Worlds Within Worlds

Interlude 1 [Z = Chorus of Smoke , Q = Green Lady; guest starring Eternal Sunshine]

From her vantage point high on the mausoleum’s impressively decorated roof, she watched the sparse traffic on the street below. The statuary and ornately carved crenellations afforded numerous shadows and barriers to obfuscate observation, even more than usual amongst the perpetual twilight of the necropolis. One figure, one lone figure, in particular drew her attention. He was moving… differently amongst the funerists, attendants and those few mourners wealthy enough to be allowed into this area. None of which bothered her of course – they’d forget her as soon as she left their sight after all. But him…

He was dressed as a merchant but to her attuned sight, he was no such thing. It was wonderful how much astrology could pull the wool over mortal eyes and even the few Dragon-bloods in the city were none the wiser. She didn’t know what they were seeing but it was of little consequence as far as she was concerned – she saw the truth at the heart of him. He was obviously looking for something… or someone.

She smiled, after all it was only to be expected that they would have sent someone. Surprising that it was only one though. Her eyes narrowed, suspecting a trap. Father may have been paranoid – and somewhat crazy – but he had trained her well. Well, as well as he could have improved on her own training in deceptive and manipulative practices. Though, he had taught her – or should that be ‘him’? – to look for the unseen thing behind the obvious. She shook her head. This fragmentation issue was becoming a pain. She needed to find his workshop. These distractions were hampering the search. But how did they manage to find her so quickly? She had covered her tracks well, sticking to urban populations and shadowlands wherever possible.

So… to find out what this young upstart wanted or not? She padded silently across the stone to the parapet as he turned into a deserted side street. She scanned his path. It didn’t look like he was being followed or had any backup whatsoever. He could be here on normal business, some kind of manipulation that had to go ahead so that person X in two generations’ time would realise that his grandfather was the one who stole the commander’s daiklave and not his girlfriend’s grandmother, thus driving her into the arms of his enemy and ushering in an era of peace and prosperity… or some such drivel.

No, there was no need to reveal herself – it served little purpose barring curiosity. If he had been sent to bring her back then she’d just be wasting time and effort by engaging him and they would only send a better equipped team. Better for just one naïve boy to be tied up in a fruitless task. She watched him from her rooftop perch until he was almost out of sight in the gloom, when a faint tugging at her awareness caused her to turn. She slipped from the parapet and into the lee of a gargoyle even as she scanned the roof… which was empty. She cast the net of her perceptions wider to encompass the surrounding buildings… but still nothing.

“I’m over here Areleme.”

She spun around tracking the voice and her gaze was drawn to a now visible figure sitting atop one of the larger statues that graced this mausoleum, a lady whose dark satin dress concealed the flow of her legs as they gracefully rested on the marble shoulders. “Why would you call me that?” she retorted, her voice quivering with the tension of restrained shock and fury. If there was one thing that could rattle her usual composure, this was it. Logically, this had to be a calculated slight… and yet, rationality still had to war to retain control.

“To show that I am serious. But there is still so much fear. Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to suffering. You are suffering my child.”

“I am not your child. You were not my mentor. I am not afraid of my past – I just choose to ignore it. I do not hate anyone or anything. If all you have to say are the trite words of oft-repeated so-called-wisdom from a long dead sifu then you might as well disappear back into whatever dark you sidled out from.”

“But you do not deny you are suffering.”

“Yes, I’m suffering. But everything is in hand and it’s none of your concern quite frankly. Leave me alone. I know why he was sent,” she gestured back towards the street, “but I don’t know why you would be here. From what I gather, you make them just as uncomfortable as me despite your devotion to the job. You wouldn’t be on any taskforce that came for me.”

The figure atop the statue leapt down nimbly, her dress, which was the colour of a verdant rainforest canopy, billowing slightly before settling down to shimmer oddly in the half-light. She walked serenely to the ledge and leaned lithely against it. "I know what you want Areleme. Or rather, I know where you think you need to go and where you actually need to go. But you’re not going to be able to get there without my help.”

“Is that so? Just where do you think I’m going? I’ve done pretty well to remain off everyone’s maps so far.”

There came an enigmatic smile before the actual response. “You think you need Winged Horse’s workshop in under-Gradafes. But you won’t find what you’re looking for there.”

“Why should I believe you?” She readjusted her position so that she could obtain more cover rapidly or even dive off the roof if need be. This woman was dangerous. She had a strange reputation but a lot of it was justified.

