Special Notes: Photo above is the Cabin Jaco is hiding in. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. [The White Raven, Chapter 9, Manipulations] [The Gunslinger Base, Planet Raunu] I’m confused... where am I? The room slowly comes into focus. Oh yea, I’m in a cabin on the Gunslinger Base. How long was I sleeping? There’s ashes in the fireplace, I think I lit a fire. Lucky nobody saw it. I sit up and stretch, it feels like I’ve been sleeping for a week. I feel good. The fever must have passed in the night. I check my wrist implant, just past noon, I really slept a long time. Wait… this can’t be right? I thought today was the third of the month, but my wrist implant says it’s the eleventh. I seriously lost track of time somewhere. “Get your head together, Jaco.” I check my pockets for an energy bar… oh, no, I ate all five already. Huh? Here’s another energy bar. I thought I ate them all. No, here’s my wrappers; just four wrappers. “Wow, Jaco, you were really out of it, can’t believe I didn’t die from that fever. Maybe I wasn’t as sick as I thought I was.” The energy bar tastes odd. Yuck, it’s stale. I check the expiration date… oh that’s just wrong. This bar expired last year. The supply Priestess must have given me an old one by accident. I thought they stopped making this flavor. Weird. No, I remember when she was giving me supplies, she pulled all the energy bars from a fresh box, and they were all the same flavor. This one is a different flavor, someone at the factory must have screwed up. I stand and stretch again, my muscles feel so tight, then I hobble over to window and peek outside. It’s a good thing I still had another energy bar, I’m hungry but will have to wait until it’s dark to go find food. Other than a little over-night cold, this is easy. I didn’t think it would be so easy to get past the Gunslingers. I guess they just aren’t as clever as me. My tablet is lying on the floor and I pick it up and stretch out in the nice comfortable chair next to the cold fireplace. I read what I wrote and push the delete button. I’m not sending that, I was out of my head when I wrote that, it would just scare Pesa. Dear Pesa. I got your message on Grackle Net, that was a good idea. Everything is quiet here, I’m hiding right now and will go out tonight to look for food. I should finish this mission in a week and be out of here. Hope to see you on Darai. ***** [Clapper Province, House Eagle, Planet Darai] The War-Ship swoops over the trees and descends on the cabins without warning; a double-winged mythological bird painted on the side of the ship identifies it as a House Clapper War-Ship. “Well, that didn’t take long,” Vas growls. “There must be a spy here reporting to Lord Clapper.” “Mergan, high muckity-muck inbound.” “Calm down everyone, Lord Clapper is a friend and our benefactor, and House Raven allies, not our enemy,” whispers Mergan heading to the War-Ship. “Should I go greet him?” asks the White Raven. “No, stay with the class you’re teaching, and everyone else do the same,” orders Mergan. “Especially you Vas, behave yourself.” Mergan takes a position next to the ship where the ramp will be lowered once the engines power-down. Kit takes a position behind his mate and to the side slightly, as is proper for a male. Coolant bleeds off in vaporous clouds from the engines and the ship becomes silent. “I hope he doesn’t tell the story of how he got shot in the buttocks again during the war,” says Kit. “You behave yourself too, love, and try to remember your place,” scolds Mergan. “I am but yours to command, dear,” says Kit sarcastically. The old dogma was set aside by Moeth a long time ago. Males in her Alliance have equal rights, if not legally, at least according to the word of Moeth and Raen. The ramp lowers and a squad of heavily armed elite guard runs down the ramp to take positions around the War-Ship. “Ah-oh,” whispers Kit over the ear-bug Com-link. “We’ve got a problem, these aren’t Lord Clapper’s soldiers, they’re Lady Clapper’s elite guard.” “Damn,” whispers Vas. “We must have stirred up the hornet’s nest.” “I hope that ship didn’t scare the owls,” whispers Peli. ‘Scare the owls’ is the Moeth Alliance's code phrase for 'the Com-link has been compromised'. If Lady Clapper is attending the issue personally, it