Wind and Fire

[raistlin34]

I wonder if the main reason some Loroi have no appreciation for humans and aliens art and music, is because they lack the ability for abstract thinking.

[Bamax]

I wonder if the main reason some Loroi have no appreciation for humans and aliens art and music, is because they lack the ability for abstract thinking.

Loroi can appreciate alien art, but due to their culture that more or less revolves around the military art simply holds less importance unless it is somehow related to their occupation.

Loroi spaceships are definitely made in a certain style that betrays an appreciation of art beyond pure utility.

As for abstract thinking, it is not that they have do not have ability.

They do not need abstract thinking due to the information overload that is telepathy that they all possess.


Telepathy can convey more than mere words, such as feelings and literal visions and sounds. It is more honest than the bluntest honesty you could speak in words.

Abstract speech is sometimes used to convey things in a way that won't fully reveal a matter, but concealing information via telepathy is harder and requires skill since not only can telepaths 'hear' you, they can 'feel' the meaning behind the words you speak.


With that the need for slang kind of becomes unnecesssary since Loroi know well how each other feel, and lets face it, the reason human language is so colorfully expressive is to convey thoughts, feelings, and experiences into words, but Loroi sanzai is so much better at this that there is little need if ever to speak in an abstract way.

In fact if a Loroi habitually did others may grow suspicious thinking she did not trust them.

[Snoofman]

Author's note: Here it is. The final chapter of Wind and Fire. As I've said in earlier posts, the saga continues in future installations. I might be taking a break from writing for a month, but I will be back. I promise.

A very special thanks to Wolf329, for donating his wonderful illustrations that gave life to the story. If he decides to share more illustrations with us, I will be sure to let you know so that you may admire his work.

Special thanks to Quickdraw101 for writing an AU fanfic based on my fanfics. I am flattered that you like my characters that much dude.

And thank you, Arioch, and the Outsider staff for creating such a wonderful comic. It is something of a little obsession of mine. You have created something spectacular. Please don't stop.

Thank you readers who have left comments. Your commentary motivates me. Your criticism gives me opportunity to improve. And hope that maybe I might write my own original story one day.

Speaking of criticism, feel free to offer constructive criticism. What you liked. What you did not like. What I can do to improve. If I may ask just one thing: do so gently.

On another note, I seem to be aware that some of you might think Eternal Endurance is overpowered. As I understand in the Outsider Forum lore, Farseers could be weaponized. So perhaps her abilities are not so farfetched. But leave your opinions and I will decide what to do about her character/powers.

Enjoy!

Wind and Fire - Chapter 33

-

Greywind awoke in her chambers. She stretched out her arms, arching her back. Something slid off her chest. She reached for the comic book she had been reading before falling asleep. Placing the comic book back into her compartment of personal possessions, she started her morning stretches. Attendant Link answered her Emperor’s summons and began freshening Greywind’s bed.

Finished with the bed, Attendant Link fetched out a brush. >I am ready to comb your hair, your highness.< She stood a few paces behind the Emperor, ready to serve.

Greywind made to sit, but stopped. Tapping the compartment door open, she drew out a box. She sat in front of her wall mirror and opened the box, taking out a familiar doll.

>You seem to miss him, Emperor,< Link sent, brushing the Emperor’s violet cape. >Don’t you?<

Greywind gave her Attendant a look. >You seem awfully informal upon wakening, Attendant.<

>Forgive me, Emperor,< Link sent humbly. >It is not my place.<

Greywind stared back down at the slightly charred face of Superman. Ben was distraught upon learning that Greywind had to leave him behind. But insisted that Greywind take Superman with her.

“Superman will protect you,” Ben had said.

Greywind really had no need for more trinkets, but decided to accept Ben’s gift. Though he made her promise to bring Superman back. The Emperor scoffed at the idea of being forced to promise to a little human. Still the gesture on Ben’s part was thoughtful. Greywind placed the toy back in the box. Link finished combing the Emperor’s cape and put the little box back in Greywind’s personal compartment.

>Emperor, may I ask how your reading last night was?< Link asked, helping her to strip out of her jumpsuit.

