by Reiter
“Indeed it does,” Nes said, touching his index and middle finger to his temple. He closed his eyes and seemed to be reviewing the information mentioned by the cloud-like Chancellor. “That was some time ago, but well after this court was formed. It is therefore applicable to these proceedings.”
“Should we not look upon the most significant encounter,” the six-armed Chancellor challenged. “This creature destroyed one of our ships! Kiaplyx is no more because of this Dungias!”
“Excuse me, Nes,” Dungias spoke softly, leaning toward his liaison. “At what point might I address the Chancellors?”
“No time like the present,” Nes smiled as he lifted his hands to the Chancellors who were beginning to speak among themselves. Apparently, the news of losing their ship was not well received, and some were even questioning why the matter had to be debated. “Hold, Chancellors, the Traveler has words!”
“And why should we hear them?!” the six-armed female was beside herself with rage. Her dark green skin shone from underneath black robes which matched the color of her long, thin, straight hair. Dungias could not see a positive judgment for his case in her purple eyes.
“Consider it simple practicality,” the large Chancellor spoke, but his lips did not move. The opening just above his chin formed, and his words came out. “Borsidia, if your life was held in the outcome of any debate, would you not wish to have some say in the proceedings? Can we then, in any semblance of fairness, deny him the right of voice to contest for his own life? My fellow Chancellor, what you have stated for the record is not in dispute, but this is no simple matter. Lives have been lost on many sides of dimensional apertures – some taken by Kiaplyx in a very deliberate manner. We have questions that must be answered. It is a very good possibility the Traveler has information this gathering should hear.” The six-armed Chancellor closed all four of her eyes and sighed as she lowered he head. She nodded for a moment and then bowed to the large Chancellor.
“As always, Kyonn, you are of a less passionate perspective, and your wisdom remains without challenge. We are not aware of this Traveler’s motives and they should be revealed before judgment is rendered. Please, Dungias, speak so that we may see these events from your eyes.”
Dungias bowed before approaching the lowest of the benches. He took in a breath to speak, but hesitated, turning instead to face the one called Borsidia with something of a frown on his face. “I feel my first words should be to you, Chancellor Borsidia. And those words would speak of my condolences for your loss.” Borsidia’s head came up, intensity clearly visible across her face. “My time with Kiaplyx was brief, but unforgettable. I was somewhat helpful in returning its higher functions to its processing core. At the time, that unit was designated Ray-Ray and later Kiason. Together we faced the Athun, a race of people who had come to the Realm Astral through involuntary means. When I returned to my home dimension, I was on very good terms with Kiaplyx. The creation of a power-shield I had used in the conflict against the Athun, Ki-Aegis it was called, had bonded with me and my Osamu.”
“Yes!” one Chancellor called out. “That is what is missing here! A Traveler without an Osamu, or weapon of an equivalent caliber?! That is unheard of!” Nes pointed his hand to the floor and released a small arc of electricity which created a very loud snapping sound.
“Please continue,” Nes directed.
“While I am not sure what happened to Kiaplyx after I returned home,” Dungias resumed. “… I believe there might have been damage suffered to either Ray-Ray or Kiaplyx that could not be resolved as it struggled with full sentience and awareness. But again, my condolences to you, Lady Chancellor.”
“Why do you presume it is my loss?” she asked, almost glaring at Dungias.
“You reaction to me was hostile. At first I considered that to be simply a byproduct of your history with Travelers, as there seems to be a wide range of experiences with my brethren.”
“So you accept the Travelers as your own?” a Chancellor asked.
“And all too happy to do so!” Dungias replied, almost calling into the question the validity of the Chancellor’s inquiry. “How could I not? Does the night sky not accept each and every Star? No matter how brightly or dimly they might shine, they are still a part of that sky, part of the whole. I will forever be a Traveler, no matter what turns in life I might take. I will also always be Malgovi, but I cannot say to this gathering that I stand by all of their edicts since they, as a whole, do not stand by me. That position, however, will not change my genetic make-up. I am still Malgovi, but I have no say in that. My claim to the Travelers is my own to make, but believe me when I tell you that it is as deeply a part of what I am as my own blood!
