if letting her know the floor was hers, and that if she could not produce the truth, she would be next.
Kimber took another deep breath and looked over her brothers and sisters. They were impressed by how deftly she had turned the tables on the council, and they all waited in apprehension for her to expose the many painful truths on the unsuspecting city. As if she had addressed hundreds of people before, she calmly introduced herself. She quickly segued into the tale of their recent journey, unfolding the story as if telling it to her closet friends. Her voice rose and fell gracefully as she skimmed the lulls and delved deep into the highlights, or rather the lowlights, of their journey.
The crowd seemed to gasp and scowl collectively as Tristan watched her tell the story in incredible detail. She took out the summaries on both the simple and the complex grafting trials from her leather sack to help strengthen and validate her case, driving home the crucial points before relinquishing the findings to the masses for review. The city was in the palm of her hand as she began to wrap up, not missing a beat as she showed off her keychain that still hung from her belt. She was a poet with a purpose as she eased smoothly into the big reveal of the existence of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex.
The citizens listened with wide eyes. Everyone had obviously wondered and had dreamt about other survivor colonies, but not only had there been no proof, the Inannian citizens had always been told they were alone in this great big world. The news was clearly a shock and a look of doubt riddled the crowd. Kimber removed the top-secret folders from her pouch and held them up in the lamplight. She read excerpts first from the East Region, and next, the West Region to help the city comprehend what she was telling them. When she was finished, she passed the folder down into the crowd.
Tristan smiled as Kimber passed the folder to the people. She had not passed the papers to the senior trade masters, nor to the Auroreans, instead choosing to deliver the power of the evidence straight into the hands of the city. And as the evidence was shared, so was trust and hope. Murmurs sparked all around the cavern, and Kimber looked lovingly at her brothers and sisters as she let the people digest the information.
Kimber paused to reflect on what was to come next. She had managed to inform the city of the crimes of the council, while undoing years of damage with simple honesty, dignity, and compassion. She had succeeded in dehumanizing the council, but more importantly had simultaneously begun to re-humanize the Auroreans. Now she had to move the conversation onto the last, and perhaps most important, topics of all.
“I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the time you have given me today. I know there will be many questions, but first, there are several other important matters to discuss. We need to decide as one united city, how to proceed from here. I have had more time to think on the matter than any other Inannian citizen, but that does not mean I know the best way forward. It will take collaboration, time, and good faithful leaders. I propose that until the city chooses its new direction, that an interim government be called upon in which the senior trade masters along with Aurorean representation serve as our light in the darkness.”
Whispers and approving nods went around the cavern. A collective appreciation seemed to fill the air as the discussion of how to move forward from the old council began. Kimber nodded back to the people approvingly. “I apologize for my audacity to call upon a city-wide vote, but I believe there is no better time than now.” She cleared her throat and in a strong voice called out, “I move to elect the trade senior masters of Inanna, along with Aurorean representation of Aaron and Raquel, to serve Inanna as an emergency interim government for the duration of one year. After a year’s time, the citizens of Inanna will vote on the interim government and make changes to, or perhaps enact an entirely new entity of leadership for the collective good of our city.”
Kimber looked around, beaming with the pride in being an Inannian. “All in favor of the interim government?” Flesh-colored and scaled hands alike, rose without hesitation around the chamber.
“Then it is settled. Senior trade masters, will you please join me in the center of the stage? I implore you, and charge you with, the servitude of this amazing city with your upmost care and love.” The trade masters respectfully got up from their seats and filtered in behind Kimber. It seemed strange that so many years of wisdom obeyed such youth, but the simple fact that Kimber attempted to take no part in the government herself seemed to shock and impress them.
Aaron and Raquel smiled passively but did not get up. The city stared questioningly at the newly elected Aurorean representatives, unsure of what they were doing. Kimber sighed with relief. The people would now believe that the council had drugged the two Auroreans. Unapologetically, Kimber explained to the people why Aaron and Raquel were acting so strange.
“It appears that the council wanted no challenge during the alleged trial of these two citizens. They have clearly been drugged. When the effects wear off, which I am sure they will, Aaron and Raquel can take their places as representatives. They are both steadfast and true and will make excellent additions to the emergency government.”
