Chapter 30: "Priority: The Council of Rondel"
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With the assistance of the UNE, both the Citadel Council and the Federation are giving the Reaper a significantly larger challenge. The extra ships and logistical support of the UNE allow the Federation to slow Reaper forces to almost a halt. On the other side of the galaxy, the Citadel Council with the help of UNE Terra Fleets mounted the first offensive, of the entire war, against the Reaper. They managed to gain some ground before the swarms of Reapers push them back and quickly regain the lost space. The operation was a massive loss of lives and assets due to many factors.
Reaper forces were significantly larger than UNE intel provided, their fleets block the sun from every world they arrive on. In an attempt to save face and keep public opinion high, the council is pointing fingers and blaming the UNE for the loss on their media channels. President Liam and UNE diplomatic branch have been silent regarding the matter, because it doesn't affect the UNE in any way and if it helps to keep the Council's support for the war then so be it.
However, the fact was there was no way to gain solid intel on the Reaper as it is almost impossible to infiltrate their space. It is only due to advanced stealth and cloaking technology of the UNE that they managed to learn limited intel.
In addition, the large gasp in capabilities between the Council military and that of the UNE makes it almost impossible to create an effective plan. Maneuvers that the UNE could easily pull off are impossible for the Council forces to make due to inefficient logistic and navigation technology. Plans that were reduced in efficiency to allow allied forces to keep up were less effective and resulted in large losses of war assets.
Many Generals and Admiral within the UNE voiced their concerns that including the Council's military is a liability. However, post-operation analysis reports from Terra Sphere proved otherwise. Without the extra body of the Council forces, the UNE would've suffered significantly more casualties than they already did. On the plus side, the frontline on the Citadel Council's side is now stable and the allied forces are fighting the Reaper forces to a stalemate, although, military analysts predict that they would not be able to keep this up for very long.
-Council Chamber, Rondel-
The 2 vehicles stop right outside of the chamber as the passengers dismount from them. The building is large, mostly white marble, and looks new like all buildings in the city.
"Only commander Ava, Lelei, knight Grey and 1 other are allowed to enter. Everyone else have to stay here, under guard, until the council allows you to freely travel in the city" master Cato says then he looks around the SIFs and their vehicles and continues "Although, I'm not sure if they can stop you from doing anything"
"Don't worry, master Cato, we'll play nice if your men don't threaten us" Ava assures.
"They won't, you have my word for it" master Cato says.
"Well then, let's not keep the council waiting. Rob you're with us" Ava says as she nods at Ashley to which she nods in return.
Rondel's council chamber is a large building that looks like a dome with a lot of unused space inside. The large size is mostly for ceremonial purpose as meeting hearing and even graduation events rarely take up all the spaces inside. The seats of the 4 councilors are in the middle, in front of them on both sides are the rows of seats higher up facing each other and in the center is a magically elevated silver platform where newly graduated mages receive their recognition. To be standing on the platform is a great honor for any apprentice mages and to be allowed to present your research or finding on the platform is a greater honor.
Master Cato leads the ground into the chamber to meet with the council. As they approach, the large stone doors open by themselves as the guards stand still. When they enter, Ava can see the whole chamber is as bright as a sunny day but there's no detectable source or light. She concludes that it's magic that is shining the place.
"Commander, Ashley is your second in command, why didn't you take her? No offend Lieutenant Rob" Lelei asks.
"None taken" Rob nods.
"Because she's second in command I can not take her with me" Ava replies.
"Why?" Lelei continues to be curious.
"We avoid being in the same place in case something bad happens to one of us, the other still remains to lead the platoon. If we're being in the same place and something happens, we both die then the platoon loses its high ranking officers. Of course, we have a clear succession system in place clearly indicates who will be taking charge in such an event but it would be a moral loss" Ava replies.
"I understand" Lelei replies.
"Quiet, we're approaching the council now" master Cato says.
The 4 councilors sitting silently on their seat watching Cato leading the stranger on the purple velvet. They could recognize Lelei and the imperial knight armor of Grey but the other worlders armor is strange. It covers their face and looks heavy but their steps don't make noise at all as they should.
Cato bows as the group do the same when they arrive in front of the council.
"Councilors, these are the people from beyond the gate" Cato says as he introduces Ava and Rob then he continues "This is Knight Grey of the Rose order and this is my apprentice, Lelei".
The councilors all stand up and slightly nod as a gesture of showing respect and then they sit back down to allow master Cato to introduce them. Both Ava and Rob have now dematerialized their helmet to show respect.
Cato starts introducing the councilors from left to right "This is councilor Quesar, councilor Usar, councilor Kristar and councilor Oasar" he pauses for a short moment and then continues "These are the name of the 4 brightest stars in Falmart's night sky, once an archmage ascends to the position of councilor, they have to give up everything personal including their name and take on the names of the stars. This is a sign of their vow and dedication to be the brightest among us to lead and to work towards the advancement of all".
