Tales of Reign

by M E Wise

  “We followed your childhood very closely.” Came Qz’s voice from behind me again.

  “Does everyone have access to our home?” I questioned with a smile. “I have earned some privacy in adulthood!” I stressed.

  “No intrusion is meant.” Q’ua Z utters. “There are matters to discuss.” He motions to the direction in which Dalia had exited into. I sling the kimono on like a robe and follow. “We circle into a lower area that feels more like traditional Mor’h style. Holo screens and glass screens filled the wall space. Dalia stood in a podium styled desk awaiting us. This wasn’t some link ambush as I remembered them, or at least had once intimated them to be. They were waiting patiently to engage.

  “Dalia is your Mon’Mah for Dae.” Q’ua Z says with no reserve to be debated. A trait of his that has caused more than enough clashes between us in the past. “What if Dae doesn’t want constant care? Privacy for females is a much greater necessity than most males.” I stated.

  “There is no prior season for this affair.” Says Qz. “We are not certain as to how to proceed.”

  I look to Dalia. “As needed.” She again smiles thinly. “These new mannerisms, are they more rehearsed or some more relaxed elements I may not have been aware of before?” I question.

  “There was time and much discussion in your absence.” Q’ua Z made eye contact. Something completely more natural than before. “Many embraced making ourselves more relatable, I believe the word is. Some, a small few whose roots have held firm do not do so.”

  “I appreciate the gesture.” My thanks were also given in their traditional sharing. They were greatly receptive. Scattered symbolism and mental verbiage came too quick to digest. I felt dizzy.

  “Our apologies Reign. The effect of fluid sharing still seems a barrier.” Qz noted my strain. “The Hermes and human craft Aries are docked in the port.” He motioned up then down toward the space port. “The deceased companion has also been prepared for viewing and your choice of release is much encouraged.” He said sincerely. “Forgive my ill spoken words.” He disclaimed.

  “You spoke well Qz.” I acknowledged his concern. “Where…” I paused, “Where is his body being kept?”

  “A temple near the Cathedraline. Near the rising path and the moon garden.” He began to leave in his sudden and usual fashion but stopped. “After you have sown these rites; the council would seek your commitment.” He continued up the spiral hall and out of the domicile.

  “The Garden of the Moon is beautiful in the night.” Dalia said softly.

  “Very.” I gazed her way. “I will explain the Mon’Mah to Dae and we will summon you.” She tilted her head slightly and closed her red and purple eyes. A uniqueness I had not seen in many Lo’Mor’h.

  “Reign? Reign are you there?” I heard Dae calling from up above. “I am.” I said in motion. The realities of our lives seem to converge responsibility and desire into one persistent ebb and flow. Occasionally we are fortunate enough to share that contest with the ones we truly should. We are also burdened with leaving a few behind along the way.

  Stone rests. Earth shifts. Water flows. Light feeds. Darkness holds. Life grows.

  Sovereign Chapter 2

  Soul to Keep

  Firefly moths drift about in the night sky like small fruit bats on Earth, only phasing in and out of their own light. Deep chimes made from shoots and gourds call out hollow and solemn in the Garden of the Moon. Bioluminescent plants fill most of the area. They also respond to the touch in different ways. A fine moss covers the pathway to the alter in front of the Temple of Peace. No feet covering is allowed. No head covering is allowed. Hiding your identity is not allowed. This garden of the night is symbolism that we should not fear the dark for an absence of light is not possible so long as the light of life will not hide.

  A fitting place as any for Benjamin Edison Itou. Dae and I lead a small precession to be his witnesses. The Mor’h, as we learned, see death and life universally. Things die and that expression of energy and resources is used again and again to further that future life. Given how they preserve all of the greater contributors to their culture’s consciences I see this ceremony as some antiquated but appropriate homage to a lost loved one.

  I chose a plasma reaction to send Ben off in a style I believed he would consider awesome. Dae completely agreed with me. Somehow though it felt wrong to decide such a thing for someone we had not known for a greater portion of his life. Ben’s other options would be far less palatable. His corpse had been dressed in fine wrappings. He had been cleaned and made so well presented to appear almost healthy enough to stand from his endless slumber. The sheath that held him was made from a local wood that was believed ancient and valuable. The display stood nearly upright for viewing across the garden. Again we drew a great showing of support and onlookers. I wipe a tear from Dae’s cheek and kiss her forehead. I walk up the many stairs to confront my once lively friend. I then chose instead of only speaking something more.

  “Ben was my friend. Ben saved our lives as we saved his. He lived. He died.” I then linked with the crowd. I shared his exploits, his mannerisms, his brief life that I had been so lucky to be a part of. His stories and our suffering became a common note. His life became the song. I cried and severed the link. A chant came from the groups gathered. A single hum grew into a sensation. It was almost like the Sentinel Tone but more grounded. I turned again to face Ben one last time.

  “Return to the universe brother.” I pulled the pin on a device that would cause the plasma reaction. Ben and his final resting place glowed intensely! I narrowed my eyes and raised my hand to shield them. He began to dissipate into glowing embers drifting upward and lighting their own path. Those embers reduced to sparks and then to ash and onto dust. He vaporized so quickly the light from the occurrence had burned into my retinas and I could see him when I closed my eyes, shining and aloof; just as he lived.