“I do not know what befell Kiaplyx,” Dungias said, looking at the floor. “… but it levied an attack on the domicile of my teacher, Master and friend. This attack claimed at least one life; that of my kommis, Laejem.”
“And that is why you destroyed my construct?” Borsidia asked.
“I ended the cycle of lives that was Kiaplyx because its programming had reached a point to where we could never co-exist,” he answered. “I was happy to remain in my own dimension. Kiaplyx retained the ability to cross dimensions at will. Only my death would suit it… forgive me if I find that objective unacceptable.”
“And if we find you unacceptable?” Borsidia asked.
“A moot question,” Dungias replied. “You have restored me from what must have been near death. Whatever argument I will raise you can quell easily. But make no mistake, Chancellors, you will have to quell it!”
“That sounded like a threat,” one Chancellor stated.
“No,” Kyonn argued. “I would endeavor to say that it was a promise, and an easily understood one.” Dungias put his eyes to Borsidia who slowly put her shoulders against the back of her chair. The emotion was subsiding and she was at least contemplating.
“What of the knowledge this one took from Kiaplyx,” a Chancellor inquired. “He has already used this knowledge in his home dimension.
“One of the many entities that hold power in that realm has bonded with Dungias,” Nes offered. “I have already spoken with Infernon on the matter. He does not consider the breach to be a criminal act. In fact, he has testified that of the many he consumed with his flames, one of those victims was responsible for Dungias’ first and quite involuntary visit to Infernon’s abode. According to his testimony, the breach was simply a tool applied to a very poetic justice.”
“Then there is no crime of the breach being made,” Kyonn stated. “Leaving us with the charge that one who is unlicensed possesses the knowledge to create breaches.”
Nes turned to face Dungias and gave a slight nod. “You should know this board considers themselves responsible for the maintenance of the Astral Realm and the knowledge gained regarding inter-dimensional travel.”
“I understand this, and I applaud their efforts,” Dungias replied. “I cannot vow to never apply what I have learned in a way this council will frown upon. That will never be my way. I will trek, however, to never abuse any knowledge I have gained, be it from this dimension or any other.”
“I call for deliberation,” one Chancellor requested. Kyonn was quick to stand and agree.
“I take it you have nothing further to offer?” Nes asked.
“Nothing else,” Dungias replied, turning to take his leave. The doors opened for him to exit the chamber and closed behind him. He kept his eyes to the floor, considering his options.
“Why the long face, handsome?” a voice asked and Dungias shuddered at the sound of it. The tone was too familiar, but he lifted his head to look at her as she approached.
“Taas?!” he said, not waiting for a response before he broke into a run. He dropped to his knees and slid, taking a very gentle hold of her small frame. She took hold of his face and two embraced as she laughed.
“Not the reaction I was expecting from you, but I’ll take it!” Dungias looked at her as his eyes filled with tear
s. Seeing his emotion cued the same from Taas and she shook her head, wiping the one tear that had fallen from Dungias’ eye. “Oh stop it!” she spat. “There’s more to me, more to Kwileks, than meets the eye.”
“Indeed, my friend,” Dungias smiled. “So there is indeed!” Dungias looked back at the doors and sighed. “I take it you are here for judgment as well?”
“Something like that,” Taas answered, looking toward the chamber. “I’m told they don’t take long with their deliberations – everything’s mental, so they finish in a matter of minutes.” As if on cue, the doors started to open and Taas looked up at Dungias.
“Allow me to offer you a shoulder,” Dungias said, leaning toward the Kwilek. She smiled brightly as she hopped to sit on the muscle and bone. Dungias stood up easily and Taas giggled.
“You got a plan?”