The council consists of 4 members, 3 men and a woman. Two are human, one is an elf and one is a dwarf. The only woman councilor, Kristar, is the elf. Quesar and Usar are human and Oasar is dwarven.
"It's an honor to meet you, councilors" Ava says.
"Likewise" Kristar replies.
"Please, state your business coming to our city" Oasar speaks in a powerful voice.
"We are here on a diplomatic and exploration mission. Our objective is to talk for future relations between your city and my people as well as learn from you. We also believe that the cure for the Blood Plague is here in Rondel" Ava replies.
"We've heard of the Blood Plague, our city is safe from the plague as we have been isolating ourselves from the out world since we first hear the news. People can leave but no one can enter." Quesar says "However, we do not possess any spell or magic that can cure the plague. Even our most powerful healer mage succumbed to the disease when he tried to help the nearby village".
"Commander, Laura said the virus had been spreading for much longer before the first death. There's no way it didn't reach this city, something must be actively curing them, something our equipment can't detect" Rob whispers.
Ava nods slightly and then continues talking to the council "They why did you let us in?".
"Kaian informed us that you other worlders are immune to the plague and if apprentice Lelei and Knight Grey are traveling with you then they must be free of the deadly plague as well" Usar says.
Ava knows that they are not immune to the virus, they can treat it but they can still catch it and carry it with them. However, their bio scanner can detect the virus and no one in her unit including Grey and the civies have it so they pose no risk of spreading the plague in this city. Therefore, she decides to keep that to herself and not telling the councilors.
"Thank you for letting us enter your great city, as Lelei had told me that there are great many mysteries within the Grand Library of Rondel that you haven't discovered yet. We would like to gain access and look for the answer ourself, maybe we will find the cure among them" Ava says.
The councilors look at each other not sure how to replies, Kristar is the one that speaks first "The Grand Library is a holy place, the place that holds all our power, each and everyone in this city will die to protect it if we have to. We can't just let anyone enter it".
"If I may, commander" Grey steps forward and says as Ava nods in agreement, he looks up to the councilors and continues "The great city of Rondel is a place or enlightenment, and for that you earned the respect of many Emperors of the Empire. You are famous for dedicating yourselves to seek for knowledge, not for power but for the better of all. If these people have the mean to unlock the secret of the monoliths, would it not at least make you curious? Is your curiosity not itching?".
Kristar looks at every other councilor as they nod back at her, she stands up and looks down to the group "The council has decided to allow you access to the Grand Library. However, you will be supervised all time by our best battle mages and master Cato, you will be responsible for them. Lastly, you must share with us everything that you learn".
Ava looks at Cato as he nods to her, she looks to the councilors "We gladly accept your terms".
-Rondel's Minerva Temple-
Kaian is meditating in front of the large Minerva statue, his spear is staying still upright next to him without anything holding it. Rory walks up the red-carpet stair and stop right behind him. She put her hand together and say a prayer to pay respect for the god.
"What are you doing here?" Kaian says still not moving and his eyes are still closed.
"The thing you said earlier, you think something big is happening?" Rory asks.
Kaian bow to the statue for a good minute then stands up and turn to face Rory "I tell me, I'm just a newling" he says with a slow calm voice.
Rory steps forward and looks up to the statue "For almost a thousand years since Emroy took me from my parents and made me apostle, there had never been silence. I could always here faint whisper of the gods during my prayer" she kneels down and blows a candle to lid it on fire "Now it's so quiet".
"You think the gods had abandoned us? And the plague is their punishment" Kaian says.
Rory tilts her head slightly "Think about it, there's no reason for them to abandon us. If they were not happy with how things were they could have instructed us to compose the world to their liking, and even when we fail they'll chose another generation of apostles to try again before anything else. No, this is too sudden. Something must be happening, something big"
She walks pass Kaian, who is deep in his thought, towards the door "I'm going to Emroy temple to find out more, leave my friends alone or I'll hunt you to the end of time" Rory says.
"I fought them in Icia because they were desecrating the temple, and I failed. That is in the past and I will ask Minerva for her forgiveness, if then she asks me to seek revenge then I will. For now, If they show respect for her holiness then I won't get in their way. You have my word" Kaian replies.
Rory nods before she walks out of the door and jumps away.
-Rondel Inn-
Rondel Inn is the largest and oldest Inn in the city. It is the only Inn that has a big enough yard for the SIFs' vehicles to park in. The Inn yard is barely enough for the vehicles to park and the fence is thin. David concerns that the layout of this building is not good to set up defensive positions. Although she agrees with him, Ava insist that they have to make do with it and do the best they can. In additional, the council arranged them to stay in this place because it is the fanciest place in the city and to change is to show disrespect to them.
After settling in, everyone, except the SIFs that are on guard duty, is now having dinner with Cato in the inn's dining room. It's a large room but also crowded with people of all races. The place is noisy from all the drunk singing, laughing and loud talking.
"Soooo, Rondel Inn? Not a very creative name for the biggest hotel in town" Jimmy says.
"Hotel?" Cato asks.