>It was an odd read, Attendant,< sent Greywind, standing bare as she slipped her feet out of her leggings. Link tossed the dirty garment into the laundry. >”Superman: Last Son of Krypton” is a complex tale full of chaotic action. An unusual story even for fiction. Still… Superman’s battles to halt an alien invasion are mildly entertaining. Not so different from our former predicament. His dedication to upholding justice and order on planet Earth is also inspiring.<

>Fascinating,< Link sent sincerely, fetching a clean jumpsuit for Greywind. >I am truly grateful for the comic books you have lent me to read in my spare time, Emperor. Disappointing that such tales are fiction. Yet the imagery, storytelling and interaction of the human characters is… enticing.< She zipped up Greywind’s clean jumpsuit before mounting her armored pieces. >I find it strangely difficult to pull my gaze away from the pages once I’m reading. It is almost as if the story itself is… attracting me. Like gravity. The same allure I feel when comrades have shared their epic tales with me. I didn’t think such a thing was possible without sanzai.< She clasped on the straps of Greywind’s chest armor.

>Indeed, Attendant,< Greywind agreed.

>Emperor, if I may ask, why do you insist on reading this human fiction?<

>According to my Listels, humans prefer to convey ideas or emulate for creativity through fiction.< Greywind looked at her own reflection as Link fitted on the hair cuff to her purple cape. >It also inspires original thinking. Intellectual development. If I am to understand how humans think, I must also understand their fiction.<

Link took out Greywind’s crown from her compartment. >Does that mean you intend to read other forms of human fiction then?<

>Quite possibly.<

Link pressed a button on the wall, sealing the compartments. >I would be delighted to indulge in such tales also. With your permission of course.<

>So long as it does not interfere with your duties, Attendant. In the event it imparts controversial ideas, you must also keep these thoughts to yourself.<

>Certainly, your highness. I live to serve and satisfy.<

The crown’s four spires illuminated as Link rested it on Greywind’s head.

Greywind stood upright and marched out into the corridors of the mobile capital with Attendant Link close behind. Her Soroin guards bowed reverently. Greywind’s chamber doors locked behind her.

-

Seven months.

That is how long it had been since Greywind and her high-ranking assembly departed Deinar. A lot can happen for a political figure in that span of time. Among those events, Hablos Pekuch and his crew were sentenced to a loroi-run detention facility in Delrias space. Since it was not uncommon for Plutocratic Houses to “rub each other’s fur”, as the saying went, Ambassador Kablon insisted that Hablos be tried in a Delrias court at Rubat. A plea that was shot down by Greywind, who sent Kablon off to Rubat with a serious message:

“While it disappoints us that the Delrias government still refuses to join as a full-fledged member of the Loroi Union, it is out of respect that we loroi have allowed the Delrias to live as a distinct cultural unit provided they abide by Union law. Provided that the Delrias authorities can enact justice where justice is due to hinder the criminal element. And so, Ambassador Kablon, as you submit your report to your fellow delegates at the Delrias capital, be sure to remind them that it was out of good faith that the loroi lifted trading restrictions in the interest of cultivating productive industries on the Delrias worlds. And we loroi can easily reimpose those restrictions if the Delrias fail to adhere to our rules. May Hablos Pekuch’s sentence serve as a reminder.”

The rest of the alien ambassadors had departed Cry of the Wind to submit their annual reports to their respective capitals as well. Greywind had dispatched an escort for Ziga’s sake to be sure that the Barsam did not sully the ruling cabinet’s reputation. Greywind knew Ziga was intent on reporting Ben’s status to the Interspecies Convention. As long as Ziga did not try to convince the Alien Assembly that Ben was a captive, the Barsam was free to speak whatever he wanted.

Greywind and her ruling cabinet carried on with their usual duties. Receiving updates across the Command and Control Network. Ranking the urgency of requests from Torrais spread across the territories and then fulfilling or denying those requests. Planning for the Diadem’s next convention on Deinar in which all Diaderets were expected to attend for the sake of revising policies or implementing new ones that would steer the Union for the next few years. And civilian governance.

While civilian matters were at the bottom of the ruling cabinet’s list. the increasing civilian unrest within the Minzan and Maiad sectors was not to be taken lightly. The Guilds had been vocal lately about their problems. Unsavory working conditions and loss of income had compelled many civilians to become unruly. Greywind and the Diadem were divided on how to salvage the Guilds’ dilemma.

