The Loveliest Abyss in the Universe by Andrew M. Crusoe

Author:Andrew M. Crusoe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Published: 2015-03-17T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 6

CONSEQUENCES

A loud bell shocked Sujan awake, and his eyes flashed open as the ringing sound pummeled into his head. He was surprised to see most of the congregation spread out before him, studying him as he was strapped to a chair on the platform in front of the sanctuary.

This perspective was not new to him; he had stood here dozens of times before to assist Madam Viragat during her sermons. But today he was the center of attention, and the congregation regarded him with great suspicion. He tried to move his hands, but they were bound tightly to the chair’s armrests. And behind him, holy guards on both sides pressed down on his shoulders.

“Let the official record state that the formal hearing for Chintak Sujan has begun.” The voice was sharply familiar.

Sujan turned and saw Madam Viragat perched behind the lectern, still wearing the plum cloak that signified her power and authority.

“In accordance with Zaamani Legal Code, this hearing is public. To those of you who are not members of this basilica, we ask that you observe the posted signs and refrain from consumption of any kind within these walls. Thank you.”

Sujan glanced around. Most of the chintaka were here, lined up in a row some distance behind Madam Viragat. But Sujan felt that someone was missing; he couldn’t recall who.

“Chintak Sujan,” Madam Chief said, turning to him, “you have been accused by the Nirangi elders of publicly attacking the Holy Order of Nirangi and publishing confidential documents belonging solely to the order. Do you deny this?”

His mind raced. Technically, it was true. The law dictated that he didn’t own any of the data they had collected. Based on the agreement he signed when he transferred to the basilica, those rights were firmly in the hands of the Nirangi Order, and no one had given him permission to publish the entire video.

“I,” he hesitated. “My actions were for the greater good, but I do not deny what I have done. I believe my findings speak—”

Madam Chief cut him off. “Beloved congregation, this man has admitted his guilt. What other information could possibly change what he has done?”

A voice called out. “Let him speak!”

All eyes darted to the front row, where a familiar child was sitting. It was the same child that had spoken before.

“Child!” she snapped. “Why do you raise your voice against reason? You continually interrupt those with authority over you, and your parents would be wise to correct this.”

The child’s mother covered his mouth and punished the child as discreetly as she could in such a large crowd. “Forgive us, Madam Chief! He’s been acting strange lately.”

“If you cannot teach your son to be respectful, then why do you keep bringing him to the front row where his simpleton inquiries waste everyone’s time?”

An older man with fine wrinkles stood up behind the family, and Sujan instantly recognized him as Chintak Tarus. Yet he wasn’t wearing his chintak robe. “Madam Chief,” Tarus began, “does this mean that Chintak

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