“Because this is my area of expertise. And if I wanted you dead or captured, you’re in little position to stop me. Even with your advanced training. You didn’t notice me until I wanted you to. Look, we’re both mistresses of the unseen and the duplicitous, it comes from our shared heritage. And to be quite honest, I don’t care if your mind disintegrates thanks to what that pseudo-father personality managed to do. However, you do have something I want and I’m pretty sure you have it on you.”

“And what is that?” Her eyes narrowed suspiciously and she contemplated whether she could take her former colleague by surprise. The odds were not in her favour, she reckoned.

“I’ll give you the passkey and directions you need. In return I want the bookmark he gave you.”

---

Interlude 2 [B = Mendaxana, AA = Obfuscant Oleander]
The soft scent of freshly-tilled earth rose in the slightly damp air, mixing with the subtle perfume of the flowers that lay scattered in front of the headstone. Many would question why Yu-Shan even had a graveyard, but even amongst the celestial spirits and divine ministers, the Heavenly City still had a substantial mortal population – servants, playthings, pets, God-Bloods. The Charnel Yards of Saturn in the eperopolis’ north-east was where such folks’ remains were laid to rest.

“My condolences on your loss.”

The spirit gazing down at the grave in solemn remembrance looked up into the shadowed veil that hung from a wide-brimmed scarlet hat. The lady in red moved so softly that she had not heard her approach; even when she was not distracted she rarely noticed her companion’s arrival until she spoke. “She was the only child I ever created, ever had the desire to. Her mother was such a fiercely beautiful creature, a huntress who caught my eye when I was but a forest spirit. I paid the child little heed though and she never asked for anything – she understood the nature of the dalliance well. And yet now I feel a grief disproportionate to my involvement.” The unasked question hung in the air between them.

The crimson-robed lady moved to stand beside her friend, looking down at the simple memorial – just a stone, set with a name in green jade and elegantly carved, shaded by a neatly-trimmed shrub decked with vividly magenta flowers . “A feeling of loss for what could have been I suppose. At least you feel it. B did not appear to care when I broke the news to him.”

“He has never been one for dwelling on things though. He is very much a god of the moment, a spirit of now. I’m a little surprised he has remained as patient as he has.” Her voice, though soft, sounded like the brush of wings against leaves as a bird passed through a forest canopy.

“Much of that would be down to H.” The gentle breeze stirred her veil slightly. “He has a very reasoned perspective that can quell even the most agitated of our companions.”

“His daughter came back safely; I guess he can afford to be sanguine about it.” The leaves of her voice rustled heavily.

“Don’t be like that. We all knew what we were getting into when we arranged for our children to be there. The fact that they were found again is a near miracle. I had almost given up hope. And think of them; displaced from their original time – Creation is far different place from when they disappeared.”

“You’re keeping them segregated I take it?”

“All apart from Em, he will prove useful amongst the group. The others are best placed to operate the ship should it be necessary.”

“Speaking of which, how exactly was it found? I have my concerns that this is starting to get out of hand. T will almost certainly want to use it. And if the Aerial Legion find out…”

“Don’t you worry yourself about that. How it was found is unimportant too. I have the security issues well in hand.” The dismissal cut across their conversation clearly. “I presume you noted the antagonism on the steps of the Hall?”

“That was quite a stunt that the Commissioner pulled. I’m not surprised that both of them looked wrong-footed though why either of them was there in person is rather intriguing. I would guess that the move helps one of them more than the other. Neither filed a petition against it though or even made representation at the appeal.”

“I thought you were due to hear that?”

“No, the Director insisted that something as important as his deposition should be dealt with by him personally. Seems a little moot though, he has been appointed to another senior position.”

“You checked the paperwork on that I hope?”

“Yes, all in order I’m afraid. I only hope that this doesn’t cause problems for Pyramid.”

“Perhaps it will keep her on her toes and focussed. But given who submitted the writ we know who has the leverage there.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure actually. Something tells me that we may be looking at a slightly rogue element here… maybe someone’s not quite following orders. There could be an opportunity.”

“And how would you know that?” The figure in red tried hard to keep her tone level and free of any archness.

“I have my own informants as well. Though, naturally, not as well developed or extensive as yours but what few I have are well-positioned.”

“In the interests of the group, you might want to tell me who they are. We wouldn’t want them to be compromised unknowingly after all.”

“I think I’ll hold back on that, if it’s all the same to you. For now, anyway. We’re in no hurry after all.” She resumed looking at the burial plot and it was a few minutes before she spoke again. “But what of the latest manoeuvrings? Have the objectives for the mediation panel been achieved?”