The highlight of their current focus: debt.

>I warned you all,< sent Greywind. >Forcing the Guilds to take on more debt was inimical. We may as well have asked the civilians to euthanize themselves.<

>But the Banking Guilds and Neridi Monarchs assured us that they would stabilize the Guilds’ finances,< Peridot sent.

>Of course Banks would assure that,< Spirit of Fire countered. >They’ll promise anything to maximize their profits.<

>Well,< Second Claw chimed in, >I have said it time and again: banks are more dangerous than standing armies.<

The Council flared into heated argument, a few smacking the table to emphasize their frustrations. Both with the bankers and with each other.

>ORDER!< the Chief of Staff called out. >We will have order!<

It took a few solons for the loroi to calm themselves.

>Now,< Greywind reentered the debate, >we all had different opinions on how to provide aid for the civilians. Though it went against my better judgement, I enacted this Council’s decision to give the Banks financial stimulus in favor of increasing the Guilds’ welfare funds. But what is done is past. Exasperating over it is pointless. My current concern is that the Guilds’ debt will only accelerate the Guilds’ decline. If we do not act, many of the Union’s Guilds will be dissolved. Hundreds of millions of civilians will be without work or shelter. This will compel more civilians to ally themselves with the Axis factions as well as criminal elements. We need to win back the civilians’ obedience. Not push them away.<

>Why do we cater to nagging weaklings?< sent Darkside.

>It’s either that or we risk another rebellion,< Diaderet Monsoon objected. A native Maiad and former Soroin who was sympathetic to the civilians.

>Bring it on,< sent Darkside. >If the civies want to fight, we’ll scar them so deep that they’ll never even think to whimper a protest.<

>NO!< Monsoon cried.

The Council erupted again into heated argument.

Lodestone called out again, >ORDER! ORDER!<

>Silence!< Greywind commanded. >What we need is peace. Not conflict.<

>With all due respect, Emperor,< sent Darkside, >you seemed to find it acceptable to violently put down rebellions across the Union during the war.<

>That was then,< Greywind defended. >The civilians knew that it was either submit to our reign. Or be dominated by the Hierarchy. They and the Guilds fell in line because their fear of the Hierarchy’s use-and-discard mentality outweighed their frustrations. The Shells have been defeated. And we are not like the Hierarchy. The civilians know this. Hammer them and I promise you only drive them away. The Universalists will exploit their situation to draw support to themselves.<

>Must you dominate our debates at every turn, Emperor?< Stormcry sent.

Greywind eyed Stormcry icily. >Would you rather we lose our dominance to the Alien Assembly?<

Stormcry shrank beneath the Emperor’s stare.

>I did not think so.<

>May I make a suggestion?< Monsoon sent, wanting to ease the tension.

Greywind swung her eyes to Monsoon. >It better be good.<

Monsoon grunted and shared, >Maybe we could ease the Guilds’ financial problems.<

>With what? More handouts for them to squander?< Stormcry scoffed.

>No! By making the Banks forgive the Guilds’ debt.<

>Absurd,< Silversea laughed. Her primary focus was the treasury. >I suppose the Bankers will hand out free sweet cakes while they’re at it.<

Half the Council concurred with a laugh.

>Order!< Lodestone called.

>The Bankers would have incentive to forgive debts if we compelled them to do so,< Monsoon insisted.

Silversea scoffed. >Humor me.<

>It seems to me that we have given the Neridi Monarchs and Banking Guilds the benefit of the doubt long enough. There are reports that the bankers have embezzled some of the talents we gave. I think it is time we commence investigations and confirm these rumors.<

>Then what? We threaten to prosecute?< asked Darkside.

>Offer a warning to extorters,< Monsoon sent. >Once the bankers know we can convict them for defalcation, we force them to compromise. Nothing terrifies a civilian or Neridi more than the fear of imprisonment. Clearing the Guilds’ debt is the first step to pacifying the civilians.<

Brightray agreed. >She’s right. We can also threaten to strengthen Mizol oversight.<

Some of the Council seemed to find the idea appealing. Some of them.

