One month later … October, 1860
The town of Quartley was in jubilation on this blue sunny day. Everyone one of it's citizens were about the single railway heading through the territory on the edge of the small frontier town, dressed in their Sunday best while waving the 'Cactus Jack', also known as the Union of the Federal Republic of Filgaia's flag. The flag itself was the shape of a rectangle, as almost all flags are prone to be being, and made up of a large ring circling around a single white star. The ring was divided into seven sections, each colored a different color, over a baje background. Small flags, tall flags, large flags, and tiny flags were shown all over the town, especially in the hands of the town's citizens, who were gathered along the sides of the rail, as if it were a parade. But yet, it was a parade. Confetti was being thrown from the second stories of the white houses along the rail route, and cheering was quite abundant. A series of rail cars were pulling through the town quite slowly, making several stops on its way through. The cars, quite like the town, were quite patriotic in dress, adorned in the colors of the flag and symbols of their beloved country. Soldiers waved and smiled as they escorted the train, and town officials could be seen sitting with characters in quite colorful dress, creating smiles for both the children and adult. A band was standing in one of the open cars, dressed brightly in patriotic colors, playing much patriotic and high energy music. Yes, it was such a jubilee, but it wasn't a holiday. What on Filgaia could possibly muster this much nationalism?
"Popcorn! Get you popcorn! Get it right here!" A small boy, about eleven or twelve in age, with blonde hair and shirtsleeve shirt and shorts walked about through the crowds, shouting his pitch in order to obtain a few Gella.
"I'll take one." Came the unmistakable voice of Werner Maxwell. The boy looked up as the tall, friendly man in the tanned coat and broad rimmed hat. "How much?" Werner asked.
"Ten Gella!" The boy smiled.
Werner smiled back and looked over his shoulder, into the crowd. "Hey Duran, Malik, you guys want any popcorn?"
"No thanks Werner." Came Duran's voice. "I'm saving myself for whenever the fried dough comes.
"You'll be waiting for that in your dreams Duran." Malik grinned. "Get some for me, will ya?"
"All right." Werner replied. He looked down to the boy and continued his purchase. "Two popcorns." He then handed the boy twenty Gella.
The boy reached into his pack and began fishing. An object was in the way, and thus, he pulled out an object. It appeared to be a handmade model of some kind of craft. The boy gently placed it on the dusty earth and reached into the bag again, procuring two popcorn bags and handing them to Werner. "They're you go, sir!"
Werner accepted the popcorn and then gave a second look to the model. "What's that you have there?"
"This?" The boy glanced at the model he had pulled out. "It's my airplane model! I've been working on it for a long time!"
"Airplane, huh? Are those wings?" Werner asked as he began to munch on popcorn.
"Yea! It flies… or at least supposed to! I'll get it going tonight!" The boy eagerly said.
"Hold on." Werner told the boy. "Hey Duran! You should see this!" Werner shouted.
Duran emerged from the crowd of spectators and adjusted his spectacles. He was dressed in his best clothes as well and was wearing his spectacles in order to get a sight at whoever was on the train. "I told you Werner, I'm saving my gella for the dough."
"Not that. Look at this." Werner smiled as he pointed out the craft in the boys arms.
Duran squatted a bit and narrowed his eyes as he eyed the thing. "It appears to be a model of some kind of craft. Pray tell, what is it?"
"It's an airplane!" The boy smiled. "Of my own design! The SK-13! I'm going to get it to fly tonight!"
Duran began to chuckle. At first, he tried to stifle it, but the old man couldn't control it. He stepped back, laughing and confusing the other two near him. "Oh, that is a good one. A flying vehicle? Quite possible with a model, but not in realistic terms. Surly, you aren't serious, my boy! What is your name?"
The boy frowned a bit. "I'm Jack. Jack Beckson."
"Well, Mr. Beckson. You truly are a dreamer." Duran sighed.
"Please, just Jack. Mr. Is for teachers." Jack shook his head.
"Duran, don't you have any thing constructive to add? You are the conventional engineering specialist." Werner munched more popcorn.
Duran stood to his full height and coughed. "Indeed I am. I'm glad you remembered that Werner." Duran placed a hand to his beard and gazed at the model. "Well, if it were to fly, young Jack, you'd best remove everything you can. Weight is the key factor in flight. All you want is a skeleton with some sort of thin yet durable material stretched over it, say canvas."
Jack looked to the SK-13 and eyed it analytically. "I could take off some stuff…"
"And try flying it from a hill. The updraft should give you an advantage." Duran nodded.
