The Cyborg's Fortune by Benoit Lanteigne

Author:Benoit Lanteigne [Lanteigne, Benoit]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Benoit Lanteigne
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Timanites Crisis

Chapter 9

Bacdor 11, 2134, on the Nirnivian calendar

Rose gazed at the camera and smiled. The lecture proceeded well. Not that she’d expected otherwise; so far, she’d performed the routine she’d perfected through years of performance. She’d read some texts, answered questions and led a group prayer. Now, however, she’d reached what she deemed the crucial part of the sermon. No more tiptoeing around the issue. She paused and gathered her thoughts before resuming.

“I would like to address a terrible incident concerning a vandalized church. It is an atrocious crime, and anger is warranted. The police are searching for the culprit but have made little progress. In their desire for swift justice, many accuse a Timanite family living nearby, without serious evidence. I understand why the Timanites’ doctrine is unpopular, but that does not mean they deserve persecution. For years I have preached tolerance and argued that religious differences are no reason for hatred. Today, I wonder if my efforts were in vain. Though the Timanites are easy suspects, you should not condemn them before they are proven guilty. Don’t the Yldrad scrolls say: ‘You will not be judged by your faith, but by how you treat each other’?” She sighed. “However you feel about the Timanites’ teachings, they are people, like us. What’s more, they are Nirnivians. Ulgorack and Timagoron will consider how you treated them in their final judgment. Besides, condemning them only validates their beliefs. You are acting like the monsters they assume Gorumars to be. Instead, show them respect and accept them as they are. Perhaps this way, they’ll realize life isn’t inherently wicked. Perhaps they’ll see how wrong they are and embrace their existence. This would be a greater victory for our cause than jailing a few innocents. Saint Augustus said it best: ‘You can save far more souls leading by example than by reciting prayers and performing sacred rituals.’”

And so Rose continued her speech, citing divine sources in support of her arguments. She could only hope her message got through.

***

While rubbing his chin, Fabio studied his cards. An annoying bug flew around the room and the resulting buzz sapped his concentration. Part of him wished to squish it, but that’d be a waste of time. Those things moved so fast and saw you coming regardless of which direction you approached from. So instead of interrupting the game and running around with a swatter, he remained sitting and redoubled his focus.

This latest turn offered him a favorable assortment of shapes and colors. In particular, that red lozenge and the green square had arrived at the perfect moment. They’d serve him well in helping secure a win. Despite this, Fabio lacked interest in the game. The same held true for Lucas and Abacus. They all sat at the table mostly in silence, sipping from their beer bottles. Under normal circumstances, these weekly card games caused quite a ruckus. Constant trash talk filled the air, and a victory led to a fair amount of bragging, and even the occasional accusation of cheating.

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