>I really must protest,< sent Silversea. >Threatening our associates managing our finances does not seem sound. Especially those associates who were our strongest supporters during the war.<

>Those supporters profited from it,< Second Claw countered.

>I agree with Silversea,< sent Brightsword. >I have no love for inferior lifeforms who place profits before duty, but the Neridi do keep the talents flowing.<

>So the bankers should be forgiven for peculation?< Monsoon sent.

>The Neridi Monarchs’ Bankers provide a substantial sum of our tax income. Threatening their most influential executives-<

>Is the price one pays for bad business,< sent Greywind. >Banks are a necessary asset, but they never have been trustworthy. I think Monsoon’s suggestion is excellent. I can alert our Intelligence Offices to commence their investigations. Any feculence they find we will exploit.<

>I object and beg the Emperor to reconsider,< Silversea insisted.

>Not even for the right price,< Greywind retorted. >Managing our talents and profiting from it is a privilege we allow the private sector. We lifted trading restrictions as an act of trust. And we will reimpose those restrictions if businesses betray that trust.<

>Emperor, I suggest we vote on the matter-<

>There will be no vote!< Greywind rose to her feet.

The Council became silent. They knew better than to challenge Greywind when her mind was set. If she wanted something, she got it one way or another.

>Directing the Intelligence Community is my right as command-and-chief. Now it would make me happy if you did not contradict me,< Greywind sent with an unhappy look.

Silversea lowered her gaze. >Of course, Emperor.<

>Very good.< Greywind sat back down.

>Pardon me, Emperor,< sent Peridot. >But even if we manage to compel the Banks to forgive debt, many Guilds still suffer from lack of business. They cannot match with alien competitors.<

>Might I also suggest we double our efforts to recruit civilians into the military?< sent Monsoon.

>I would approve it,< sent Greywind. >If the Council would oblige.<

Most of the Diadem was not keen on sullying their warrior heritage with inferior civilians.

>While it is amusing, indeed inspiring, that the Emperor's wards of civilian heritage show great promise for their upcoming trials,< sent Darkside, >it seems like a wasted effort to uplift civilians who are not up for the challenge of warrior life.<

Monsoon insisted, >But it would offer civilians an escape from impoverished conditions. A chance to be reforged. To reconcile with their mothers and sisters in arms.<

>We’ve already tried that since Greywind’s election,< sent Spirit of Fire. >Most civilians are not interested in the Redemption Program.<

>Maiad loroi would disagree. Civilians and warriors live happily together on Maia. It’s the reason why Maia has recruited the highest number of civilians into the military today. Higher than even Deinar.<

>Monsoon!< Spirit of Fire stood. >I recognize your good intentions. But it’s not enough. The Redemption Program has not seen high enrollment since the Semoset Campaign. At the time, seven percent of civilians across the Union enlisted. Four fifths of those candidates passed their trials. Enrollment today is barely zero point six percent. That is the measure of civilians’ eagerness to redeem their honor.<

>Maybe if we obviated or reformed our training facilities for these candidates, we’d see higher numbers.<

Darkside countered, >Every qualification we demand forges a competent warrior. Anything less leaves room for sloth. If civilians don’t like, that’s their problem. The fact that most refuse the Redemption Program is proof of their inferiority. It's disgraceful.<

>Or maybe we have not given the civilians enough incentive to want to seek redemption,< Monsoon countered.

More arguments ensued. Lodestone demanded order.

Greywind rubbed her temples. >It seems to me that the Council is still not united on a long-term solution for the civilians. We should finish our dealings for now and reconvene tomorrow. But remember we must find a viable solution for the civilians regardless of our own personal opinions. So I would suggest that you all take the time to overcome prejudices. Because this problem will not go away unless we do.<

The Council voiced no protest.

>The meeting is adjourned,< sent Lodestone.

Greywind and her Councilors left the conference table. The bulkhead doors swished open. Attendant Link stood at attention beyond the doors, filing in line behind her Emperor.

Lodestone walked alongside her cousin. >Overcome prejudices?<

>What?< sent Greywind.

