29-19-5

The Deluge was much like the ancient monsoon, an annual inundation of precipitation in a short period of time. Unlike the ancient, natural process that lasted for up to six months, The Deluge was part of a controlled operation that used the global weather system to ensure the perfect amount of water was delivered across the entire continent. It occurred bi-orbitally and lasted only one rotation, helping balance the water system alongside the regularly scheduled rainfalls orbit round. It was one of the reasons that the landscape was so healthy and that the regularly scheduled rainfalls were so effective.

The remainder of our journey was going to be unpleasant, to say the least. Still, we’d travelled well and didn't have far to go. Heads down we continued on, though conversation dwindled. In situations like this, it was far easier to converse telepathically so any further conversation with the Drakes in our party would be cut short. A shame because building relationships with the Drake was necessary if we were going to have a successful alliance or treaty. I wasn’t sure if I was brave enough to contemplate an actual feet-on-the-ground collaboration, but I could still hold out hope. Resigning myself to a quiet conclusion to our journey, I was a little startled when Thespenia leaned close to be heard over the persistent drum on rain.

“Ambassador Sierra. It seems to me that we have much to discuss regarding our positions as diplomatic liaisons and our imminent audience with the Drake Queen. I hope I do not breach etiquette if I request permission to exchange contact information and ask to converse with you mind to mind?”

Well, would wonders never cease. It was a lot faster than I expected but this was a welcome step forward. Perhaps I had passed whatever test or prerequisites she deemed necessary when dealing with the Saber. And the aftermath. Whatever the reason, I was pleased to have made such progress. Knowing I needed to give verbal permission, I raised my voice to answer. But decided to nod a few times as well, to add to my verbal ascent.

“I am honoured at the trust you give me Ambassador Thespenia-tianNaj A’Lass Belkor and I give my permission to your proposal. Would you like to exchange details now?” I asked causally, hoping I wasn’t stepping over the limits of her tolerance.

“I would, thank you.” Thespenia responded.

We smiled at each other and quickly made the connection with a few flicks of our fingers. Something tight in my chest that I hadn’t known was there unraveled and I briefly closed my eyes, taking a surreptitious calming breath. It felt like I’d made my first major step towards making this global effort a reality but the magnitude of the task still left in front of me nearly overwhelmed me again. One bite at a time. Just take it one bite at a time.

Lost in my jumble of thought and plans, I hadn’t expected the little voice that tentatively spoke into my mind. Asking to exchange contacts was a huge deal on such a short acquaintance, so I hadn’t expected more from Thespenia, at least not for a while. Unless there was an emergency. I took a quick inventory of our group and our surroundings but nothing caused me concern so I retuned my attention to Thespenia and my feet.

“I must say Ambassador Sierra, I know it to be skirting on along the boundaries of etiquette, but I relish the opportunity to speak confidentially with you like this. I feel that, considering our respective positions and the associated trust given to us by our monarchs, we must establish a good working relationship for the sake of any hope of a successful outcome. Although I follow all the rules of etiquette, I have been known to push the boundaries sometimes for the sake of a positive outcome. I hope you will correct me if I ever push further than you can tolerate but I hope that the slightly less formal cultures of your upbringing will allow a smooth route of communication.”

I’m sure my mental voice was full of warmth and perhaps a hint of amusement as I responded. “I’m sure there is little you could do to offend my Ambassador Thespenia-tainNaj. I hope we have an amicable and fruitful working relationship.”

She nodded in response but a small frown pulled her brows down in consternation. “I have another reason for establishing this route of communication so soon, at the risk of breaching etiquette. There were two specific issues I wished to speak to you about before our arrival at The Mountain, but they are sensitive.” I sent a non-verbal encouragement for her to continue, telepathy really was most useful. “We spoke briefly earlier about the subtle nature of bad things and the risk of apathy. It worries me in that I feel many of us have fallen into such a state when it comes to relating to one another. Since we spoke, I have been thinking back on all my choices and behaviours… can I ask… that is… don’t you worry about your failures or failing again in the future?”

I smiled gently, absently hopping over an ensnaring root as I tried to phrase my thoughts. After a short silence, I answered.