Kimber nodded to the Auroreans, who nodded back, confirming her faith in the two currently indisposed Auroras who were still kneeling happily on the stage.
“Before I turn the floor over to our new leadership, I have two final announcements. The first is regarding the Cheyenne Mountain Complex. I think many would agree that the knowledge that another society may exist changes many things. I do not think that we can go on about our everyday life here in Inanna without ever knowing if we could have made contact with another survivor city. So, the Auroreans are putting together an expedition team to make the journey west to find life. With that being said, we will not abandon Inanna! Auroreans will be here to continue to serve as the city’s vital link to the surface. Inanna is our home, and we are not forsaking it. The few of us who will form this scouting party will send news back when, and if, we discover anything.” Kimber paused once more to let the information settle.
“And the second announcement,” Kimber’s voice softened. “In the light of the recent events, I think it is fair to say that the council has lost sight of Inanna’s best interest. The rate at which individuals have been drugged...” Kimber waved towards Aaron and Raquel, “or have been terminated is unforgivable. And I think we can all agree that much of what we have been told over the years has been fabricated. So, it needs to be stated for the record that there is absolutely no proof that radiation seepage from Auroreans into the human body is real.” Kimber gulped and continued, doing her best to separate her emotion with the duty to remain as clinically unbiased as possible.
“My mother Kimberly is ill; it is a fact, and it is no secret. We suspect it is some kind of brain cancer. Although I fully acknowledge that we have no proof that this sickness has not been caused by contaminants from my skin, it is equally likely that the council is at fault for the illness as well as for her disappearance. I have not seen her for over a week, and I fear the worst. There are other missing persons we desperately need to locate as well. I propose a fact-finding committee be appointed to either confirm these fears or to disprove them for good. We cannot function in a state of uncertainty and fear. I will leave the new government to that task.”
The entire chamber could hear the struggle as she fought to keep down tears. She sounded tormented as the words seared her throat when she spoke them aloud. No one spoke, and a sad clarity hung in the room. No one seemed to hold much hope that Kimberly was still alive. “I ask that Dr. Nicholas Quinn, along with
the other four council members be detained for questioning concerning corruption, foul play, and the possible murder of Kimberly Thatcher and other Inannian citizens. Once they are removed, the Mothers can be sent for. They have as much right to be here and to have their voices heard as any other citizen.”
The rest of the enforcement division moved forward and swiftly secured the additional council members. They looked at Kimber indignantly but made no argument as they were escorted off the stage. A heaviness fell upon her as Kimber’s gaze shifted from the departing council, to the hopeful faces of the city, and to the proud faces of her brothers and sisters. She knew that this could be the last she may ever see of her home, and she suddenly felt tired. Beyond tired. She was exhausted, overwhelmed, and emotional.
Tears welled up in her eyes. She was not afraid of the journey ahead. She was only afraid that she was not ready to leave. So much had happened. So much happiness and so much pain. So much life. Was she ready to leave it all behind to chase after the unknown? At least now, she would know that home was in good hands. She could travel easier knowing that her brothers and sisters who stayed behind would be healthy, happy, and treated as equals.
A tear rolled down her cheek, and her gaze locked on Tristan’s. He smiled his supportive, knowing smile and crossed his arms high above his head. To his right and left, the Auroreans followed suit. Then, like water splashing on bioluminescent lichen, the magic spread. Smiles lit up across the vast chamber, and every arm was crossed at the wrist and raised. Kimber’s heart swelled with pride and strength. She wiped her tear away and grinned, raising her own arms above her head. She was ready to embrace any challenge that lay ahead.
…to be continued in Cheyenne; Book II of The Elyrian Chronicles.
About L.K. Hingey
L.K. Hingey was born, raised, and enlisted into the U.S. Army out of Detroit Michigan. She graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2012 as a private and commercial helicopter pilot with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, before commissioning as a U.S. Army officer. She has since medically retired from the military and continues the Army lifestyle as an Active Duty spouse. She resides with her husband, Jonathon, who is U.S. Army Blackhawk pilot. L.K.’s many interests include her dogs, fitness, backpacking, traveling, and writing. Upcoming works include Books Two and Three of The Elyrian Chronicles, and Books One and Two of The Elyrian Prequels!