>And you call me the brutally honest one.<

>You think I’m wrong?<

>Of course not, Emperor. It’s just your words remind me of when we first met on Deinar. How dominant and vocal your opinions were. Including your bitter regard for Tabens back then.<

>That was then. I was young and naive. And still scarred by the death of my sister. I have no hostilities towards Tabens today, Lodestone. But too many Tabens sympathize with the Axis Factions.<

>As do a few of our own Diaderets.< Lodestone reminded her cousin.

>I am willing to negotiate with the Axis Party, Lodestone. I am prepared to rethink policies if they prove ineffective. But I will not accept a challenge to central authority. If there is one thing Eighth Dawn and I agreed upon, it is that regional governance sows the seeds of dissent. Had the Third Emperor invested more in political prowess rather than compromise with her wealthy associates, perhaps she may have survived the Tinza incursion.<

>That seems harsh even to me, Greywind.<

>It is the truth.<

>Well, I will not argue the matter with you.<

>Good. I have had enough arguments for one day.<

Lodestone was amazed at times that her younger cousin was the more dominant of the two. >Your stubbornness astounds me.<

>Be astounded then.<

Lodestone sighed. >I give up.<

>I accept your surrender.<

They walked alone in silence for a moment.

>Greywind, have you chosen from the candidates yet?<

>I have.<

Shortly following their arrival to Azimol, Greywind had met with Terran diplomats. Initially the Terrans were speechlessly baffled upon learning that the Fourth Emperor had adopted a human boy. Followed by an insistence that Ben be returned to Terran authorities. Greywind, of course, refused. Although the human envoys seemed relieved that Greywind was willing to admit human caregivers into the Emperor’s familial creche to ascertain the health of this human child, they were audibly reluctant to approve the Emperor’s plan to adopt more human children. Greywind reminded the humanity envoys that they were in no position to dictate terms to her. The loroi were not asking for the Terran Colonial Authority’s permission. But wanted its cooperation in the interest of cultivating friendly relations between loroi and rescuing human children born into unfortunate circumstances. She sweetened the deal by offering to allow more trading rights between the TCA and the Union. Except for weapons and FTL-tech. Greywind was not about to give the TCA a tactical advantage. Though initially reluctant, the Diadem agreed to this arrangement. The prospects of better trading opportunities was enticing to the humans, though they still seemed mildly suspicious as to why the Emperor would offer so much just for the privilege of adopting a couple humans. To which Greywind replied that her familial creche would need to purchase the goods necessary for her soon-to-be human wards. The Terran diplomats assured the Emperor they would report to their superiors and return with a favorable reply.

A list of potential candidates was presented to the Emperor, both by the Terrans and Greywind’s Intelligence Specialists, to be employed as caregivers. Greywind’s Mizols were instructed to thoroughly investigate each candidate discreetly. A few seemed suspicious. Fortunately those few suspects would not be joining Cry of the Wind on her return to Deinar. Greywind knew that every nation had spies.

Hundreds of candidates had been presented. Diplomats. Social workers. Corporate employees. Laborers. Some of whom worked directly on Azimol. Others came from distant Union colonies either to renew visas or opting to return to Terran space. Now eighty-two of those candidates had been chosen to be interviewed directly aboard Cry of the Wind. Among those eighty-two, Greywind held a personal audience with thirty humans to see what sort of people she would be employing. And only a handful of those would be accepted. These particular humans did not need to stand out in as much as they needed to be what Greywind needed; docile, competent and incurious.

A commotion caught Greywind’s and Lodestone’s attention as they passed through Cry of the Wind’s intersection where long murals of the previous three Emperors hung on each wall. As well as a grand depiction of Cry of the Wind herself hanging just to the left of the entryway to the bridge. At the foot of said mural a Soroin Mallas was speaking with one of the human candidates in an aggressive tone.

“What are you doing here?” the Mallas demanded.

“I-I’m sorry,” the little human timidly replied. “I was just admiring the mural here.”

“Why are you admiring it? You have no business near the bridge!”

“I-I’m sorry, I meant no harm.” The little human backed away timidly.

“Why are you backing away from me?”

“I’m sorry, but I’m nervous-”

“Why are you so nervous?”

“What seems to be the problem here?” Greywind approached.