“Not in the least,” Dungias replied. “You?”
“Yeah, you throw me at the big one. Aim for the eyes and I’ll keep him busy while you get to one of the Chancellors and we bargain our way out.
“That is as good a plan as any,” Dungias weighed as he walked back into the large chamber.
“Because none of them would work, right?” Taas asked.
“Indeed.”
The liaison turned to smile at the two as they returned. “Does he ever not smile?” Taas asked.
“I feel that is part of his charm,” Dungias offered. “Though, like the rest of this great chamber, I feel that his smile is not false. He is genuinely happy to see us again.”
“Even though it might be the last time he sees us,” Taas added.
“I did not say it was an appropriate smile, merely a genuine one.”
“Taas, Dungias, the Chancellors are ready to cease deliberations,” Nes explained as he embraced the Traveler. “For the final exchange, we ask that you be present. Kyonn has been asked to take the position of finding you guilty. Borsidia has volunteered to argue on your behalf.”
“I heard the exchange from before… we’re dead!” Taas muttered before Dungias shrugged his shoulder.
“Both sides of the argument have been presented and answered to the satisfaction of all Chancellors,” Nes stated. “The last of these proceedings falls to you, Traveler.” Nes turned to gesture to the largest of the judges. “Chancellor Kyonn, do you have a question for the subject of this debate?”
Taking in a very deep breath with sparks flaring up in front of his mouth, Kyonn stood and looked down on Dungias. “The most pressing matter is the knowledge we gave to Kiaplyx that you have appropriated. Your disdain for your own kind is a matter of record. How can we trust one who does not trust their own blood?”
“Forgive me, Chancellor, I was not aware that my kind were on trial.”
“They are not.”
“Then surely this council has some sort of binding agreement with the Malgovi.”
“We do not, and your point has been made,” Kyonn stated. “Do you understand mine?”
“If you mean the characterization of those who have conflict with their own kind often possessing a disdain for all life, yes, I understand your implication. But I noticed that such was not stated as a matter of record.
“Furthermore,” Dungias continued. “… if we were to state it as a matter of record, I am a member of a minority sect of my kind. A sect that is, at best, oppressed. That is the conflict I have with the Malgovi in its entirety. My trek to become a Star Chaser is not solely for the Travelers or my Master, but for all of my people, Malgovi and Vinthur tribes alike!”
“To add to his position,” Borsidia quickly added, “… while Infernon is not the only entity of placement and position in the dimension engaged by Dungias, I have had the opportunity to speak with each of those listed…”
“Not the only?!” Dungias thought.
“Including Infernon, I have secured five votes of no argument or claim of infringement against Dungias,” Borsidia spoke and made a motion with one of her hands. Five orbs of light formed in an arc over her head and Dungias could only see into one of the orbs. A dark-skinned male with chiseled features had been pictured with eyes of white fire, eyebrows and hair of red, orange and amber flames.
“An image that I do not believe will ever lose its power over me,” Dungias presumed.
“However, of the same voting pool,” Borsidia continued. “I have secured three complaints against the mortal entity, a Savanté I believe he calls himself, for banishing Dungias to their realm. If anything, the crime of dimensional breach was committed against Dungias.”
“That is not in argument,” Kyonn replied. “However, the Savanté did not gain the knowledge of breaching dimensions from us!”
“So you police the source of the ability, not the activity?!” Dungias questioned. “That seems short-sighted.”
“Easy there, Dungias!” Taas whispered.
“Do you know how many ways a dimensional door can be made?” Kyonn boomed.
Dungias’ eyes squinted as he turned to face Kyonn. “I would dare to say more than either of us could count, Chancellor. If you wish to keep your knowledge, that too is your option. But once that knowledge is out, does it not become just as any other means you do not monitor?! The actions I took against the Savanté were recorded, which means any alliance of my Master may visit his home and gain that key. Will you police them as well?”
“This proceeding is not about our policies,” Kyonn answered.
