CHAPTER 2388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74vBvGtVHv
B217 woke up with a start. It had been 7 hours, and he hadn’t slept since. Not that he had been getting much sleep in the first place, The lack of sleep on a day to day basis was starting to take its toll on the poor Acolyte. The large list of potential and imminent crisis wasn’t helping either.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UdS3B0DPz
His Comm-pad was blaring loudly–-at that ungodly hour of the night of all times--that there was an incoming call, he gave the gadget a look that could have burnt holes through the floor, he calmly answered. ‘Never show anger after all, it's a sign of a weak mind.’388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzY3yCcthc
“Are you watching this?” bellowed the voice on the other end. What a stickler for preliminaries the Acolyte thought. He tapped his Comm-pad a few times and the wall in front of his bed lit up into a screen. The news was on.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6EYvLY0o4
It took few moments for his head to gain clarity on the nature of the report. Then he cleared his throat, taking in the details.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX08mnQQW3
“Why wasn’t I told of this?”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGehufFQ8D
“It hadn't come to my attention” he replied neutrally.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgxySuE4N8
“Well make sure it does.” the voice growled “This changes the security issue in the Primus Bloc. The last thing we need is a bunch of exiles stirring up an uprising with the aid of alien technology we know nothing about.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69r4qQRmi4
“I understand.”, again the neutral reply.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcasfijQcs
“For your sake, you had better. I also need not remind you that it would be best to be well informed when you meet Flems later today”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Rji2UlSFi
“Yes -” he was about to reply but the line went dead.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeXTIeTwn8
“You mean well informed before Flems is don't you?” he said quietly in to the night.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItMD572HbK
He sighed. There goes another good nights sleep. Brother Tressor sure made life for Acolytes hell. To B217, it seemed to be his sole purpose in life. He should know, he was his personal Acolyte after all.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRnaisN33k
Being Prime Minister of a Federal Government run by an underground organisation did that to you. Especially considering the same organisation through the said government toppled a ruthless Empire. 388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylBjVtPqbw
He sighed again. Yes, the Lowmen war hadn’t been pretty and Brother Trens was a product of that war. All B217 asked sometimes was that he didn’t make it a point that everyone around him felt it.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3rQYWguAy
He cast another weary eye on the news playing on the screen and sighed once more before getting out of bed. The rest of the night was a hectic blur. The entire morning was spent moving from department to department to institution and back again, often haranguing some few whilst others had their heads make the proverbial head roll. Those were mostly from the national broadcaster for their lack of discretion which had gone on record quite a few times it seemed.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbyKwfpPJr
Then he had to move various personnel from the Departments of Investigations, Natural Phenomena and Interstellar Research and make up an emergency investigations panel. Five hours later he had more questions than answers and the few answers he had, weren’t pleasing ones.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGwXMcHeZ9
“It seems to be a device that mimics a black hole, Brother” he was explaining388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQesZRjVQ4
“I thought you said you had good news?” Brother Trens’ face was turning a dark hue. Just slightly stressed he told himself. To the Public this man was Prime Minister Portius Clole, Second of the Federal Republic of The Starlance System formerly known as the Nebulon System. Feared and respected by many, and loved by few.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKcniLAC0K
He wasn’t quite a big man but he wasn’t average either. Not so much muscular as powerfully built with broad shoulders and a pot-belly. Large brawny arms added to his intimidating figure and complimented his ruthless veneer.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz777H46bT
“I was implying that we know what it does.“B217 replied. Self control was something he learned early in his days as an Acolyte in the temple of the Most High Being. It came in handy when dealing with unsavoury Brethren.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW72MF7BJ5
“Fool, you know nothing” Clole declared, as he leaned back visibly trying to calm himself. “You have no idea as to the scope of its capabilities, its origins, how many of those devices there possibly could be, how many are in the possession of this or any other exile or in the very least who that exile was on the Holo- Clip.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWbQSx7uS7
“So what do you know B217, because I’m starting to wonder what you’ve been doing for the past 5 hours?”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD2sehzrQm
B217’s jaw tightened but he managed to answer levelly, “Theories, Brother. We have a few theories as to the true nature of the device. After all we only have a Holo-clip that's been transmitted halfway across the system from a rather turbulent planet. We would need more to go on to understand it better. As for the identity of the man in the clip? So far our Intel indicates he isn’t linked to any known anti-government movement. Based on other details of his person, we suspect he may be from Reeva block. We might have to consider... ”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH9EtQPQBD