is likely Lady Raven and the Raven Council is also listening. At the very least the Raven Temple will be recording the visit. A tall figure steps out of the ship and onto the ramp, along with four more of the elite guard. Lady Clapper’s eyes take in the entire camp and then she glides gracefully down the ramp. “Greetings, My Lady,” says Mergan bowing deeply. “Greetings, Doctor,” replies Lady Clapper. “Was I misinformed that you are in Residency at Raven General?” “No, My Lady, I have been reassigned as the White Raven’s personal physician,” replies Mergan. “My duties to the Temple come before my personal ambitions.” “I am impressed with your display of loyalty, Doctor. Not many First Year Alliances are able to impress a Fourth Year student to join them in the first place, let alone get them to return once the Alliance graduates the Temple.” “I was honored to join The Heart of Darai,” says Mergan. “And even more honored that they did not forget me during the three years we were apart.” Lady Clapper moves past Mergan and takes Kit by the hands. Kit keeps his head bowed and eyes down. “And here is the famous medic that performed field surgery on our dear cousin, Prince Vengeance, during the war and saved his life,” says Lady Clapper. “I am told you have completed your Physician’s Assistants Degree.” “Yes, My Lady,” says Kit keeping his eyes on the ground. “Well done,” says Lady Clapper. “You are an inspiration to all males that they can achieve a useful role in our society if given the proper female supervision.” “Thank you, My Lady,” says Kit. “No doubt his success is largely due to your diligence, Doctor,” says Lady Clapper. “Of course, My Lady, I have kept a firm hand on him,” says Mergan. ”Oh what a load of rubbish,” whispers Vas on the ear-bug Com-link. “Males can think all by themselves without any help.” “Mind your tongue,” scolds Peli. “You will be disciplined severely for that outburst.” “I apologize, my mate,” whispers Vas. “Thank you for correcting me, my male aggression over-took my senses.” Mergan watches Lady Clapper closely. The exchange between Peli and Vas was an obvious set-up to determine if the Com-link was indeed being monitored by the Raven Council and Temple. There is a momentary flicker at the corner of Lady Clapper’s eyes; and yes, the Council and Temple are listening to the Com-link. Mergan sees the opportunity to try and turn this around and put Lady Clapper on the defense instead of the Moeth Alliance. “One moment, My Lady,” says Mergan turning around and cupping a hand over her ear. Lady Clapper watches, amused and interested. “If I hear another outburst like that, all the males will be scraping mold off cabin floors for a month,” whispers Mergan, then turns back to Lady Clapper. “Terribly sorry, My Lady, sometimes they are such a handful.” Lady Clapper smiles. “Doctor, you will not discipline any of your males, nor keep a firm hand on them. Your Alliance is famous for letting your males do whatever they like, and Kit is an exceptional male, and that is why he is excelling. And yes, the Owls are listening. You could have just asked instead of the elaborate ruse.” “I apologize, you are more skilled at intrigue than I,” says Mergan. “I am aware that Moeth and Raen have sneaked off world to Demonia, and have been causing quiet a commotion there,” says Lady Clapper. “I suspect to try and negotiate a mutual trade contract, likely something to do with Ring and his special plants. Now, who was that male pretending to be penitent on the Com-link? Was it Vas, the true second in command of this Alliance after Raen?” Lady Clapper lowers her voice and whispers. “Vas, get yourself over here, now.” Mergan cringes, Lady Clapper was on their Com-link the whole time. “Coming, My Lady,” whispers Vas. “Do not look so chagrined, Doctor,” says Lady Clapper turning to Mergan. “I am pleased this Alliance felt it necessary to greet me with their most intelligent. I would like for you and your mate to come to Clapper Manor for dinner. I have a Residency position available at Clapper Medical Center and want you take the position, which you will. After completion of your Residency you will be responsible for the clinic we will build here as well as several other clinics in the Province. We will discuss it when you come