"Gotcha!" Jack grinned. "Thanks Mr.!"
"Hey Jack!" Came the voice of two children. One was a small girl about his age dressed in a light blue dress with dark hair and the other a pale young boy in expensive clothing with long blonde hair. The girl was the one who had spoken. "Jack! You gotta hurry! He'll be making his speech any moment!"
"That's right! Thanks Violetta! Let's go Reese!" Jack smiled.
Reese nodded and Violetta laughed as they began running into the crowd, just as Malik began running out. "Hey, Dr. Alceste is gonna start any minute!" Malik exclaimed. "Hey, is that my popcorn?"
Werner handed Malik the red and white striped bag of popped kernels and sighed. "How on Filgaia did Leehalt ever get so popular…"
"He's done the territory a lot of good. If it weren't for him, Quartley or Ballack Rise would be ghost towns by now. He's the one that keeps the government as well as the public interested in the territory." Duran explained.
"Is there some kind of tension between you and Dr. Alceste?" Malik asked as he munched a handful of bright yellow popcorn. "Only Dr. Alceste's key personal and officials are with him enough to get to personally know him. How do you know him?"
"We both grew up in the same town." Werner stated. "That's pretty much it."
"Ah. But it doesn't say why you are always so pessimistic about the subject of Dr. Alceste. He's the world's leading authority on the Filgaia theory, you know. It would be wise to include him."
"He's running for Senator to! He'd be the first senator of the territory! Just think what all that publicity would do to our cause!" Malik smiled.
"We've got enough publicity on our part, Malik. And I know why we're here Duran. I'd just be much happier nominating that popcorn kid Jack for Council then Leehalt. He may appear to be a public defender, but inside, he's a much darker man…" Werner explained.
Malik gave a smirk. "I think someone's jealous!"
"This is for the fate of Filgaia Werner. It really is beyond your personal inclinations, whatever they maybe or how they arose. So, just show some respect to the man. He IS the famous Dr. Leehalt Alceste!" Duran shook his head.
"Hey, there gonna start soon! Let's get over there!" Malik said as he began walking back through the crowd towards the railway.
Werner sighed as he sullenly followed, Duran making suit.
-
The band stopped their music, and the crowds dimmed their cheers. The man standing on the end balcony of the caboose was not Dr. Leehalt Alceste. He was a man with brown hair and a tiny mustache, dressed in the patriotic uniform that the soldiers wore as well, save a few too many bright buttons. He was a high ranking official within the territory. "'Ow eez everyone, today?!" He shouted at the top of his lungs in a strange accent. A large roar followed, making the man smirk.
"Who is this guy?" Werner asked Duran as they stood behind a large group of people.
"That's the Governing Representative, Jon Abondues. He's the territory's equelivent to a governor. He has no real say in nation politics at all, just a figurehead and a scape goat in case he's needed. He does run the territory itself though with little concern from the Houses. That's why everyone's so crazy about Dr. Alceste running for senator." Duran explained.
"I am so happy to see everyone so well today!" Jon, the Governing Representative, continued. "Well, my good ceetiizens, do you know who eez represtenting you in ze house?"
"NO ONE!" The crowd shouted in unison.
"Zat eez correct! Are we not a free people, united under ze same flag as za seven states?!" Jon asked for a reply once more.
"YEA!" The crowd shouted back.
"Zen we should acquire statehood! We deserved to be represented in ze house! We have a say is ze country's affairs, no?" Jon shouted.
"YEA!" The crowd shouted once more.
"Zen please welcome weeth all your hearts, ze territory's hero, ze one, ze only, Dr. Leehalt Alceste!" Jon stepped to the back, clapping his little white gloves as he faded from view in the midsts of the cheering from the crowd.
A new figure emerged on the balcony a few feet from the ground. He was tall, about Werner's height, with long black hair and a somewhat pale complexion. He was dressed in a clack suit with a necktie and brown eyes. He smiled as he stepped out, waving to the crowd gone nuts.
"So that's Dr. Alceste!" Malik said. "I've only read his books. I've never seen him before."
"I've never seen him smile before…" Werner thought aloud.
"Getting to see him will be hard. It is possible he never got around to seeing our letter, as he is an incredibly famous scientist…" Duran rubbed his beard.
Leehalt held up his hands after a few moments, indicating he required silence…
-
Night had fallen over Quartley, and the festivities were still carrying on, however without Dr. Leehalt Alceste. The town was honored that Dr. Leehalt's train was staying the night, and thus was an exceptional political tactic played out on Leehalt's part. The train was brightly lit due to the restless activities of Leehalt's election campaign crew. Paperwork, advice, typing, was all being down. The train was nicely furnished with a dark green carpeting and polished redwood interior with dark leather seating in its available cars. Yet, most of it was covered in propaganda and paper.