“That far?! Are you sure?”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQYUtS5Duv
“Again its only a theory.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2zBnNUIE3
The huge Brother let out a long breath through his nostrils then sat up suddenly.” Get out. You can go make the report to Flems. What ever comes, I know before he does.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIQ7K8o86W
“Of course” B217 replied and took his leave. Inside he was fuming. Although it had been expected, Trens rarely made visits to the Temple, and much less when he had very little to report. No, the good Prime Minister never walked into any situation  lost face in. That job was for underlings, Acolytes and Missives. That way at least, he didn’t hand over any political ammunition to Eldest Brother Flems, head of the Temple’s secret Brotherhood of Stars 388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn2DT4HCTv
Two hours later the young Acolyte found himself standing in the chambers of the said head. Not that it had taken him that long to get to Temple Ground. 388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUZECKSgRj
It was situated right in the heart of Hem Valzar, so much so that it was called the Heart of Hem Valzar. Far off from Government Chambers and the adjoining Senate, which were to the east end of the city, less than a mere half hour by shuttle service, which he preferred over the large selection of government vehicles at his disposal. He only drove when it couldn’t be avoided. It certainly could, on this occasion.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RAxo80lSJ
Eldest Brother Flems was a slight man, whose remarkably youthful appearance belied the years this man carried on his shoulder. To say he was a calm old man would be an understatement. For as long as B217 had known him he was always smiling, always jovial and always in control of the situation. The overwhelming sense of warmth, friendliness and innocence made his hackles rise. In this system where tyrants fell to other tyrants, such a man couldn’t exist. He wasn’t real, couldn’t be real! He was an enigma, a paradox and by no means someone to trifle with.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3lgkxr5fM
He sighed. Sometimes he thought the real reason why Trens made him liaise and report to Flems was so that by some miracle of the stars Flems would get rid of him. Hopefully he was wrong.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXV9Ye1jQp
For now, the only act of malice towards him, was being made to stand in waiting, for nearly two hours, whilst the Eldest Brother tended to his precious wall of flowers. Taking a seat would have been indiscipline –- not having been offered one-- and a sign of weakness. Something B217 didn’t care to show.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr3D97ed4x
So for nigh two an hour, he stood there in the midst of Eldest Brother Flems’ considerable chambers as the old florist monk fleeted across his beloved wall on a gravity board. 388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e3tWKRing
Trying to sate 'old life crisis'  no doubt, he had long concluded. Also known as boredom.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCXSi7ENad
“Who do you plan on sending?” 388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqfLe3SjEh
"Finally!" he exclaimed inwardly and breathed an invisible sigh of relief ‘The Old bugger speaks.’ The question had caught him off guard so he did his best to look only a little puzzled rather than like a complete fool.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwIyORG1zp
“I beg your pardon Brother, I don’t quite follow your meaning?”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YOlSPDH3y
Flems sighed, his characteristic warm disarming smile playing on his face. After handing over his tools he strode towards B217 and embraced him at arms length.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgltTNcPeM
“B217 do sit down and loosen up a bit.” he sighed again “You’re such a stickler for formality it's stifling!”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7VoWV9NPR
A truly perplexed look gave way this time. “As you say, Brother.” he said as he allowed himself to be ushered into a rather comfortable seat.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReeGd17a2f
 ‘Must be my standing for too long’ he told himself.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmjNrpT2jQ
“Now” Flems began once settled, "Sending in a contingent from the military would be a gross political mistake. Every Anti-Federation terrorist and rebel would be at the Four Brethren faster than it would take the state Broadcaster to air a single broadcast. Why you may ask? It's because predators pick up on fear pretty well. You don’t want your enemies knowing you are unsettled by this, do you?”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPKsfO8Z83
He merely shook his head slowly.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDquXhEiEr
“Of course that’s not to say they don’t already suspect. It just keeps their reactions manageable. So I...”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJvgjsQzMh
“You think a single operative would be better suited to our situation, especially since exiles have little love for anything Federal, least of all the army.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsGoOn4pEi
Flems smiled broadly and spread out his arms. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. I see why Trens has you in such high regard.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTO4K9b8p9
“You flatter me “388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvXNzlEJ7T
“Merely an observation. No need for such modesty.” he crooned. B217 felt his hackles rising. He hoped it wasn’t too noticeable. ”None the less let me pose my question again.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkelaKjsEG
“I’m working on a team to be on standby.” he didn’t elaborate. In truth they were three operatives operating separately. One from Discreet Affairs, one from the Army’s STORM wing and the last a mercenary from the infamous Val-guard. On top of that they weren’t on standby. They’d already been deployed.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU21AQZj9L
Flems eyed him for a moment, still smiling.”How confident are you of their capabilities?” he finally asked.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBogegZHLdN
‘Impressive! The old geezer already knows!’ but he only shrugged and answered. “Given their records and recommendations, I can allow myself a little confidence.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2B79GzrIlo
“And your contingency measures?”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY40kpdax0
“I have the last resort of the army. Though by the time I should need them, we should have more data on a better course of action. Either that or we would have acquired the device safely into our possession. ‘Or had it destroyed’ he left unsaid.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlYLj7AiZ6
It seemed Flems’ smile couldn’t stop broadening but instead he only said “Very well. It seems you have this all, well figured out. Though how do you plan on avoiding another big media mess like the last one. After all whether you send in the army or a covert operative from DA, you don’t expect the exile, or any exile for that matter, to surrender the device and any knowledge relating to it, amicably.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk81Ld9yY2E
“I...”He hesitated, trying to portray the image of a subordinate who acted without consulting his superiors and may have made a foolish decision. “I took the liberty of... reorganising the State Broadcaster and reviewing the  broadcast guidelines. It is my hope there won’t be a repetition of last night’s fiasco. At least not any time soon.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpVlwJYEkf
“I suppose that’s acceptable” he nodded his approval. The Acolyte showed his half hidden relief and stood to take his leave but Flems waved him back to his chair. And so he sat down again. “Sit, sit. I have another matter to discuss with you.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jkg1HcAz6
 “As you know we have our man in the Emissary’s delegation to the League of Ten Thousand Celestials. We’ve been trying, in vain, to land a seat since nearly the beginning of the Nebulon dynasty. Now, five hours ago he reported in saying there may be a change of heart. Apparently, the Chief Emissary was showcasing some of the highlights of our broadcasters, amongst other things, to the Internal Committees on Security, Commerce and Travel. 388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaeZIEOPo0
“It was whilst they were streaming a live broadcast from last night that one of the Heads called for a brief adjournment to discuss an urgent matter.” He paused to let his words sink in.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6SHHquZN9
 “A few hours Later the Committees came back to extend their eager wishes to visit and assess our eligibility on the ground.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1YHJF54U3
His already risen hackles seemed to edge even higher, but the Acolyte kept calm. “I don’t believe he let on, on when these dignitaries wished to visit, perhaps?”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofUVeWuVME
“I was hoping you’d tell me!” he burst out laughing388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZde2mkm5C
“By law, all requests and communiques, by and to any dignitaries, written or otherwise proceed directly to and from the Head of Government. Brother Trens hasn’t informed me of any such request.” he surrendered. 388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp2r5l0nAx
“Yes well. I suppose you had other issues to deal with.” the old Monk smiled.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJcnEXVTZT
‘Or such a communiqué never reached him.’ but he just kept silent, his expression blank but serious.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTjnOnLH2r
“Still I don’t believe in coincidence. It would be wise to look deeper into this matter wouldn't you say? Where the League is involved things tend to go...badly.” he surmised “Better preparation is in order.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqgnKkVHAC
“Of course. Right away brother!” he rose and bowed taking his leave. Clearly the discussion was over. There was always a finality in Flems’ words that said so.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzYOY3KNPO
“Oh and B217” he called from behind him, “Try to be better informed faster will you.”388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5R46dC3R4
“Yes, Brother.” he bowed again and left before something new came up.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPMP3S9bSG
It seemed he had been wrong about the entire situation. If the League were interested in the same thing it meant one of two things. Either the League wanted it for themselves or knew something they didn’t. Worse still both scenarios could be true. The Acolyte couldn't quite decide which unsettled him more.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8ZpOdlcLp
The situation now called for individuals with particularly peculiar skill sets. In fact one individual. He’d have to pull some massive strings and call on a number of favours and IOU s, but if he  pulled it off he’d have the galaxy’s best mercenary dealing with this mess. He couldn’t leave this to chance given the level of technology in question and given the League was now in the equation. As much as they may want people to think so,having the League encroach – however so little – into your territory was never a good thing.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XPm6MRUrn
This had just promised to be an even longer day than it had so far already been, with many more such days in tow.