There was a barely perceptible clenching of the gloved hand and a soft sigh from beneath the hat. “Unfortunately not. I am going to have to have a word with that slimy fellow. It would appear he took completely the wrong tack in trying to deal with Takezo. He couldn’t put aside his natural personality for the briefest moment it seems, jeopardising our hopes of finding out more and his own petty ambitions. The fool.”

“You know who has been to see him recently though?”

“Yes. And I suspect I know what it was about – though why Nazri would want to keep her in position, given his stance on efficiency, I don’t know. However, I don’t have the resources to spare for that little mystery at the moment.”

“Why not tip off Zefirienna, use her budget?”

“I don’t want her poking her nose anywhere near our affairs. I already suspect Ixonin of getting too close. I don’t trust him – he was the one who sponsored Shroud’s recent promotion.” She paused, contemplating the headstone, as if it were a symbol for all the sacrifices they had made and the companions they had lost. “I should go, words must be had. We’re getting close to something. I know we are.” She moved past her mourning associate and headed for the gates of the cemetery.

As she watched her colleague depart, the remaining spirit found herself muttering sotto voce, “You always say that.”

---

Interlude 3 [C = Shajah Holok, D = Urien Derapha]
“You talk to me of patience? At this point you are really trying mine!” There was an ominous creak from the arm of the antique wooden chair, indicative of a tension being reigned in.

“I meant no offence Sir.”

“You never do, do you!” The snarled retort was both furious and snide. “Sometimes I doubt your commitment to our work. I thought I was taking a risk when I brought you on board and things like this just emphasise those misgivings.”

“Am I then surplus to requirements Sir?” The young Vizier stood there impassively but raised a querulous eyebrow. They both knew that would never happen. He knew too much.

The more senior of the pair ignored the obvious needle. “Your refusal to discuss your ideas and reluctance to follow my orders jeopardises our plans.”

“Our plans are well in hand Sir. But I thought I had the latitude to make executive amendments to the practicalities. I thought that is why you took me on. I could not do what you asked at the arraignment because circumstances didn’t allow it. We cannot afford to antagonise Ideal Flame if we are to succeed. That is why I counsel patience and why we will actually end this in a stronger position. By being in that Bureau, he will cause ripples. Disharmony. He will draw attention and distract from what we’re doing. In all other respects he is nigh on useless. Trust me on this.”

“I feel I have little choice but to do so. You are running a fine line here. We are supposed to be the principled ones. The others may resort to underhanded and dubious tactics but we should be above that. Only then can we truly say we are following in the footsteps of enlightened tradition. Only then are we the obviously worthy.”

“Of course Sir,” was the response, filled with as much of the appropriate level of fervour as he could manage to muster. The degree of reverence appeared to pass unnoticed. “Talking of what the others are doing…”

“No. I forbid it. We will not engage in petty counter-tactics. If our plan is not good enough to be effective of its own accord, we should spend the effort on bolstering it rather than on acting against their plans. I forbid it. And that is my final word on the matter.”

“But all it will be is intelligence gathering. I’m not advocating sabotage. We are at a major disadvantage if we cannot accurately gauge progress.”

“It is a waste of resources.” The senior figure behind the desk readjusted his silken martial arts jacket and the silver lanyard draped from his shoulder. “We are honourable Viziers. We do not spy on our colleagues. Our progress is adequate… well, unless you’ve screwed it up by failing to follow the original proposal. We are in no hurry.”

“I am afraid that they may not occupy the same moral mesa as… we do Sir.”

“That is their choice. We have nothing to fear if we trust in ourselves and the Maidens. Our rooms and conversations are warded, our staffs have been vetted and we only work with trusted associates. There should be no leaks, nothing to alert them to what we are going to do. If you are that paranoid, then do another internal security review. Just don’t take so long about this one as you did last time.”

“I’ll get on that right away Sir.” He inclined his head and body in respectful bow. “Was there anything else Sir?”

“Oh yes, don’t disappear just yet. I wanted to ask you about your young protégé…”

“He is not my protégé. Divisional sifu and supervisor is all.”

“Yes, whatever. Him. Where is he and will he actually come through this time after the mess he made of things last time?”

“He should do. We got him in position on the Taskforce, though he’s mostly convinced it’s a demotion, he just needs to find her. I’m keeping tabs on him as much as I can but he appears to have gone off-Loom at the moment. He was heading for Sijan when last he checked in. I am confident that the conditioning will hold though.”