"Oh, I forgot you guys don't have hotel. A hotel is like and inn but bigger and fancier, mostly" Jimmy replies.
"Interesting" Cato replies as he strokes his long white beard "Rondel Inn was the first inn here thousands of years ago when the city was just a small village. So, you know, you don't have to stand out and folks who opened it was just simple farmers with some extra money".
"So, this place has a history to it? Nice!" Jimmy says as he continues looking around the place.
"Nobody seem to care about us" Ashley says as she has been observing the surrounding. They have been the center of attention everywhere they went on this world, but since they came to this inn, no one gave them a weird look other than some curious souls.
"As you can see, Rondel is a place of equal for every race unlike other cities in the Empire, not just human. Everyone is welcomed, so, everyone come. Because of that, strange people walk around the city is not strange at all" Cato says as he chuckles "Earlier, people gather to watch your wagons because they look heavy and floating in the air without any sign of magic. Even I got curious and I've seen a lot".
"Yea, we got that a lot" Ashley replies.
The waiters bring their food up and put them on the long table. Each of them has a bread and a bowl of what looks like pumpkin soup. On the table, there are a few plates of cooked meats that smell really well and a few plates of fruits. This meat is the same one as what they had back in Coda village but, this time, it is prepared by a better chief.
"So, Jimmy?" Ava asks.
"It's safe, we can eat" Jimmy says after he finishes his scan of the food.
Cato dips his bread into the bowl of soup and take a bite "Don't worry, we won't poison you" he says as he's chewing a mouth full of bread.
"It's not that, protocol dictate that the medic of the unit has to scan the food in foreign land before the unit could eat. One of many things we do to keep the unit's combat effectiveness high, we don't want diarrhea in the middle of a fight" Ava replies.
"Commander! You have to try this beer, it's so good" Grey raises his mug.
"No thank you, we're not allowed to drink on duty" Ava replies.
"Ha! You're no fun" Grey says as he takes another sip from the mug.
"So, the Blood Plague, I heard you said something about a 'virus'? What is a virus?" Cato asks Ava.
"Ms. Laura here is better qualified to answer this question than I am" Ava replies then nods at Laura who is enjoying her food.
"Oh! Mmm, excuse me" Laura almost chokes hearing her name all of the sudden, she swallows the bit in her mouth and then explains for Cato "Most diseases are caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasite. You can see parasite and some fungi but you can't see bacteria and viruses because they're so tiny that you need specialized equipment to see them".
Laura puts her phone on the table and project the image of the Blood Plague virus. The image is big enough for Cato to see clearly but small enough to not attract attention.
"This is the Blood Plague virus" Laura says as the image of the spiky virus rotate slowly "This little guy is just like every other virus it has an envelope, viral tegument, nucleocapsid, etc. However, what's strange is that it doesn't have a viral genome and it doesn't behave like a normal virus. Usually, viruses depend on their host cell's protein synthesis pathways to reproduce but this one, literally, eat the cells and pops new viral replicate out of thin air. This is why normal medicine can't cure it and only with nanite technology, which the virus can't eat, that we can cure it".
Cato stares at the holographic image of the virus for a while "I don't understand a thing you say, ma'am".
"Well, in short, virus is bad, tiny and make you sick, this one doesn't act normal and we believe it was created by magic" Laura sums it up.
"Ah, now that I understand, and you think the Grand Library has a spell to cure this plague?" Cato asks.
"That would be the best-case scenario, we're hoping to at the very least find out which spell created this virus so you good mages could come up with a way to fight it" Laura replies.
"I see. I'll try to help as best as I can" Cato says then looks over to Lelei "Young one, since you are already here, would you like to take the test for graduation? I think you're ready".
Unlike modern educational system where tests are predetermined, apprentice mages will be trained by their master and will be allowed to take that test at anytime when their master deems that they're ready. The test will be supervised by the council and examiners. If they pass the test, they will become mages and will be allowed to chose different paths of magic such as combat, healing, growing, etc.
"I would love to, master Cato" Lelei replies.
"Hold on, how does this test work?" Ava says.
"Commander, if you're afraid that Lelei taking the test will hurt the progress of your mission, I must inform you that when you establish a diplomatic talk with the council, you'll need someone to testify and vouch for you to gain the trust of the various guilds in the city. That role can only be fulfilled by a fully appointed mage, which Lelei can if she passes the test" Cato says then he looks back at Lelei "It would be in your interest to help her".
"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Ava asks Cato then looks at Lelei "Why didn't you tell me about this?".
Both of them answer in sync "You didn't ask" then look at each other and look back at Ava then both shrugs.
"Fine, when can you do this?" Ava asks.
"It depends on when she wants to take the test" Cato looks at Lelei.
"Give me 1 day to prepare" Lelei says.
"Then I'll inform the council to prepare for the test that will happen the day after tomorrow" Cato replies in joy.
"Let hope we also find what we came for by then. Alright people, let warp this up quickly and get some rest we're moving out at 0700 tomorrow" Ava orders.