The Azurean Trilogy (All Three Books: 1, 2 & 3): Essentia, Burgeor & Manifest
Page 21
May The Creator also bless and reward you.” We hugged the Sister and headed back to the Meeting House.
The walk back was almost a silent one. So many emotions were coursing through our minds and hearts. Exhilaration at everything we had just learned. Joy that Papa had arrived and was with us for extra encouragement.
Worry about Mama and the rest of the prisoners. Doubt at how we would accomplish this mission without the help of the Arms of Justice and the gangs to help defend the tribes if we were attacked, and fear at what punishments the Houdakin could decree.
We entered the Meeting House and many people were already gathered inside. One group had their backs to us and when they turned around, we couldn't believe our eyes.
“Mom!” Teo shouted as he ran to give Mother Perales a huge bear hug.
“Mom, Dad!” Joelle squealed as she spotted Father Joshua and Mother Garalia, while Hantaywee did the same at seeing her Dad, Father Sequoya. They all exchanged grateful embraces and smiles.
“When did you guys get here? We didn't even know you were coming!” Teo said, giving his mother another squeeze.
“We just arrived. We heard about the Governess's message. The radars on our boat picked them up as they were on their way here. I am so grateful you all are Ok!”
“Yes,” Father Joshua agreed, “And we wanted to come and leave with you. You will have all of our support on Viakee.”
Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes. The support of one group was taken away, but here we were going to have our parents right by our sides. It was incredible. Thank you O Creator for being so Merciful.
Father Sequoya spoke next, “Governors and Mayors from the varying Sectors have all joined here to all get on the same page. Our biggest obstacle is how to get everyone to Viakee without raising suspicion. The Houdakin are already on high alert. But we need to get as many people to Viakee to stand with you. Some of our Armies and tribes-people will go with you. The rest will stay back and defend the towns.
The Houdakin strategy has always been to attack from both ends. They are in store for a surprise if they try to attack us. When they learn we all have been gifted with these powers, it will certainly be something to see.”
Father Sequoya was right. It gave me hope for a peaceful resolution.
Everyone began to take their seats in the Main Meeting Room. We had to think of a plan. And quick.
Chapter 5
“Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD..' “
The Holy Bible KJV, The Old Testament
Psalm 31:7
Emperor Borche leaned back in the custom Ebu leather chair he'd had made with only the most extravagant materials. He had ordered the Governess messages earlier that day and hoped that it would help to scare information out of the tribes people. If they didn't move quick enough, he had a few plans that would surely motivate them.
His eyes roamed over the articles perched on his desk. His Tele-Com, a picture of his late wife Queen Azari, another picture of Princess Beema, a paperweight the shape of his family crest, and a solid gold calligraphy pen. They were all things that made him smile, and he needed to smile today. He hating feeling the frustration of dealing with the Inferiors.
Borche tried to avoid looking at the last item on his desk. He hated looking at it because of the memories it brought up, but could never bring himself to remove it completely.
It was partially tucked behind the pictures of his late wife and daughter. He reached over and eased the picture from its protected spot.
A young handsome boy stared back, not smiling, eyes instead filled with questions. His Brother, Noban, had been seventeen in the picture. It was the year that he had disappeared.
The entire palace had been in an uproar when they found out, but Borche had known in his heart that Noban had left of his own accord. In the weeks leading up to the disappearance, his younger Brother had had too many questions. He wanted to know what exactly made them Superior. He wanted to know why they didn't distribute the Aoki to everyone. He wanted to know why the Houdakin had outlawed the Inferiors from using Green Energy. He had wanted to know the answers to too many dangerous questions.
He had warned his brother to stop before their Father heard about it. His Father had an extremely short temper and would not tolerate such questions. But his Brother's questions had persisted. A month later, he turned up missing. Search parties were sent out, but when a letter from his Brother arrived, things came to an abrupt halt. Once his Father had read its contents, all search parties were called back in immediately, and all mention of his Brother was forbidden in the palace.
Borche had hated the entire ordeal. His Brother had been his best friend. But, as his Father had reminded him, all weak links had to be cut off before they infected the entire tree.
He put the picture back on the desk and slumped in his chair. The Governesses had been sent out, but no reports had come in.
He could feel the peoples of the tribes silently taunting him, and it was infuriating. He had been so good to them. If no one stepped forward soon, he would have to implement Phase I of his planned punishments.
A beep from his Tele-Com tugged at his attention.
“Your excellence, there is a Tech here who wants to see you.”
Borche rolled his eyes. He didn't feel like being bothered. “Tell them to come back tomorrow.”
His receptionist paused and then persisted, “He said it involves the Governess send out today. He says that you will be very interested in what he has to say.”
Borche sat up, intrigued. Perhaps this was the news he had been waiting for. “Send him in.”
A medium height Tech entered moments later, and Borche could tell his type . He was a brown-noser looking to move up in rank. On the inside, Borche felt like doing a back-flip. These were the type of days he lived for.
