“You need to stop this madness!” Cardinal Eur looks flustered as he addresses the members of the council.
They meet at dawn, as tradition dictates, in the hollow dome of the chapel that overlooks the city. Holy ground built by The Ancients to capture the morning rays and diffract them throughout the circular chamber below. The members sitting on the dais are ancient vestiges of humankind themselves. Next to each Cardinal, an Ordinal stands guard, vigilant.
Cardinal Pen speaks next in turn. “The people of my district are suffering because of the actions of this extremist group, Eur. They demand retribution.” She shifts uncomfortably in her ceremonial garbs. She knows what retribution will mean.
The man who speaks next, Cardinal Aud, leans into the table. “We must protect the people of this city, Eur.”
Eur strokes his grey beard, realizing he’s outnumbered. He still tries, one more time. “The Sparks are also citizens of this city. If you send your hound dogs, Cardinal Usd, it will trigger a revolt.”
Cardinal Usd stands before answering. “Sparks,” he pauses like he’s trying to clean the word off his palate, “are sinful. They are the scar tissue of the great sin that this world paid the ultimate price for. Are you going to let them hurt more innocents? Should our people pay dues for their sins?”
Some of the Cardinals agree with subtle nods. Cardinal Usd has the consensus to do as he pleases…
“Someone needs to find the perpetrators at all costs, Cardinal Eur.” Cardinal Nad echoes. Her district was the most affected by the bombing. “I have dead bodies piling in the streets of the third ring. I say we send a message. Anybody consorting with the Lux, shall pay the price of blood.” More nods of approval.
“This will only end in more bloodshed, Cardinal Usd!” …But the Ayes overcome the Nays almost unanimously.
Cardinal Usd turns to the Ordinal standing beside him and speaks loud enough for the words to echo in the chamber.
“Send Ordinal #1215.”
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