78th Trial of Ashan,
718th Arc
718th Arc
It had been ninety seven trials since the research subjects had escaped the Facility for Retrospective Analysis. ninety seven trials since Virikai had been thrust into the position of liaison between the FRA and the Directorate. Ninety seven trials since Virikai had presented his father with a cover-up story to hide the truth from Viden’s public. Though he had sought little praise for his part in the events, he was surprised, and a little disheartened, at the fact that, apparently, he had not been noticed by the Immortal Yvithia. Since he was a child, he had loved few more than the Goddess, much to the approval of his mother and father. And since he was old enough to understand the purpose of Knowledge and Intelligence, and what they stood for, he had wanted to climb through the qualifications of the Viden Academy, and openly serve the Immortal of Intelligence and Communication.
But ninety seven trials had passed and none had approached him. He knew that there was more to gaining Yvithia’s favour than simply concocting a story on a whim, but he had hoped that, then at least, he had begun to show his worth and he might be brought forth for further testing of his loyalty to Yvithia. Immortals knew, he was one of the few people trusted with her darkest secret!
The story he and his father had concocted, and worked with others to spread like a rumour before officially announcing it, was that there was a dangerous murderer in the city. It had been perfect, foolproof… but his plan had backfired a little.
The Intelligence Authority was no closer to catching the FRA escapee, and now they, and Viden’s government, were losing credibility. The original rumour, like all rumours did, had morphed into something truly spectacular. As a result, people were beginning to wonder if the Intelligence Authority really knew what they were doing? Who could be safe? What if there was something more to it? Why couldn’t Yvithia just find it? It was just too fantastical now.
‘When one person is the loudest,’ Virikai thought quietly to himself, ‘it doesn’t matter whether or not what he is saying is complete bullshit. People will listen to him because they have no choice, and then more will listen because everyone else is. Flock mentality. These people will never live a day thinking for themselves.’ the young scion’s thoughts were dark as he took another sip from his tumbler of whiskey, with no choice but to listen to the raucous assertions from certain patrons that Viden was, in fact, doomed.
Entering the Temple of Worship, he instantly regretted coming at midday, as he remembered how busy it was – his mood, already dark from the intrusive cycle of thoughts, worsened. But he was working in FRA, deep in the depths of the Academy that evening, and he didn’t feel like he was able to leave his doubts unspoken for much longer, so this was his only opportunity. Yvithia had never directly answered his prayers before, but Virikai had never once doubted that they were heard, at the very least. Personal preference had led him to the Temple today: it was not the place he felt closest to Yvithia, the Immortal was indifferent to organised worship, preferring for people to honour her through discovery, learning and teaching. Despite this, it was a place of peace, where neither his father, nor anyone else he knew, were likely to disturb him.
Once inside, however, he didn’t feel the need to be near to any of the Immortal’s likenesses or idols. Yvithia’s presence was strong over the entire city. Round the outer rim of the expansive room he moved, sidling past a small brunette, he found a quiet patch where he could pray in peace.
But ninety seven trials had passed and none had approached him. He knew that there was more to gaining Yvithia’s favour than simply concocting a story on a whim, but he had hoped that, then at least, he had begun to show his worth and he might be brought forth for further testing of his loyalty to Yvithia. Immortals knew, he was one of the few people trusted with her darkest secret!
The story he and his father had concocted, and worked with others to spread like a rumour before officially announcing it, was that there was a dangerous murderer in the city. It had been perfect, foolproof… but his plan had backfired a little.
The Intelligence Authority was no closer to catching the FRA escapee, and now they, and Viden’s government, were losing credibility. The original rumour, like all rumours did, had morphed into something truly spectacular. As a result, people were beginning to wonder if the Intelligence Authority really knew what they were doing? Who could be safe? What if there was something more to it? Why couldn’t Yvithia just find it? It was just too fantastical now.
‘When one person is the loudest,’ Virikai thought quietly to himself, ‘it doesn’t matter whether or not what he is saying is complete bullshit. People will listen to him because they have no choice, and then more will listen because everyone else is. Flock mentality. These people will never live a day thinking for themselves.’ the young scion’s thoughts were dark as he took another sip from his tumbler of whiskey, with no choice but to listen to the raucous assertions from certain patrons that Viden was, in fact, doomed.
Entering the Temple of Worship, he instantly regretted coming at midday, as he remembered how busy it was – his mood, already dark from the intrusive cycle of thoughts, worsened. But he was working in FRA, deep in the depths of the Academy that evening, and he didn’t feel like he was able to leave his doubts unspoken for much longer, so this was his only opportunity. Yvithia had never directly answered his prayers before, but Virikai had never once doubted that they were heard, at the very least. Personal preference had led him to the Temple today: it was not the place he felt closest to Yvithia, the Immortal was indifferent to organised worship, preferring for people to honour her through discovery, learning and teaching. Despite this, it was a place of peace, where neither his father, nor anyone else he knew, were likely to disturb him.
Once inside, however, he didn’t feel the need to be near to any of the Immortal’s likenesses or idols. Yvithia’s presence was strong over the entire city. Round the outer rim of the expansive room he moved, sidling past a small brunette, he found a quiet patch where he could pray in peace.