“So,” Borche began, putting a little extra base in his voice. He knew the Tech would want something in return, but wanted to toy with him a bit.
And it worked. Tech #59 visibly shook. But Borche had to give him credit. The Tech rolled his shoulders back and looked Borche directly in the eye. Borche's nostrils flared with excitement.
This Tech must have some very important information to barter with if he has nerve enough to look me in the eye. He would play it cool of course. But whatever this man asked for in return would be worth it.
“There's something you want to tell me?”
“Yes, your excellence. But I am a man of little means....”
Borche cut him off, impatient, “You'll be moved up to Supervisor in your department, you will receive a new home, car and a healthy paycheck as well.” Borche wrote a number on a piece of paper and slid it across the table. Tech #59 leaned over, his eyes bugging in excitement as he read it. It was a very generous amount.
Tech #59 could hardly speak, “Y-y-y-y-y-yes! Thank you sir! That is wonderful sir! I don't know-”
Borche was done waiting, “Spit it out already! Before I change my mind!”
Tech #59 nodded his head vigorously, “Yes, sir! Well, you know how we sent the Governess teams to all of the Sectors today? Well, we were all reviewing our video feeds, when I noticed High Chief Officer Henken send one of the other Techs out of the room. I thought it a little suspicious, and a little unfair too. I mean If anyone should have been sent on a special assignment, it should have been me-”
“Get on with it!” Borche growled, trying to contain his growing anger. If he hadn't wanted the information so bad, he would have tossed the man out on his backside.
“Right! Absolutely! So, Henken sat down, looking at the video feed. And I kept my eye on him, because I'm sharp like that. I see all those little out of the ordinary things. And just like I thought, I saw Henken hit the rewind button. And then he hit the delete button. Now, I don't know what exactly was on the video, but I know for s
ure that he hit those two buttons. The moment he hit the buttons should be recorded on the logs.”
Emperor Borche was silent for a few moments. He pursed his lips and unconsciously clenched and unclenched his fists a few times.
He would not tolerate a traitor in his ranks. But he considered giving Henken the benefit of the doubt. He had never had a reason to question him before. There were two things that needed to be done. Look at the video feed and put Henken to the test. He would squeeze, and if there was treachery to be found, he would find it.
Borche questioned the Tech. “Could it have been birds? Some kind of disturbance?”
Now the Tech looked scared. Maybe he had jumped the gun. Accusing a high official was punished harshly if the accusing party was found to be lying. “I...I suppose that is possible. I was too far away to see...”
Borche had to hold in the deep chuckle that was threatening to escape his lips. The man was literally shaking in his boots. He decided to put the man out of his misery before he lost it.
“Well, Tech....”
“Tech #59,” the Tech jumped in.”
“...Tech #59. Right. I do appreciate your coming forward. I will have this information thoroughly investigated. The receptionist will see to your reward.”
The Tech was elated. He bowed while backing out of the room. “Your excellence! Thank you so much! You won't regret this! I hope it's true! And if you ever need anyone for special, discreet jobs, you just let me know!”
Borche shook his head, and then rubbed his beard again. There was work to be done.
~~~
Beema was restless. And agitated. All day, the song had just kept replaying in her mind, over and over. It was absolutely maddening. She had just about reached the end of her rope when she had an idea. She would go and visit the prisoners.
She didn't know why. But the thin mist of doubt that was beginning to waft its way into her mind was threatening to drive her mad. She was looking for something. She just didn't know what.
She made her way down to the dungeons under the palace. The area they used for prisoners was dark and cold- intentionally made so to grant its inhabitants a miserable stay. She came to the security booth and the guard on duty disabled the network of lasers that blocked the entrance to let her in.
The dungeons held many prisoners. The majority of prisoners were the ones taken from the Sectors in an attempt to scare information out of them about the Prophecy.
She had even personally tortured some of them. They probably would not be too happy to see her at all.
Princess Beema walked down the long hallway that was lined with cells. All became silent when they realized who she was. Everyone avoided her eyes, but it wasn't before she saw the flash of hatred in them.
What the heck am I even doing down here? Beema thought to herself. She turned to go, but one woman caught her eye.
“You,” she commanded, calling to the woman. The woman rose, and without fear came near the cell door.
“What is your name?” she questioned.
“Nourana. Nourana Hamid.” The woman replied, her eyes locked with Beema's.
“Don't you know anything about this Prophecy?”
Nourana's heart was racing. But she remained. Silent. There was no way she would let Beema get even close to the information she wanted to know.
Princess Beema paused. She studied the pretty African-American woman. Unlike the others, this woman did not look at her with hate. Instead, it seemed as if she looked at Beema with...pity.
The next question came without forethought, and surprised even Beema. “Why are you a believer?”
Nourana furrowed her brow, trying to gauge if Beema's question was serious. This wasn't something a typical Houdakin would ask. There was a brief glimmer in Nourana's eyes. Beema didn't dwell on trying to figure out what it was though. She was focused on hearing the answer to her unintentional question.
