On-Grid
The Sakuriji
Council Chambers
There was absolute silence in the Council Chamber when the tape ended.
Eventually, ivenAlyatta said that she hoped Councilor ziaGorn would experience a quick and complete recovery.
“I spoke to Councilor ziaGorn prior to calling this special session,” said Chair gorminAstir. “He assures me that he is well on the way to recovery, only the Healer insists that he not only rest, but sleep. He hopes to return to his chair no later than the next meeting of the Council of the Whole.”
“And seelyFaire?” tryaBent asked, rather subdued.
“Councilor seelyFaire offered her resignation when I spoke to her,” gorminAstir said. “On behalf of the Council, I accepted.”
“Quite right,” said tryaBent.
“One wonders what will now befall Luzant seelyFaire,” said azieEm. “If she is to share the penalty for a deadly attack—”
“I took the liberty of calling the investigating officer at Riverside Security. He allowed me to know that the Truthseer raised reasonable doubt. Luzant firnPeltir does believe his statements to be true. However, he may be of a disposition that allows him to recast certain facts in his own mind, which he then believes to be true. Luzant seelyFaire’s testimony, that she did not advocate violence as a method to return to the patronage system rang true as steel, so said the Investigating Officer.
“Since the two true accounts conflict, Forensic Healers have been called to do an evaluation. Security officers will be talking with other members of the Protectors of Civilization. Luzant firnPeltir will continue be held in custody, as he is deemed a high risk. Luzant seelyFaire has been remanded to house arrest.”
“If it’s not out of order,” ivenAlyatta said, “I volunteer to head the search committee to fill our vacant chair.”
“Timely, rather,” said gorminAstir. “Who are your seconds?”
“tryaBent and azieEm, if they are willing.”
“I am inexperienced,” azieEm said.
ivenAlyatta looked amused. “The cure for inexperience is experience. Serve and you will learn.”
azieEm was actually seen to smile before she inclined her head.
“In that wise, I will serve, willingly.”
“Thank you. Coracta?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Thank you.” ivenAlyatta glanced to the head of the table. “Chair gorminAstir, may the search committee begin its work?”
“At once. The committee will report its progress at every meeting of the Whole.”
ivenAlyatta inclined her head and turned to her two committee members.
“After we are done here, let us meet for tea and cake in the lunchroom. We can go over the search procedures as outlined in the manual, discuss how we will share the mandated tasks, and if it will be wise to expand the membership of the committee.”
* * *
The meeting ended not too long after that. Bentamin waited until the room had cleared before he approached gorminAstir.
“Warden?”
“I spoke to the former oracle last evening. She is willing to meet with you in her new home tomorrow midday, if that is not too soon for you. I cleared that time with the Speaker for the Haosa, and also with the Village Administrator, who will also be present.”
“Tomorrow, midday,” she repeated, and for a moment Bentamin thought that she would declare it ineligible.
Then, her shoulders softened, and she turned to look at him fully.
“I look forward to cordial discussion with the former Oracle, the Speaker for the Haosa, and the Village Administrator tomorrow at midday in Ribbon Dance Village. Advise me—shall I bring cake?”
“Cake is always welcome,” Bentamin said with a smile.
“Then that is what I shall do. Will you call for me at my office?”
“It will be my pleasure,” Bentamin assured her.