“Conditioning?”

The younger Vizier winced inwardly at the slip of the tongue. “Sorry, poor choice of words. His environmental training is what I meant. His field experience is a little raw but he is an adequate scout. He will deliver the message we want him to, rest assured.”

“Hmmmm. Very well, keep me apprised as to when he returns. Dismissed.”

---

Interlude 4A [B = Mendaxana, J]
Another plain office in another nondescript jade and silver tower, this time one overlooking a metropolitan courthouse somewhere by a canal somewhere in the Pangean Bureaucratic District. A figure, leaning next to the window, stroked his smoke-coloured fingers against the frame, an incongruous action for one usually so composed. He turned as the door opened and distractedly smoothed out a wrinkle in his ministerial tunic. There was a faint grimace as a fingernail snagged on a loose golden thread.

“I came as quickly as I could. Your message sounded urgent.”

“You weren’t followed? You took precautions?”

When she spoke, her voice sounded concerned. “You’re worrying me. But yes, I followed the usual security protocols as ever.”

He looked at her, staring into the shimmering indistinction of the gauzy veil that hung delicately beneath the broad rim of her carmine hat. He had an honoured distinction in being one of the few who knew what features lay beneath, she being extremely reticent to decloak these days. “He’s up to something. My contacts indicate much movement at the CSA in the upper echelons.”

“How so?” She tried to remained politely concerned rather than downright sceptical.

“The Committee of Constellations.”

“Oh.”

“Indeed. Have they had any contact with him? They definitely seem to have drawn his attention.”

She pondered. “Not that I’m aware of, though I haven’t had a recent report. I will double check with Em to see if he’s heard anything.”

“Do so. I have a funny feeling about this. Things are moving quicker than I had anticipated. Whilst interesting these progressions are not in our best interests I fear.”

“What do you think will happen?”

“My sources aren’t very detailed but I have found out he has managed to get a meeting with Jupiter on very short notice. I fear he will make them an offer they cannot refuse.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Summon the others, it’s time we had a council. We may need some new contingency plans.”

---

Interlude 4B [H = Shonos, M = Kysen Loth]
He pursed his lips as the stylus danced across the tablet, shuffling papers and receipts in an effort to ensure an orderly collation of figures. Usually he liked budget time, numbers were soothing, unthreatening, even if some of them were staggering; some of his master’s sub-offices were staggeringly profligate with their expenses. This level of waste would have to be reigned in. He sighed as an invoice for ‘Entertainment’ drew his attention… two bars of ambrosia!

Sighing, he put down the stylus and rose to get some iceberry tea when he saw the door at the far end of the outer office swing open and his metaphorical heart sank. A stern-faced elder Vizier was striding through the office, paying little heed to the minions in his way. Pulling his blue robes tighter around himself, impeccably fastened though they were already, he briefly considered dematerialising and throwing himself out of the window to avoid the confrontation ahead but chided himself for such an improper thought.

Returning to his desk, he bowed deeply in a traditional genuflection that many of his colleagues had long since abandoned. “That’s fine. Get up,” came the barked order. “Where’s your master?”

“At present I regret to inform you, Most Numinous Lord, that I am unaware of his location. It has been some time since he contacted the office.”

“When did you last see him then?”

“Approximately five hours after the Golden Barque departed the Quay of Dawn, when he received word from Gate Two about an order he issued.”

“Your master is an idiot. Sometimes I really don’t know why I appointed him my lieutenant. And yes, you can tell him that. When he next contacts you, send him to my office immediately. Nothing is more pressing than this.”

“Yes my Lord.”

The Vizier grasped the door handle and made to leave before turning back to the bureaucrat. “And furthermore, you might as well tell him this as well. His foolish and petty vendetta against that boy is seriously impeding his judgement, so much so that he thinks targeting his associates is a good idea!? He is endangering his position and mine by issuing orders that are reckless and ill-considered. He is supposed to be a fucking Joybringer and this is not bringing me any joy whatsoever! What by the brass horns of Malfeas does he think he is going to achieve?! Make sure he knows exactly why I’m hacked off and maybe he can come up with an answer as to why I shouldn’t go to the Loom, rip his thread from its mooring and sew his lips shut with it!”

With that, he stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him and out into the corridors of the Cerulean Lute, ignoring the hapless clerk he sent spinning and the stack of requisition forms that now fluttered like rose petals through the still air.