The answer came to Nourana easily. She spoke earnestly, praying that her words would somehow touch the Princess.
“Because I always felt Him. When I was tired of trying to do it myself, and I needed something more....someone I knew reached out and told me “Everything you're looking for, you will find in God.” All I had to do was call. Seek God for myself. And when I called, He answered.
Beema didn't say a word. The two stared at one another for a few more moments, and then Beema simply turned to leave.
Nourana let out the breath she'd been holding in. She'd said what she had to say, but she hoped that it wouldn't mean any kind of retaliation or punishment for the prisoners.
She closed her eyes and let a long breath out. Countless thoughts ran across her mind. Her heart quickened at the thought of what could be happening.
Ya Allah, she prayed Please let it all fall into place, and please send us help soon.
~~~
Henken walked quickly to the palace Conference Room. Borche had summoned him and as usual sounded ill tempered. Henken entered the room and almost bolted. On the holographic screen was a still shot of the exact moment he had deleted on the Governess video feed. It took every ounce of control he had to mask his panic.
“Your excellence. You requested my presence?” He looked at Borch respectful and calm.
No reaction. Hmmm. We shall see, Borche thought. If there was one thing he demanded, it was loyalty. He planned to throw a few things Henken's way to see if he would react.
“Yes. Henken, I was reviewing the video feed, and noticed there is a section which has been erased. I was told that you were responsible?” Borche left the question open ended.
“Absolutely, Sir. There was interference, and I removed it to have a smoother recording. It is a common practice,” Henken explained, not wavering.
“Ah-hmmm. So, you won't mind if I check the satellites to validate?” Borch asked smoothly.
“I most certainly do not, Sir. Please, do whatever you must.” Henken shrugged his shoulders, putting a look on his face that he hoped illustrated confusion. All he could do was play along and pray for the best.
Borche touched a few dials on the screen and an aerial view of Viakee popped up. He plugged in the exact coordinates and commanded the computer. “Show all interference.”
Borche and Henken watched the screen, and sure enough, the satellite feed showed a flock of birds passing by overhead.
Borche raised his eyebrows. Borche checked off the first box in his head. He passed the first test, but will he pass the next?
“Oh good! Seems like your judgment was spot on. Please forgive the questioning of your integrity. But I'm sure you can understand...”
Henken bowed his head slightly and held up a hand. “Sir, no need to apologize. I understand.”
Borche was impressed. Perhaps he was trustworthy after all. But is was always a good thing to double check.
“Excellent! Well then, on to the next issue at hand. The new Mechanical Army...could you bring one of the soldiers in?”
Henken nodded. Borche seemed satisfied that there was a reason for his deletion in the video. He hoped that any suspicions were put to rest. Henken tapped a few buttons on his wrist computer and a screen popped up. He made three quick clicks to make the request. “They are on the way, Sir.”
Within minutes, a Tech bought in one of the menacing looking robots.
They stood about six feet tall and were completely covered in silvered obsidian from head to toe. The angular head was sleek and tapered down to a wide jaw which was set in a permanent harsh scowl.
Borche was like a delighted little school boy. “I never got to really see this thing in action. Would you please?” he asked, wanting to see a show.
Henken nodded again and typed a pass-code into his Wrist-Comp. Immediately, the android unsheathed the sword that had been hanging at his side and began to demonstrate all of his prowess as a fighting machine.
The blade was a total blur, hissing each time it sliced through the air. Borche was getting more excited by the moment.
“Yes, they are quite impressive,” Henken said. He hated thinking about this metallic monster up against a human being.
The android ended its routine and defaulted to its ready position. Borche wasn't finished, though. He wanted to check Henken out a little more.
“I grow impatient of waiting on the Sectors to reply. I want to speed things up a bit. After you leave here, I'd like you to go ahead and release the wolves.”
Henken swallowed hard, but not one muscle in his face shifted.
The wolves were a pack of half mechanical, half genetically engineered species which had tempered with the aggressive genes of a grizzly bear and was a large as a lion. They had alligator teeth, and an intense desire for red meat. Borche had commissioned his team of Scientists to engineer them alongside the Mechanical Army to help terrorize the peoples of the Sectors. After seeing the robot's display, Borche was absolutely humming inside. The tribes people would be like sitting ducks.
Chapter 6
“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you;for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.“
The Holy Bible KJV, The New Testament
Matthew 14:13
Everyone settled down and took their seats, waiting for the meeting to begin. All of the members of the High Council were there as well as all of our group, including Chord, our Kulindas and our Instructors. Governors and Mayors from each of the Sectors were also present, representing various cultures and religions. It was exciting to be in a room full of people who all loved and cared for the tribes so deeply.
Once we entered, the looks on their faces were grateful and proud. Many never thought that they would live to see The Prophecy come to pass. Seeing the hope on their faces and the encouragement in their eyes made us all feel very humble.
Mother Jones clapped her hands to signal the start of the meeting.