“Of course I do, sometimes its hard not to. We all fail, none of us are perfect and failure is a part of learning, of improving. It’s usually a painful process and someone inevitably gets hurt. I try use all my resources to prevent or mitigate it, try to think things through, use my intelligence and common sense but… it’s going to happen sooner or later. I just hope I can protect others from my failings as much as possible.”

I let that sink in but my mind started to go over past mistakes. It was a difficult line to walk, being aware enough to not repeat mistakes but also not letting them overwhelm you, stopping you from moving on, but neither did you want to forget it and eventually do it all over again in what could become a destructive cycle. I think the hardest one was when something was left unfinished. No closure.

“My confidence has taken a hit. Whilst I was never close to Calessi-tianArden, finding her aloof and slightly superior, I never suspected what lay beneath. Her shocking breach of etiquette and simple good behaviour was appalling. She’s supposed to be a master of negotiation yet she deliberately alienated your entire delegation, showing a disgusting lack of gratitude for your aid in a time of danger… I’m not saying that a Drake has never lost their temper or indulged in negative behaviour, but we have special locations for such times that are both private and come with the appropriate supervision and help. To lose control in public, in an unsafe environment, among a foreign delegation… I fear she is very far gone. And it happened under my authority. The Queen would have every reason to remove me from this endeavour.”

Obviously distraught by the whole thing, Thespenia fell silent, distress visible on her face if you looked hard enough. I so wanted to comfort her but this was a fundamental part of their society and deeply ingrained. Nothing I said would help… unless.

“I cannot speak of Calessi-tianArden’s behaviour however, if the Queen considers removing you from this delegation, I will make a request for you to remain. I may even go so far as to refuse to work with anyone else as head of the delegation.”

Thespenia stifled a gasp as her eyes went wide, staring at me.

“Oh but you mustn’t Ambassador Sierra. I-“

I interrupted her with kind but firm words. “It is my job to represent King Kine and ensure this endeavour succeeds. We must find the information on the moon and find a solution to the strange phenomenon that have only accelerated recently. I believe that we have forged a good working relationship, as evidenced by our current communication methods and candour and as you know, a good working relationship is essential if we have any hope of succeeding. I will not jeopardise that by having my trusted contact removed and an unknown put in charge. Rest assured Ambassador Thespenia-tianNaj, I can be stubborn when I put my mind to it.”

Her mouth opened and closed subconsciously as she tried to find what to say, even though she wouldn’t actually say it, she just needed to think it. I smiled, withholding the urge to chuckle. Eventually, she seemed to resign herself to my decision and relax a little. Quietly, almost shyly, she responded.

"You can call me just Thespenia when we speak like this, if you like. And thank you.” A full smile flashed across my face as I sent agreement to her along with an invite to use my own, untitled name. A companionable silence fell again until a small, sad voice again broke through. “What if it happens again Sierra? I don’t know what to do now all my preconceptions have been shattered.”

“Sadly, it probably will but we can only deal with what we face. Could-a, would-a, should-a’s and what if’s will only hurt you. Like I said before, at least you know what to look out for now. You’ll be okay, it just takes a little getting used to. The world is full of surprises, both good and bad. I hope you find more of the good one than bad.”

And that was the end of our conversation. It was hard going with the rain and undergrowth, so we resorted to climbing the trees often and using branches to travel. It was at time like this that I wished the grav-line was safe to walk on but until it could be fully inspected, we couldn’t risk it. Unregulated fluctuating gravity would always end messily. We had all reverted to our Resting forms after the Saber threat was gone but I noticed that we all pushed the limits of the line between Resting and Warrior due to the danger we had faced. We were all a little wary of another encounter considering the upheaval of the area. I don’t think anyone would blame us, as long as we were back in the appropriate forms before we reached the Mountain. I also noticed that some of the guards that, thus far, had been dedicated to caring for and protecting the little Drake Royal, Zhenzii-tianVann A’Fiee Quist, who had made her way to the Icanthie Capital, had split off to subtlety surround Calessi-tianArden. It seemed Thespenia wasn’t taking any chances that her former advisor would cause more problems for any of us. Since her spectacular display of vitriol, all of the Drake had maintained a cold, distant formality with her and avoided any interactions with her whenever possible.