to dinner, I’ll have my people send details. Now, where is that evil young Raven?” “So you’re not going to attack us?” ask Mergan. “Run along, Doctor, I’m certain you have patients to attend,” orders Lady Clapper. “Yes, My Lady,” says Mergan and humbly walks away, dismissed like an errant hatchling. Vas runs up and bows to Lady Clapper. “My Lady,” says Vas. “I have three shock Battalions at the base of the mountain, House Hawk is scrambling a Division, House Raven has two Divisions ready to deploy along with five drop ships in orbit, House Sparrow has a Battle Carrier in Orbit, and House Grackle has threatened to shut down the entire satellite network, and has a Division preparing to deploy.” “How did this happen so quickly?” asks Vas. “Four days ago the Raven Goddess Statue burst into flames and has been burning since,” explains Lady Clapper. “It took us until yesterday to figure out why.” “That’s when the White Raven declared this place House Eagle,” says Vas. “Are the other House’s listening to our Com-link as well.” Lady Clapper motions for one of her elite guard. The soldier runs forward and holds a Com-device in his hand between Vas and Lady Clapper. “They are now,” says Lady Clapper. “Every House on Darai is waiting to hear what you say.” “This mountain is not House Eagle,” says Vas. “The orphans are House Eagle, and they are spread all across the planet. This place is only where we wait for Lord Eagle, but we can do that anywhere. If anyone attacks this mountain, I will order the orphans to run into the forest and disappear, and then you can fight over this pile of rock until your feathers fall out.” “You do not claim this land as your own?” asks Lady Clapper. “No, you have graciously offered to host us while we wait, but we will leave if you withdraw your offer,” replies Vas. “Very good, then House Clapper has no issue with House Eagle, nor will we interfere with House Eagle in any way. Our offer to House Eagle to remain on this mountain stands for as long as House Eagle wishes to remain. House Clapper withdraws it’s troops,” declares Lady Clapper taking two ceremonial steps backwards. “House Clapper has withdraw it’s troops,” says a voice from the Com-device the soldier is holding. “House Hawk withdraws it’s troops, but requests that a Hawk Priestess be permitted to travel to House Eagle as a spiritual advisor.” “Accepted,” replies Vas trying to keep his expression blank. “House Sparrow withdraws from the conflict, and offers to build and staff a proper schooling system,” says another voice. “Accepted,” replies Vas, his eyes narrowing slightly. “House Grackle withdraws, and offers to build a Communications Center for House Eagle,” says another voice. “Accepted,” replies Vas, anger beginning to show on his face, the manipulation of what the Houses are doing is obvious now. “House Raven withdraws, and requests the Commonwealth Senate elevate Master Raven Moeth to the rank of Governor of House Eagle and Master Raven Raen to the rank of Lieutenant Governor,” says another voice. That voice Vas recognized, it was Lady Raven. “The Commonwealth Senate of Darai accepts the appointment of Governor Moeth and Lieutenant Governor Raen, with the additional appointment of Master Raven Vas to Commanding General of House Eagle. The Senate also commissions General Vas to raise an appropriate army to ensure no further hostility against House Eagle threatens the peace.” “Accepted,” replies Vas dryly. Lady Clapper nods to Vas, “Good Day, General,” and then turns and walks back to her War-Ship. The guard holding the Com-link shuts the device off but doesn’t leave with Lady Clapper. “I will remain here, General,” says the soldier. “You will be receiving many messages from other Houses, is there a place I can use as a temporary Com-Center?” “You can use my cabin over there,” says Vas. “You’ll find paper and pens and whatever you need, help yourself.” The soldier rushes off and Peli and the others come over and watch Lady Clapper’s War-Ship take off. “That went much better than you thought it would, General,” says Peli grinning and nudging against her mate. “No, it didn’t,” says Vas. “It was much worse than I could have ever imagined.” “How so?” asks Peli. “We got everything we wanted.” “No, they got everything they wanted,” explains