The Soroin Mallas looked up and bowed reverently. >Your highness. I was just questioning this human. She was just standing here near the entrance to the bridge and I thought to inquire.<

>And what did she do that warranted suspicion?<

>She was just standing here. Claiming to admire this mural.<

>Is admiring art a crime?<

>Well… I… no, Emperor. But-<

>Does the bridge seem well guarded at present?<

>I… suppose.<

>Does this human seem to carry any weapons on her person?<

>Well… none that I seem to see-<

Greywind loomed dominantly over the slightly shorter loroi. >Then stop making your irritable little noises, Soroin Mallas, and move along!<

The Mallas bowed timidly before scurrying away.

Greywind looked to the short human female. The human candidates were free to roam Cry of the Wind, provided they steered clear of restricted zones. Thankfully that is what guards and Teidars were for.

“Oh, your imperial highness,” the little human said with a stiff bow. “Forgive me. I did not mean to to cause commotion.”

“No apology is needed, Sister Judith de la Cruz,” Greywind assured her. “Some loroi are not accustomed to the presence of those not detectable by our sanzai.”

“You are too kind, your highness.”

Lodestone could not help but scoff as she stepped forward. “Kind? She’s barely kind to me.”

“Oh, hello,” Judith curtsied. “Miss?”

“Oirel. Torrai Oirel Lodestone. Imperial Chief of Staff. And also the Emperor’s cousin.”

“Well, then,” said Judith. “It’s a small world.”

Lodestone raised an eyebrow. “Which one? Azimol?”

“Oh, no. Pardon me. It is an expression. Usually to express how easy it is to meet acquaintances or the nearness of relations.”

“I suppose it is.”

“In any case, it is a pleasure to meet you, honorable Chief of Staff.”

“You flatter me, Miss Judith.” She eyed Greywind. >Quite the charming little thing, isn’t she?<

>Hush,< Greywind shot back.

“You will have to excuse me,” said Lodestone. “I have matters elsewhere. Enjoy your time aboard Cry of the Wind, Miss Judith.”

>I did not permit you to leave, Lodestone,< sent Greywind.

Lodestone offered her cousin an humorous grin. >Order me to stay then.<

Greywind’s eyes narrowed. >I changed my mind. Go away.<

Lodestone chuckled amusedly. Leaving a confused Judith, no doubt wondering what the loroi could possibly be sharing with one another.

“So Sister Judith,” said Greywind. “You seem to have been admiring the depiction of Cry of the Wind.” Greywind gestured to the mural on the wall.

Judith nodded. “Yes. Her vibrant wings suspending her in the heavens and fiery spear she wields bear a remarkable resemblance to… uh… some of our own legends.”

“Intriguing.” Greywind meant it. “Walk with me.”

Judith followed alongside the Emperor with Link close behind.

Judith de la Cruz was apparently an Earth-born human among the potential candidates her Mizols suggested. Originally from a terrestrial state called the Philippines, she was under the employ of the Catholic Church. A religious organization with interstellar influences apparently. Apparently Judith had been called by her religious superiors to assist in a cultural exchange between the Catholic Church and the Barsam clerics of Azimol. The Barsam, impressed by Judith’s fluent Trade and gentle demeanor, arranged for a visa on Judith’s behalf. Judith spent her time assisting the Barsam with philanthropic work on Azimol as well as speaking at sermons. The Universal message, as the Barsam called it, seemed agreeable to the Catholic one. Her message of universal kindness and compassion drew the attention of many aliens, drawing in quite a number of new followers on Azimol. The Barsam clerics were overjoyed by the massive following Judith had drawn. And distraught when the Emperor had summoned her to the mobile capital.

Judith also spoke many languages. Human and alien. Her Trade fluent. She denied possessing eidetic memory during her interview, claiming that she was merely driven to understand others and be understood. Impressive for a non-Listel. Greywind was not particularly fond of religious individuals, but Judith seemed soft-spoken about her spiritual views. Not as fanatical as some Barsam clerics. Her history of charitable work made her seem more attractive. Including taking care of orphans, acting as a teacher and assisting in a few crisis relief efforts on Earth. Useful skills for a caregiver.