Finally, we neared the Mountain. Approaching the gate that held a heavy security presence, we must have looked like a wretched bunch, some with torn and bloodied clothing, all of us bedraggled and wet to the skin. I wasn’t sure how much the Drakes scales helped to keep them warm, but I could guarantee the Icanthie were missing their fur, ubiquitous to their normal Warrior forms. The light knapp of the Resting Form just wasn't enough when this wet. Someone must have called ahead because we were expected and the usual checks were completed easily. Waving us in, the wall guards gave us a mix or curious and sympathetic looks. The patrol would have a heck of a story to tell and no doubt it would be that talk of the Mountain before long.

As we entered The Mountain, I was struck by déjà vu. Despite the unusual process of entering the giant city by foot instead of on the grav-line, the size and layout had a remarkable similarity with the Capital. It sparked a memory in my brain, so I chased it down as I absorbed the wondrous view. It took me a moment but I eventually remembered that I’d read an old account of the formation of the different racial Kingdom Nations. It was at the time of the Division, when the races decided that they were better off keeping to themselves and they began to define the boundaries of their territories and build their cities. But they had to adhere to agreements that were already in place so the cities all followed the same design. They all had to maintain a healthy forest on their border to help ensure the sky rivers were healthy. They had to provide accommodation for all possible races which meant each city included at least one ancient tree, with smaller buildings clustered around it sort of like a cul de sac. The Elves and smaller creatures liked the tree dwellings that were both comfortable and kept them close to the nature they loved. They also had to provide habitation suitable for all needs such as extremes or heat and cold and nocturnal. If a race really couldn’t handle the localised climate then there were underground labyrinths or mini cities with highly specialised functions. They even had facilities for aquatic races but they had never been used in any city that I was aware of.

Each city was the size of a medium sized ancient country so the bio-engineering and construction to complete them had taken orbits. They were the only permanently habitable places for each Kingdom Nation though I suppose, technically, the giant industry cities that were always located within easy reach of the main cities were habitable but no-one really considered them anything but the source of all their resources. They were almost entirely remotely operated with very rare visits by staff. As a result, each city was the capital and each had the official name of Capital City of the [Race Name] Kingdom Nation. They were, again technically, both a nation - because they shared a single race, culture and/or history - and a kingdom because they were all ruled by a monarch, even though it was an meritocracy, elected monarch. What can I say? History. Culture and politics was complicated… and so were people.

With the grav-line out of commission, the walk to get to the heart of the city was a long one and the light was beginning to fade. As we neared, I realised that any hopes of a quick rest before we got down to business were in vain. The Heart of the Icanthie Capital was a giant natural rock plateau that was partially carved out to house the government. The Heart of the Drake Capital was a literal mountain, probably why they called their city The Mountain. Unfortunately, the entrance to the interior was located a considerable distance up the side of the sheer rock face and I was almost certain you needed wings to reach it.

My suspicions were proven correct when the entire Drake delegation, along with the Drake guards, shifted into their Ancestral forms. I wondered who’d have the pleasure of carting the members of the Icanthie delegation up to the entrance. I’m sure we’d all hate it, after all felines were an independent lot most of the time, but we’d suffer the ignominy of it. Dry clothes were more important than dignity. I didn't really care, in fact I’d always wanted to fly, so I’d be making the most of the short time to realise my dreams. I knew that the delegation guards would be delivering their little charge and the troublesome Calessi-tianArden to the infirmary one for a health check after her ordeal and the other for extensive testing to determine the cause and extent of her loss of control. I’d had a quiet word with Thespenia to make sure Calessi was watched closely, just in case she was contacted by, or tried to contact, the Red Claw. If they were smart the Drakes would use this opportunity to their advantage. The patrol guards would need to do a debrief considering how late they were returning and the Saber incident. That left the Icanthie delegation and the remaining four from the Drake delegation. We were going straight to the Queens waiting room. Goodness knew how long we were going to be there.