Vas. “The titles are hollow nonsense. We were manipulated by true political masters from the movement she stepped off her ship. None of them ever had any intention of attacking us, and they were laughing at our pathetic attempt to manipulate Lady Clapper like we were suckling chirps. I had a weak roll of the Bone Dice to start with.” “Oh, it’s not that bad,” says Peli. “Really? They might not be bringing their armies, but every House is on the way here to annoy the crap out of us,” says Vas. “It’s wonderful,” says the White Raven joining the group. “No offense, Priestess, but your nuts,” says Vas. “Your quiet retreat time is about to end.” “I’m looking forward to it. I’ll have to insist on adhering to the Corvas Corax, of course. The Corvus Corax is very clear that all adults are required to attend pre-dawn prayers, morning prayers, mid-morning prayers, noon prayers, after-noon prayers, evening prayers, mid-night prayers, and of course there are the three services a day that must be attended.” “Those rules haven’t been enforced in hundreds of years,” says Peli. “Little Missy is right,” says Vas. “I do believe the Corvus Corax also requires that all adults attend physical fitness sessions twice daily to keep their bodies as the sacred Temples they are.” “Everyone will leave,” says Peli. “The Corvus Corax allows exceptions for those serving an essential function,” says the White Raven. “That’s how the ancient rituals fell out of practice in the first place, everyone found a useful purpose to avoid living their lives on their knees in the Temples.” “You two are very bad,” says Peli. “Hey, where’s Mergan and Kit?” “Sulking in their cabin, they think it’s all their fault.” “I’ll go talk to them,” says Vas. “I’m the Spiritual Leader of House Eagle,” says the Priestess. “I need start acting like it, I’ll go talk with them.” “I need to get back to my class before the hatchlings start taking the Dart engines apart,” says Teal. “Yea, hatchlings are waiting for me too, you two have fun figuring all this out,” says Willet. “See you guys at dinner, I’m taking a group of hatchlings on a nature hike,” says Avocet. Vas and Peli are left standing alone as the others return to their duties with the hatchlings. “When did everyone grow up and become so responsible?” asks Vas. “I’m teaching a math class, I’ll see you later, General,” Peli pats her mate on the shoulder. General Vas sighs and heads over to see what messages the new Com-Center has that needs dealt with. ***** [House Vengeance, Tetrapoda Palace, Planet Demonia] The freshly rebuilt palace looked anything but freshly built. The walls were already covered in volcanic ash and grime from the lethal atmosphere the Demonians released on their own world to prevent the Kitsune from invading. Even the Demonians require breathing meshes when above ground. “Why did they even bother building this?” asks Ring. “It will be completely corroded and fall down in another six months.” “Symbolic,” replies Clap. “They need to show they are still here.” Raen, Clap, and Ring sit alone in an outer room of the palace. After a fist fight between Rip and a palace official the Demonians wouldn’t let Tear, Rip, or Moeth back into the palace. “Raen, my suit is starting to corrode,” observes Ring trying to brush the corrosion away. “Mine too, we can’t stay much longer,” says Raen. “I’m trying again.” A Demonian official is sitting at a desk that doesn’t appear to have much life left in it, the toxic atmosphere is eating away at everything. “Sir, our suits can’t stand much more of this atmosphere, I must see Prince Vengeance,” insists Raen. The Demonian picks up an old fashioned hand-telephone and the device crumbles in his hand. He tosses it aside and gets up. “Wait here.” “I have been waiting, I have vital business.” The Official ignores Raen and walks to a door, the doorknob disintegrates at his touch and he shoulders the door open. The hinges complain loudly and a crack appears in the wooden door. “This place is worse off than I thought,” says Clap. “They should just move all business underground.” A moment later a different Demonian appears at the door, Raen knows this Demonian and takes a step back. Clap reaches for his Talon Dagger, and remembers it’s not on his waist; they left their weapons in the Dart