  Dae came to join me by the alter. “Everything we went through must be justified. Our lives and our deaths cannot pave way for charity at the misfortune of our deeds. None of this is resolved.” I said to her. She said nothing back and let me feel what I felt.

  

  Dae and I walked home from the Garden of the Moon. Home! A novel concept when you aren’t sure where to plant your roots; probably a Mor’h proverb somewhere that I have yet to hear or read. We have been back barely two days and I wonder what is the next obvious step. Because it seems to be the steps not so determined that outline the pace and direction we have been going as of late. Shortly behind us is an example of my near paranoid thought, Dalia and Wan Sah were following closely. I have yet to properly explain Dalia’s interest or assignment to Dae. I thought this walk would be a great chance.

  “I want to know so many things Reign!” Dae said with her eyes wandering and smiling. Even the tone of a more somber wake couldn’t break her spirit for long. “I want to know more about Mor’h.” She stressed the homophone. Since I’m going to be around for a while.” She states soundly. In part to remind me of what I have in hindsight of the loss relived tonight, from another view the loss is shared and deeply sincere. She is a very multifaceted human being.

  “I’ve been meaning to talk about just that.” I say with a quick glance as we walk on. “How do you feel about Dalia and our other frequent observers?” I say aloud while linking and cautioning the two Lo’Mor’h in our stead for a little distance. They slowed in accordance. The two larger moons didn’t allow much of shadows to hide in at full rise. So their lagging was probably more obvious than it should have been. “I had mentioned Dalia being a Mon’Mah.”

  “Yes. Is that another title like Lo’Don or Lo’Nor?” She asked candidly.

  “Very much so!” I said with a nod and pointed to my head. “Good memory. And even better pronunciation on the dialect.” She again surprises me with her efforts. “A Mon’Mah without being presumptuous is like a midwife but much more elaborate.”

  “A midwife! Do you plan to breed m
e?” Dae joked loudly.

  “That question could be loaded!” I quipped back. “Again it is a rough translation. Her assignment is you. Her benefit is to help with you and your needs. Being uniquely human and a female.” Dae briefly stopped in the path. “An alien gynecologist with a degree in emotional varieties then?” She mocked. “I would call it sexist but under the circumstances I don’t think I have any credence too.”

  “If you have any concerns or any desire for boundaries then say so!” I proclaimed with determination. “And gynecologists do what?” I struggled to express myself.

  Dae laughed soundly and walked on, knowing full well I was squirming. “Lady doctors for lady parts!” She said shuffling her hands around prominent biological differences.

  I breathed deep before resolving to losing any position or authority I thought I had grasp of. “She can be whatever you need. Viceroy of Lady Dae! Whatever those needs are.” I postured naively.

  She turned and walked back passed me to approach Dalia. Dalia held fast but was noticeably confused. “You are going to bring me up to speed on the Mor’h and I will teach you all there is to know about women. Women with a capital W.” She said smirking and slightly embracing Dalia, to which Dalia reacted stiffly but accepting. “The study of women would also interest me.” Exclaimed Wan Sah as if she felt left out, hardly a normal Mor’h reaction. “Of course sister!” Said Dae in concordance.

  “Then you are fine with the Mon’Mah?” I pressed for clarity. “Yes, Reign. I’m fine.” She answered with a cut from her eyes. “But…!” she stated firmly, “this is my mind, my body! Invading either is not happening without my permission!”

  Both Wan Sah and Dalia nodded nearly identically. I sensed they weren’t linked and were giving Dae their total attention. It was as if she had just taught a class on Dae and the notebooks were out. Knowing the Mor’h as I do, I don’t know how far that will go but I may have endured Q’ua Z more than I had previously believed if they relent so easily. Strange times on Mor’h I thought. Strange times indeed.

  Our escorts retired to the room below our domicile for a brief moment as we sat to relax. I sat across from Dae. “I think I am winding down from yet another adventure!” She yawned. “Oh my!” She squeaked with a rise to her feet. Behind me Dalia and Wan Sah had returned with a gift for her. Dae feigned politeness but took the gift quickly. A beautiful carnation gown of fine silken fabric unrolled. “I love it!” She said and twirled. “Was this your idea?” She asks me. I blankly replied. “No,” she looked surprised. “Then you?” She said to her obsessed onlookers.

  “Privacy is not our way. We wanted to give you the best of coverings for you to meet the sun with every day.” Said Dalia. Knowing how much the sun meant to them and the symbolism it held; this was a great gesture. “You are too kind. I mean it really; I don’t have the words.” Said Dae deeply taken back.

  “You just used words?” Said Dalia perplexed. The two looked to each other oddly.

  “I mean thank you! I couldn’t be more thankful!” Dae looked to me with a wrinkled nose.

  “We bid you a restful night.” They retreated out of the front entrance. No other goodbye or farewell, only the odd abrupt exit many Lo’ Mor’h use. “That was strangely fantastic!” Dae said walking away toward the bedroom we have claimed. I followed shortly after in time to see her gracefully slip the gown over her naked frame. She slid into bed.