Though what seemed disconcerting was that Judith was sixty-five years old. Shocking just how young Judith was by loroi standards yet looked as if she were approaching her four-hundredth year. Humans did not age well apparently. Greywind also found the little human’s attire odd. Judith wore a long blue dress revealing only her lower legs, concealed by a jumpsuit that spacefarers were required to wear. The old human’s hair was also covered in a coif that seemed to parodize the traditional headwear worn by Nedatan caretakers.

An odd little creature to Greywind. Yet held an aura of interest.

“Sister Judith,” Greywind said. “I hope you will not be offended if I seem forward. But have you thought about my offer?”

“I… have, your highness,” said Judith.

“So?”

“Well, uh… I don’t know. I am quite content with my life and my work on Azimol. The Barsam have been very hospitable and welcoming. And it gives me a sense of accomplishment that my assistance in their work has touched millions of souls. I was expecting to finish my work and return to the Vatican eventually.”

“Vatican?”

“The capital state of my religion.”

“I see.”

“And leaving the friends I have made here, whether I return to Terran space or accepted your proposal… just… breaks my heart.”

“Breaks your heart?”

“Pardon me, your highness. An expression for distress.”

“Interesting how you choose a pumping organ to represent your emotional well-being. Anyway, loroi understand the burden of giving up what we desire when duty beckons. But I can assure that the Barsam clerics of Azimol will be just fine.”

“I’m not merely referring to the Barsam. I mean all the people whose lives I’ve touched. The Barsam. Neridi. Delrias. Even loroi and other humans. And many more.”

“Miss Judith, consider this: you have an opportunity to share that tenderness with human children. Children born into terrible circumstances. Children that need guidance. Nurturing. Supervision. A person like you can provide that. It reflects well not only on yourself, but on the benign aspects of your race. In addition, you will be well compensated for your efforts. Provided with the best healthcare and servants to assist you.”

Judith was silent a moment as she contemplated the Emperor’s offer. “If I accept, your highness… there is something you must be aware of.”

“Which is?”

“I am unyielding in my morals. And can give nothing that would betray those morals. If I accept, I can only teach these children what I consider to be good.”

“You mean your religious principles?” Greywind hoped not.

“No, your highness. I seek not to burden others with my faith. Faith must be chosen. I mean goodness. You know… being law-abiding… helping others… placing emphasis on companionship and love. Rejecting destructive qualities like selfishness, senseless violence, aggression.”

“I see no reason to object to such ethics. They seem to run parallel to our principles. But mind you, these children must be taught to be loyal to their new family. To their new mother. Me.”

“In the interest of cultivating friendship between humans and loroi, your highness?”

“Would I be going through all this trouble otherwise?”

Judith was silent a moment. “Must I give my answer now?”

“Tomorrow at the latest.”

“If I accept, I would very much like to make final arrangements with my friends on Azimol before departing. I do not want to leave them worried and uncertain. Most especially not after everything they have done for me.”

“Certainly, Sister Judith. Transport will be arranged. There is still time before Cry of the Wind departs from Azimol. In the meantime, would you like to join me for tea?”

Judith pursed her lips thoughtfully. “I… think I would love that, your highness.”

They proceeded to the Armitage. Servants had set up a table there with refreshments.

“Would you like noillir or tea, Miss Judiff?” Attendant Link asked.

“It’s pronounced Judith, actually,” Judith said with a gentle smile.

“Pardon me,” Link hesitated to retry pronouncing the name. “Some human syllables are… difficult. Or perhaps you would like some coffee?”

Judith was surprised. “You have coffee?”

“Imported.”

“Uh, not synthetic coffee I hope.” Judith hated the caffeine substitute that most Terrans were sold outside Earth.

“Made from authentic beans.”

“Oh! In that case I’d love a cup of Joe.”

Link was taken aback. “I… am sorry, but we do not seem to have a beverage called Joe.”

Judith laughed, a bit embarrassed. “Oh, I’m sorry. ‘Cup of Joe’ is slang for coffee.”

“I see. Then I shall prepare.”

Judith turned her focus back to the Emperor seated before her. “If I may say so, your highness, I find this chamber of yours quite soothing.”