“How convenient!” Dungias shot back, taking Taas off his shoulder and setting her down gently. “That does not answer my question, but it makes your inability to answer less meaningful.” Kyonn’s fist slammed down on the bench in front of him and it showed it had not been built with him in mind, cracking and falling from the blow. The fragments disappeared before reaching the judge seated below Kyonn’s station.
“How dare you?!”
“Insolence is not normally my way,” Dungias announced to the chamber.
“Sure knockin’ the hell out of it right about now,” Taas muttered.
“But surely lives weigh more than this!” Dungias turned and looked at each of the twenty-seven Chancellors. He barely noticed that the largest bench and seat was empty. “Was it not life that made any of this possible? Was it not the struggle of life that brought Kiaplyx to its untimely end? Some of us may consider the thought processes of Kiaplyx to be twisted, far from the reason that gave it sentience and independent thought. But Kiaplyx coveted! That was his only sin! He coveted and he was not able to process his desires into reason and ambition. He made a child’s mistake in a very adult world, and lives were lost because of it. I stand here with my friend, and we await your verdict over our lives because of life. No, Council, insolence was visited upon Taas and myself long before I gave voice to mine!” With that, Dungias turned and started for the doors. “We will await your verdict.”
“I think we have already reached one,” Nes quickly offered, looking to the other Chancellors. Hearing no argument, he continued. “With all the facts given and debated, despite the opinions of the accused, our sacred knowledge is still very sacred to us and we lean to the removal of that threat at all costs.
“However, it should be noted that one who has not been charged has tied her fate to that of this Traveler in question.”
“Taas, you are an idiot!” Dungias hissed at the Kwilek through gritted teeth.
“And apparently, the Traveler knows that while the offer was incredibly noble, we would not hesitate to destroy two lives in order to protect our sacred knowledge.
“Or perhaps it is an empty gesture on behalf of the Kwilek, believing we do not know she is a Kwilek and until her bond-point is destroyed, she is effectively immortal.” Dungias turned his head to look at Taas who offered him a very weak smile.
“My people don’t have a concept of time,” Taas offered. “… because it does not apply to us in our home dimension. There, we are immortal. Whenever we leave that place, we bond with something… anything we can get our hands on a
ctually. So long as the dimensional host is alive, we can’t die in that dimension.” Dungias’ eyes flared at the information Taas had just shared. “Right now there is a carnival showman who is feeling sicker than a Velumian worm, and all kinds of confused by all of the hot flashes he’s been receiving lately.” Dungias looked around the room and he was surprised that the Chancellors were giving this discussion time and attention.
“So when you offered your life to spare mine,” Dungias started, his eyes squinting at the realization. “… you knew you stood little chance in actually dying.” Taas stammered for a moment, looking for the best approach to a response, but under the glare of Dungias, she could find little wiggle room.
“I didn’t fight for my freedom… you did,” Taas declared. “I didn’t fight for my ship… you did!”
“Please, do I have any say in our verdicts being attached?” Dungias asked Nes.
“She has not been charged,” Nes replied, looking at Dungias more intently, though the young Traveler did not notice.
“Still the request stands,” Dungias said.
“Dungias!” Taas said in protest.
“Be still, Taas!” Dungias snapped. “You tax our friendship greatly. At the moment, I need to be rid of your sight and sound. Please!”
“Tell me why you’re so upset with me first.”
Dungias turned slowly and his thoughts mixed with images of his wife as he looked at the bewildered Kwilek. “You sent me, Taas!” Dungias said softly. “When all you needed to do was verify that your former keeper at the carnival was still alive. Still, you sent me! You gambled my life!” Taas shrunk away from the Malgovi as he blinked his eyes and returned to his metered breathing. Nes looked upon the exchange with great interest, but moved to resume the passing of judgment.
“So be it,” he said with a grandiose wave of his hand. “She will not suffer your fate. Are you ready to receive judgment?”
