diff --git a/anti-refugee-protests-3.txt b/anti-refugee-protests-3.txt index f9df261..ad7080c 100644 --- a/anti-refugee-protests-3.txt +++ b/anti-refugee-protests-3.txt @@ -169,5 +169,78 @@ Nikki shrugged. Were wearing what looked like practicant robes. ―They might pay more attention to Auroklos, Nikki said, but they'll also have a better sense of what's being coerced out of him. - + And again, Cal, if we need extra leverage... +―Do the letters you have implicate Auroklos in the violence at all? + +―No, not directly. + But we can make the implication. + +Calvin nodded, although he felt uneasy. + +------------- + +It wasn't long until Auroklos arrived, wearing the full regalia of the Hierarch. +He came alone, as he usually did. + +―President Calvin, thank you for indulging me at this hour. + I have a matter of grave concern I would discuss with you in private. + +He indicated Nikki and Vaughan. + +―Welcome, Hierarch. + These are trusted members of my office, I can assure you. + +Auroklos looked overly hesitant, as though to put on a show of accommodating the request. +Calvin's forehead started to feel stretched, the beginnings of a headache spreading down to his temples. + +―Well, Calvin, if you insist, my hands are tied. + I bring you bleak news, a rather unhappy development from the sorry events earlier today. + +―Hierarch, if you mean the riots caused by the Flocks, stoked by Hierarchy Practicants, there are many unhappy developments. + I think it would be best if the Hierarchy could punish those within the Order who are responsible, and denonuce the vile garbage spewed to the farm animals they wronged. + +Auroklos looked annoyed, and waved the statement away. + +―That is unimportant. + Calvin― + +―It's President Calvin. + Or Your Excellency. + Hierarch Auroklos, I have respected your office, and while you stand here, you should respect mine. + +Some glimmer of life and resistance came into the Hierarch's eyes. + +―Respect my office by threatening to attack the Order, to replace me in my role? + +―I am making no threats, Hierarch. + Merely asking for courtesy. + +―A veiled dagger is no less sharp for being hidden, your Excellency. + Fine, I have no desire to support the attacks on the poor wretches trying to force the way into our city. + In the end, we lost people as well, for nothing. + If you identify those Practicants responsible, the Hierarchy will not stop you from pursuing justice against them. + Another issue, one far more pressing, brings me here, however. + You are familiar with the epidemic spreading through Northhaven, correct? + +Calvin nodded, intrigued. + +―Well, I think it is not unreasonable to say that it has had an unusually large effect on the Flocks in Northhaven. + Those kept awake for days on end, or kept from working, or simply driven mad by the effects of it. + They're the ones who are pushing the Flocks to violence. + But, a message from Yakaterina has brought me even greater turmoil, your Excellency. + You see, the source of the problem is not a simple parasite or worm, or indeed any other mundane medical malady. + Instead, something more insidious is at play. + I believe it to be the work of a Voiced being. + One who has managed to attack the city. + More than that, I believe it to be related to the New Meadowlark. + +―You think the New Meadowlark, the group that showed up to fight your supporters, is secretly responsible for an epidemic? + Isn't that a bit too convenient, Hierarch? + +―Indeed, President Calvin, I would. + I will merely add this. + My predecessor Yakaterina bids me to pass on a message directly to you, in reply to your inquiries. + +Calvin saw the look that Nikki flashed him. +One of slight disgust and surprise, welded together with disappointment.