“Yes,” Greywind agreed. “The Armitage seems like a soothing garden. While the walls are merely simulations, the landscape and sky offers a comforting view for loroi overwhelmed by the stresses of living in in the void. The Armitage’s collection of plants and flowers… and the feeling of real grass beneath our feet seems also soothing.”

Link was back within moments with the Emperor’s tea and Judith’s coffee.

Judith was a bit disappointed that the loroi drank from silver bottles, but understood that spaceships were sensitive environments. Her pulse raced as the bitter but sweet taste of dark fluid rushed over her tongue.

“Amazing how even the loroi can get something as divine as real coffee this far out in space.” Judith sighed with content.

“Indeed,” Greywind sipped her flowery tea. Her attention was drawn to the pendant hanging on Judith’s chest. “Sister Judith. Am I correct in assuming that that ornament bears religious significance?”

Glancing down, Judith confirmed, “As a matter of fact it is. This particular pendant is called a crucifix.”

“Am I also correct in assuming that it represents a human male?”

Judith nodded.

“Who?”

“Jesus Christ. The founder of our faith.”

“A mythical figure?”

“If you do not share our faith, then yes. That is one way of putting it.”

Greywind placed her tea on the table. “Miss Judith, there is another reason why I would like to employ you. As I understand from your profile, you seem knowledgeable in humanity’s histories. Including mythological fables. Correct?”

“Not all, but many. I have enjoyed scholarly studies in all of mankind’s stories. But why do you ask?”

“Simply put, I want to learn about human culture. About its history. Including its mythological fables.”

“Oh,” Judith laughed bashfully. “I am the last person you would want to recount old legends. I’d bore you. Besides, our legends are just that. Legends. They are not authentic history. As I understand it, the loroi are not so fond of fiction.”

“I still want to know. Because stories, whether history or fable, define us. Motivate us. Outline our purpose. And even mythologies can have some measure of truth in them. And so… I want to know what humanity is. How it evolved. And hearing humanity’s stories seems to better my understanding of Terran culture.”

“Well,” Judith laughed nervously. “Our fables are vast and many. I wouldn’t know where to start.”

“How about we start with your own?”

“Mine?”

“Yes. The fable of the… Ka-fo-liks? Pardon my pronunciation. I am still unaccustomed. Why not tell me about your deity? The one hanging from your pendant.”

Judith touched her crucifix thoughtfully. “I suppose I could. But I fear a warrior might find it… unimpressive.”

“Let me decide that for myself.”

“Well, then… if you insist… it started with a group of people called the Jews living under the occupation of the Roman Empire in a desert land called the Middle East. More than two millennium ago. The story of our deity began in a little village called Nazareth…”

[Bamax]

Interesting conclusion.

I like what is said of stories... they can and do inspire us, and they do reflect on the cultures that create them

It is art. Not unlike music... just another form... the written word.

Art is in a way, a mirror of reality... and this worldbuilding you have done has become a world all it's own.

You must know that I only started reading Wind and Fire sometime after chulthu started his work so I am sure I missed much of the beginning and still need to read it.

[Cthulhu]

This was rather good, perhaps the best chapter you wrote. An interesting political debate, some cultural exchange, this would be a good chapter to initiate a new arc. Within the same work, mind you, it is completely unsuitable to be an ending.

[Quickdraw101]

A great end to an equally great story. I look forward to what future projects you have in store for the future.

[gigachad]

it was an exciting story, extremely promising, we are waiting for new works!

[Keklas Rekobah]

It's been a while. My wife and I now live in the Philippines. Some of our friends have the same surname as Sister Judith de la Cruz.  Lots of people here do, especially around Lungsod ng Dasmariñas and Lungsod ng Trece Martires in Cavite Province.

Is her surname a taken or given name? That is, did she take "de la Cruz" ("of the Cross") when she took her vows, or is it her family name?

I hope this story has more installments.  Nice bit o'fiction, it is.

[Snoofman]

Thanks. There are more installments: Deliverance and A Chorus of Stars, which I’m currently working on.

What a coincidence. Talk about being on the same wavelength.

Judith is her given name, as it seems typical for Asians emigrating to Western countries to take on Western names. de la Cruz is her family name.

And I look forward to continuation of Stardrive.