Leehalt was sitting in his private quarters, biting the top of a pen as he placed a pair of small reading glasses over his brown eyes to read what he was writing. It would be his next speech, and most of it was already typed out by his speech writers, but Leehalt always added a bit in by himself. He said it allowed him to make it his words and thus his vision. It was during this when the softly lit room heard a knock on his door. Now Leehalt's quarters were never quiet. He had the constant murmur of the rushing between cars out in the narrow hall, and the record playing on his phonograph introduced background music. The knocking continued and Leehalt swiped his glasses off his nose and placed it on the writing desk. He stood up and opened the door to see the Governing Representative Jon Abondues with three men: Duran, Malik, and Werner.
"Zese men have an appointment weez you Leehalt. Zey are from ze Council of Seven, so zey say." Jon said, awaiting approval or not.
Leehalt hesitated a moment, trying to remember what the council's letter said. He remembered and smirked. "Thank you Jon. You can let them in."
Jon nodded and turned to the three behind him. "You may proceed." And thus, Jon walked off, between briskly walking typists.
Dr. Duran Feld and Dr. Malik Benedict walked in first, followed by a reluctant Werner Maxwell. The three stepped in as Leehalt sat in his favorite leather armchair. "Have a seat gentlemen." Leehalt waved his arm, indicating the available chairs sitting against the wall.
The three took their seats. Duran looked to Werner. "Can you please pass the paperwork, Werner?"
Leehalt looked to the rawhide-coated man, surprise and shock mixed into his pale face. "Werner? As in Werner Maxwell, correct?"
Werner handed the papers over to Duran and gave a timid, false smile. "That's my name."
"Well Abram damn it all, if it isn't Werner Maxwell!" Leehalt slapped his suited knee. "I haven't seen you since our school days in Boot Hill! How are you doing?!"
Werner looked to Malik and Duran and then back to Leehalt. "I'm doing well enough, though apparently not so well as you are." Werner cleared his throat. "These are Dr. Duran Feld and Dr. Malik Benedict, my coworkers and fellow Council members."
Leehalt nodded. "Glad to meet your acquaintance, I'm sure." He then looked to Werner. "So, what have you been doing since you I left Boot Hill? Getting yourself involved in government, I see."
"Well, at first I was primarily in the private sector working in the coding field and on the Hyades code, but quite recently I was asked to join the Council of Seven by Dr. Feld here." Werner summed up.
"Dr. Alceste, you know Dr. Werner Maxwell personally?" Malik asked, intrigued.
"Yes I do, Dr… Benedict?" Leehalt received a nod from Malik. "We were best friends when we were young boys. From the beginning of school right until I left for University. It was just Werner, myself, and Ekatrina."
The mention of Ekatrina by Leehalt gave a silent shudder to Werner. He swallowed and interjected. "Well, can we get back to business?"
"Werner, there's no need to be rude." Duran narrowed his old eyes.
"We are facing a national crisis, Duran!" Werner spat back.
"Ah, well, I suppose business would be appropriate." Leehalt crossed his arms. "Now, what was it you needed from me? You seem like busy men, as I am one too, what with my campaign for the Senate."
"Senate…" Werner echoed. "Duran, Malik, can I see you two in private for a moment?"
"What for?" Duran asked.
"Trust me." Werner eyed him.
"Well, alright." Duran replied. "I'm terribly sorry for the inconvience Dr. Alceste. If you'd escuse us."
"Go ahead." Leehalt nodded.
Duran stood up and Werner opened the door. The two stepped out before Werner popped his head back in. "That means you to, Malik."
"Oh, right." Malik stood up and exited, closing the door.
The three were pressed against the door as the campaign employees frequently trotted back and forth down and up the hall. Duran crossed his arms, obviously showing annoyance, as Malik was just confused. "What's this about now, Werner?" Duran asked.
"Leehalt is currently running for senator, correct?" Werner stated.
"This is true, yes." Duran replied.
"The Senate is a full time job thousands of miles away from Yggdrassil and hundreds from Leyline. He wouldn't be able to do both the council and the Senate. And it's pretty apparent he's spent a lot of money on this campaign." Werner told the two.
"So you're saying that he wouldn't be able to do the Council?" Malik asked.
"Precisely. I don't think he's about to give up the Senate for Yggdrassil." Werner replied.
