“Although we are already able to overpower the spatial seal, the Congress has decided that it would be a waste to leave Heritage Basestation behind, and therefore had tasked researchers to work on bringing the Gate of Ancients along,” said the Gatekeeper. “It was only recently that we discovered the ability of the ether cores to enable our teleportation formation to move a shard of the Intersection along. Warmaster Chamberlain will elaborate on our plans from this point on.”

There was a moment of stunned silence, and then chatter filled the hall as the Gatekeeper retreated into the background. The Warmaster nodded at the Gatekeeper, who inclined his head imperceptibly back, and then stepped forward. “That said, these beings of pure energy are very hard to kill. Although most of the Harvesters are now Squires, they are still, by and large, inadequate for the task. Therefore, before the Harvest tomorrow, everyone present has been assigned a Harvester to equip.”

“We’re giving the Harvesters equipment that would enable them to take on such a monster?”

“Is there a guarantee that we’ll get them back if they return? For that matter, what if they get killed there?”

Complaints filled the auditorium, but the Warmaster ignored them. Unfolding a piece of paper, he said, “This is a necessary measure, if we are to ensure that we remain our access to the treasure trove of Harvest. If you’re worried about your assigned Harvesters dying and therefore unable to return their loaned equipment, then equip them so much so that they won’t die. If you’re…”

His words droned on and on, and Gaius realised belatedly that he was simply reading off a list of rebuttals towards the questions and complaints anyone might have, and the clamour died down as everyone present realised that any complaint they might have had already been prepared for in advance. Of course, the little lecturer wanted to lecture the Warmaster about how to at least maintain a façade, but the actions of Warmaster Chamberlain had pretty much revealed the powers backing this order.

Gaius looked at the other attendees, who also realised the same thing. Most of them were lecturers, or apparently affiliated with factions in Ark City. The fact that none of the senators were sitting among them, coupled with the long page of prepared rebuttals, had keyed them off to the Congress’ support of this policy.

After a few more minutes of droning, the Warmaster folded the piece of paper and slipped it into his pockets. By now, most of the attendees had grown numb to his words, and indeed, Gaius had zoned out too.

Seconds passed, in a new kind of silence that Gaius himself was somehow unable to classify.

The Warmaster looked around and unfolded the piece of paper again. “I see that you’re not convinced, so permit me to address your concerns once again.”

“Warmaster sir, there’s no need to!”

“We were just stunned by the eloquence of your speech!”

“Yes, it was us who were being selfish, that’s all. My eyes have been opened by your amazing speech!”

Similar words bloomed like flowers all around the place, undoubtedly spurred on by the desire to avoid the Warmaster repeating his words. Gaius had seen this scene before, a few weeks ago, when the Harvesters were talking about him…although it seemed that the ability to change one’s stance wasn't just limited to the Harvesters alone.

“I see. How reassuring — I thought that I had lost my skill in rhetoric, but it is clearly still as strong as ever.” The Warmaster sighed, and then kept the piece of paper into his pocket, his wolfish fangs showing the whole time.

No one wanted to dignify his words with any sort of response, but everyone present had to give a thumbs up for their choice of speaker. Political ramifications aside, giving any speech to a speaker at the level of the Warmaster was nothing short of inflicting aural torture, but no one was ever going to admit that publicly.

“Well, since that’s over and done with, Major Degurechaff will now distribute the Harvester assignments.”

“Just come over when I call out your name,” said the major. “Again, I’d like to stress that the better equipped your charges are, the greater the chance of them making it back to return them to you. It’s a no-brainer, essentially.”

His words were true, and judging from the rather warm response, Gaius could tell that any complaints the others had were most likely kneejerk reactions. After all, the beastfolk viewed the matter of leaving the Five Lands as one of utmost importance; it would be the height of dishonour to delay their departure by dwelling on petty matters.

Men and women alike began walking over to the major as he called out name after name, and it didn’t take long before he started calling out the lecturers. Gaius watched as Lecturer Ziegler got out of her seat and moved to collect her envelope, and six names later, Gaius himself was heading towards the major.

“So,” said Gaius, “am I supposed to equip another Harvester beyond myself?”

“Not really, no.” The major shook his head. “Rather, we’re going to be tasking you with another job instead. We know that you’ve been the main provider of these ether cores, so you should not weaken yourself and lower our intake.”

“I see. So I’m just expected to gather more of these cores instead?”

“Correct. We’re asking for a hundred or so this time.” Major Degurechaff smiled apologetically. “It’s harsh, but we are expecting a lot out of you this time. We’ve already sent our renumeration over to you for releasing the source of the ether cores, but we’ll be paying even more for these hundred cores later.”

“In short, we’re on the verge of success.”

“Very much true, Lecturer Gaius. As others must have mentioned before, you are in a unique position; both a lecturer and a Harvester who so happens to be human. Your success will not just help Ark City in general, but it will also prove that other than the beast traits, humans do not differ from beastfolk.” said Major Degurechaff, his eyes alight. “We’ll be able to strive for true equality, someone of high importance as we carve out a new country in the Wildlands.”

Gaius looked down at the envelope, which he now knew was just a description of the items he needed to harvest, and then placed it in his clothes.

Exchanging glances with the major who had brought him into Heritage Basestation, he smiled. “Leave it to me.”