  “Tomorrow I am to give testimony at the council; at the Cathedraline. Last time was very difficult.” I say undressing and putting on a snug pair of under shorts. “I don’t think you should come. It isn’t that I wouldn’t want you there but the council arena is very sacred territory for a select class of Mor’h.” I looked to her longingly.

  “No place for a woman or a human?” She protested. “Human or outsider.” The answer seemed appropriate but I continued. “I have only spoken once to the council proper. It was before I left for the Sol System. I made my way to the top in some rite, climbing the circling path on its sides. I was accosted; at least I experienced a very odd moment of prejudice from a Lo’Mor’h there.”

  “Racism? From a cloned sentient plant?” She was baffled.

  “It was completely new to me as well, after all of my life here!” I moaned laying down. “Designat Kae’Lo of some order he alluded to, whatever order that was. It was like he was trying to suggest he was of an upper class or some variety of social better. Completely strange from the Lo’Mor’h who act more as serfs and the performing class.” I closed my eyes briefly.

  “Are they slaves Reign?” Dae sounded alarmed. “I couldn’t tolerate such an ideal!”

  “No, not by any standard I could make. They are chosen for their roles based on their skill-sets. More like some lineage or inheritance from their previous incarnations. I don’t completely understand it. It’s just a different way they structure themselves.” I rolled to my side. “That is why it was so odd really.” Dae had already drifted to sleep almost instantaneously after her last comment. Again something I found remarkable in her, the ability to close her eyes and rest wholeheartedly.

  

  I took my leave of Dae in the gardens surrounding the Cathedraline with Dalia there as her guide. I chose to take the winding passage again to the top of the colossal chambers. Maybe I had finally developed a greater respect for the people who raised me. Maybe the events of the last month or so had given me a push into a maturity I had not expected. I could have learned so many things when I was away, so many great things. Instead I suffered and lost. I lost so much of those childish dreams I had of the trek before. I colored expectations with romantic idealism and a bloated sense of grandeur. I had even comically thought myself so significant, on a stage so vast that without my entrance the show could not continue. The curtain closed before I had read my first lines. The play went on, the actors had their marks before me and I cycled through each scene again and again.

  Before I had realized it, I was nearly at the precipice. The large portico loomed only a half turn away. I mused to myself that I may have finally understood the rite of this passage. There was no need for a secret entrance or consolatory reward of a new exit. You climbed one person and left another. Maybe this next encounter with Kae’Lo wouldn’t be so ill received. I moved with a purpose upward and a stalwart look filled my face. However, when I arrived at the top; the oddly dressed Lo’Mor’h was not there.

  I paused and had a look around. The view behind me was intensely beautiful. I strained my eyes as the sun reflected off the River Pathe and the Livewell Sea. I did my best to peer into the distance and catch a glimpse of the phantom tower I had seen in the arid lands afar. There it sat like a tiny pin dropped carelessly upright in the sand. I couldn’t make out any distinguishing marks from this distance but such a random spectacle in an empty expanse didn’t need much to announce itself. My curiosity had reached a fever pitch.

  “Sometimes we cannot see the forest for the trees.” Stated an approaching voice. A Lo’Mor’h in an impossible but seemingly Chinese inspired tunic and pantsuit without sleeves shuffled through the door into the Chamber elevator. This Lo’Mor’h had a strange tattoo or intentional mark on his face. “I find that Earth phrase pleasing.” He said as he came to stand before me. “It will be a pleasure to be your Con’Sor Ta, Reign.”

  “And you are? What is a Con’Sor Ta?” I asked sternly. “And what happened to Kae’Lo?”

  “To’Tan’h, I believe sponsor-witness is most closely an explanation. My order is the way of the chamber, the keeper of forum.” He said as if it was a sufficient answer. “Kae’Lo is weeded Sori.” He said with distaste. I could not link without his knowing but I did so anyways. His feelings, if you could call them that, were sincere and so was his reference to Kae’Lo’s absence. “Let us go then To’Tan’h.” I will sort out the details of a weeded Sori later.

  The internal Chamber again was being groomed by the Tah’l in their careful vigil here. I was not received as the spectacle I once was.
The Mor’h had an odd way of consoling themselves of reactions the first encounter. I remember trying to scare Q’ua Z as a child, it was impossible most times and certainly improbable a second. S’lei came to meet me as my Con’Sor Ta made his leave. “Your presence lights this garden.” She said as she touched my face. Again her motherly actions are an odd adoption I am either not accustomed to or believed capable on Mor’h.

  “Take your place.” She guided my attention to the rising podium from before. I grimaced. “This has been relearned.” She assured me as if to know that I had reservations of the kind of sharing link that happens here. I step onto the chariot like stand and it begins to rise. The Tah’l and the Lo’Mor’h that frequent here gather around. I feel links creeping in but not as intensely as before. I get the sense they are only here to gather my sharing of the transpired events. I suspect such confessions and testimony held more truth than any trial on Earth. Lying wasn’t something I saw possible here.