"You're preposterous Werner." Duran sighed. "Whatever vendetta you have against Dr. Alceste is irrelevant right now. The world is at stake so suck it up."
"Besides." Malik began. "We'll never know unless we ask."
Werner could see his was fighting a losing battle. Leehalt was a famous scientist, a celebrity, and a hero to the territories. A very honorable man to almost everyone: Elliot, Pete, Melody, Berlitz, and the two beside him. Was there nothing he could do? "Fine. We'll see."
The three stepped inside the room once more, taking their seats. Leehalt placed his fingers together. "Well, are we continuing, gentlemen?"
"Yes, Dr. Leehalt. Thank you for excusing our little mishap." Duran said as he eyed Werner.
"It's no problem at all, Dr. Feld." Leehalt smiled. "Now, where were we?"
"Err… How do you feel about PROJECT Yggdrassil and the Council of Seven?" Werner asked after he received a nudge in the ribs from both sides of him.
"I believe the salvation of our world is a necessity, despite the enormous costs. Filgaia is dying and we need to breathe life into her to make her a stronger, more resilient being for our future generations. Her death maybe estimated to be some six hundred years from now, but have we and out fathers and their fathers not been trying for the last three hundred to stop he decay? I am all for it and will push with all my strength in the senate to make sure PROJECT Yggdrassil is always running efficiently." Leehalt answered.
Malik laughed. "Sounds like your always pushing for votes!"
"That is good to hear, but we aren't in this for the politics." Werner crossed his arms.
"Dr. Alceste, you are the world's leading expert on the Filgaia theory. Your books and papers are more insightful than any other resource known. You may know that Yggdrassil runs on the Filgaia theory as well, do you?" Duran said eagerly.
"I do. Much of my word was built off Yggdrassil and off Welles Island and the former Councils." Leehalt nodded.
"None of our departments come close to the vast knowledge you possess on the subject. If indeed Filgaia is a living being, without proper knowledge, we may do her more harms than good. Our nanotechnologist states that in order to get Yggdrassil working, more research would be needed on Filgaia's anatomical and cellular structure…" Duran continued.
"Yes, as it would seem plausible. Nanotechnology could run amok and do devastating damage to a being, especially a planet, if not checked. I'm greatly impressed that you've acquired a nanotechnologist. It's a new and rare field, but one that Yggdrassil requires much of." Leehalt leaned foreword, interested.
"In order to save Filgaia, we need to know about Filgaia and the Filgaia Theory. In short…" Duran said. "We need your aid. We need you, Dr. Alceste, to head a department on the council of Seven and save Filgaia."
"But it would seem your running for senator. I don't think you could pull off both jobs." Werner interrupted.
"You are absolutely right, both of you." Leehalt leaned back into his chair with some thought. "With only a small understanding of Filgaia herself, you could easily end up advancing her condition. Still, I am running for senator, and have already pooled a great deal of my money and time into it. Many many people right now in the territories are depending on myself and my influence over the houses to gain statehood for the territories. I am deeply honored that you would come to me for my aid, but I will have to think about it. It has been a while since I was in the scientific realm, but the fate of the world rests upon your knowledge of Filgaia…." Leehalt put a hand to his chin. "If you would come back to me at a alter date, perhaps tomorrow evening, I will give you my word then."
"Thank you." Duran said. "Then we will be on our way."
-
"Duran, I thought you said you weren't good around people!" Werner mumbled as the three exited the train and into the night festivities.
"Normally I am not, but when the person who is supposed to be doing the talking is acting like a child, I have to say something!" Duran turned his chin. "I will see you both tomorrow."
"Good night Duran." Malik waved as the older man walked off.
"You don't know what's really going on, Duran…" Werner said, narrowing his eyes and tightening his fists. "I'm heading off. See you in the morning Malik." And with that, Werner walked off in the opposite direction.
"Good night Werner." Malik replied. He sighed as both Werner and Duran had vanished into the night. "Well this was fun. What with all this animosity, it's just me, by myself. And now I'm talking to myself. Good night Malik, have a nice night." And so, Malik walked off in a third direction, towards the laughter and glitter of a jubilee.
-
Leehalt reached into his desk drawer and fished through the contents before coming across a paper wrapped package. He pulled it out and blew the dust off, neatly unwrapping it. It was a picture frame of an old black and white photograph of Werner, himself, and Ekatrina when they were all in their mid teens.
"Ekatrina… I thought I had sealed you in a closed chapter of my life, but it would seem that my thoughts won't leave you. Why did Werner have to appear and remind me of you all over again…?"