Ships. “Good, you remember who I am, Raven scum. You are not welcome here, leave the planet.” The Demonian turns to leave. “Wait, Deputy Fatal, I have something you need, something your whole planet needs,” says Raen. “Ring, the seeds.” Ring hands the sack of seeds over to Raen. “Naylocliano seeds,” says Raen holding the sack up. “We don’t want anything from you, Raven,” growls Deputy Fatal. “Leave now.” “These could save your world,” shouts Raen angrily. “The Marshal General pardoned you and you got away with murder, but you are filth. Jack wasn’t even there the day the Sarin Alliance died. And now you come here to profit from our misfortune,” roars Deputy Fatal. “Even if we could afford Naylocliano, you can’t produce enough, nor would we want it from you. Leave now or I’ll kill you where you stand.” Deputy Fatal charges towards Raen. “Hold!” Roars a voice. “Prince Vengeance,” says Raen. Prince Vengeance strides over and places a hand on Deputy Fatal’s shoulder. “Go back in my office, my friend, we have work to do and can not afford this distraction. The Raven murderer is not worth the effort.” Deputy Fatal bares his fangs once at Raen but obeys and leaves the room. “You should not have come here, Raen,” says Prince Vengeance. “You can’t afford to buy Naylocliano seed?” asks Raen. “But Demonia is a wealthy planet.” Prince Vengeance sighs, his eyes are sunken and he looks much older than the last time Raen saw him. “It’s going to be on the Grackle News in the next day or two, so I’ll tell you what everyone will know soon. Our foundries haven’t run in six years, the atmosphere is too polluted for them to fire up, just not enough oxygen in the air. And even if we could get them to work, there isn’t anyone left to operate them.” “But…” Raen pauses to think for a moment. “Oh ancestors, you haven’t been telling the truth about how many Demonians were killed in the war.” “My Lord,” says Clap stepping forward. “Maybe we are murderers, but we killed a Cormon and a Daraian, not a Demonian. We love our cousins as much as any Daraian.” “Foolish young Raven,” says Prince Vengeance. “I was a Gunslinger before a Prince, you killed two of my brothers, and now you come here to my house and expect… what? Forgiveness… By the Dragons eyes, I grant you forgiveness, little cousins. There, you are absolved, leave now.” “Prince Vengeance, I read the scroll the Hatching Mother gave me when while waited, imprisoned here, for Prince Justice’s decision,” says Raen. “I know the truth, we are both children of the Dragon, not the Goddess. We are the stolen children. I beg you, tell me how many of my cousins are left?” Prince Vengeance’s eyes are quiet, haunted. “Two million, half of which are eggs we’ve placed in slow sleep.” Clap turns away and puts his hands on his knees. “Clap, hold it in, if you throw up in your helmet you will choke to death,” Raens quickly warns. Clap holds up an arm and waves Raen away. “I’ll be okay, leave me be.” “How much longer can you keep the eggs in slow sleep?” asks Raen. “Another couple months, but we can’t let them hatch,” explains Prince Vengeance. “There isn’t enough oxygen left in the caverns.” “Ring, will Naylocliano grow in the Demonian caverns?” asks Raen. Ring is now kneeling on the ground weeping. Raen kneels, and grabbing him by the shoulders, shakes the grief stricken Raven. “Pay attention, Ring, will Naylocliano grow in the caverns?” “Umm… no, not the deep tunnels,” Ring chokes the words out. “It’s too hot there, but the upper tunnels, yes… umm… I would plant it at the entrances to the tunnels and maybe a ventilation system to pull the oxygen the Naylocliano creates to the deeper tunnels.” Raen stands and shoves the bag of Naylocliano seeds into Prince Vengeance’s hands. “Take it, there will never be a charge for the seed,” promises Raen. “We will bring more.” Raen looks back down at Ring. “How much can you produce, Ring?” “How much do you need?” “This seed you’re giving us might save the eggs, but our scientists have already rejected the option of Naylocliano seed. They estimate it would take two tons of seed a year for the next eighty-five years to even begin to reverse the damage,” explains Prince Vengeance. “It’s impossible to produce that much seed.” “I’ll find a way,” says Ring. “I swear it, I’ll find a way.”