7-3-2

It was three rotations later and we were making progress. Although it felt slow, it really wasn’t, and we’d actually gathered a lot of new, helpful data. Every piece brought us closer to understanding what was going on.

I had also enjoyed working with Veest-tianAren Vorden over the last three rotations. We had a lot in common despite the vast difference in our ages and lifestyles but in addition, I had found him to be kind, considerate and rather funny. I often found myself listening to his stories and teachings with rapt attention whenever we took little breaks or had to wait for the database to finish a search. At first, I was worried I had made a mess of things that first night and said too much in my overly tired state but Veest had handled it really well. Perhaps it was his natural thirst for knowledge or that he understood in some way, my need to speak about my life and experiences with the Myath, but whatever the reason he had assured me that he would keep my confidence and was available if I wanted to talk further.

My team knew a little about research so we had been working in rotations, making sure no one got too tired and that we all looked after ourselves. Eecee often commented, pointedly and loudly, that I was the only one seemingly incapable of looking after myself when it came to a room full of history. She usually followed it up by physically dragging me away from my work to eat, drink or sleep. Our Research Hub became a little world of its own. We had gotten comfortable enough around Veest and Andras that, although we were still formal with them as was proper and to satisfy etiquette, we were far more relaxed with each other, allowing our banter out more and more often. Still, we were sure to be stoic and refined whenever any other Drakes requested entrance.

With a lot of work, and very little rest, we’d almost completed the process of extracting all data about the moon from the database. The databases helped a lot but the real boon came from our nanites, which helped us easily process information and determine when we’d encounter duplicates or variations of data. The first thing I had done was eliminate all fictional sources, which there seemed to be a plethora of, usually split into two rough types, ones involving humans that could shift into animals or populations travelling through or living in space. I would do everything possible to avoid mentioning this fiction to the races, especially the Igidoe. There was no knowing how they take it, especially as it was data to a time before the races yet existed.

Once the fiction was eliminated, it was a matter of teasing out the data that was relevant, trying to put it into a timeline so we could determine what was accurate, what was false and what had changed over time. Those changes were of particular interest, however, as we compiled everything, we realised that the amount of data available began to decline. Despite successful forays into establishing small populations on the moon for a short time, something distracted the humans from their explorations outside the Planet.

“Is this all we have, Sierra?” Veest-tianArden asked as we looked over our results, the worry in his voice, evident.

“Yes, I’m afraid so. It’s a good start but so far, its not really shedding light on current events.” I commented absently, going over the few verified facts again.

We had comprehensive data on two separate missions to the moon, one called the Apollo missions which were famous for putting the first human on the moon, and the Artemis missions which were famous for establishing the first long term stay of populations outside of the Planet. Most other forays outside of the Planet’s atmosphere had been lost, or destroyed. Many don’t speak about the times just after the Catastrophe, but some were angry enough to seek out and destroy anything they thought had been linked to those events. We’d also been able to establish some baseline facts:

Moon Radius = 1,737.5 km

Moon Diameter = 3,475 km

Moon Circumference = 10,917 km

Moon Distance from Earth = ~384,400 km

Moon Drift away from Earth = 3.78 cm per year

Maintains a synchronous, elliptical orbit around the Earth.

Gravitational pull raises Earths landmass by ~50cm

Gravitational pull moderates both Earth’s wobble on its axis and climate.

Humans have landed over 150 craft on the moon and taken 382 kg of land rock off.

There was a lot more, mostly on specific missions or individuals involved but we still didn’t have an answer to what RL stood for but with what we had gathered, we could start to build a model of the Planet’s relationship to the moon. I had gone on a very brief tangent to look at our star system as a hole. They had called our star Sol and so called it the solar system which confused me a little when I began researching this tangent but ultimately, I found it probably wouldn’t be relevant to our current situation, so I had quickly returned to the the original parameters. I had also managed to connect the retrieved lunar rock to the source of the molecular samples I matched the debris against. A little confirmation that at least one of the recent problems, really was related to the moon.

“True but we have confirmation that your initial analysis was correct. Your know, I had no idea this would be so involved. We have theoretical physics on a massive scale here and that’s just between two bodies of mass!” Veest exclaimed. “I might have to do further study into space after this is all over. It’s fascinating.”

I wisely said nothing but I couldn’t help thinking there would be factions that would deeply dislike the idea. As I thought about it, I realised that Veest-tianArden Vorden may not have any trouble actually, considering his race and position. I was still getting used to my new status and the new protections it gave me. It may not be a lot considering my history but it was better than most of my friends had. I was still reacting cautiously to risks, which was smart but perhaps not as necessary as it used to be. Still, hard to break a twenty orbit habit.

A comfortable silence fell and each of us tried to make sense of the mass of information before us. I thought that this was it but I’d do a final check using alternate spelling or translation just to be safe before we could say we were finished here.

“What is earth?” Eecee asked curiously. “It’s mentioned a lot and I think they mean Planet? But what does it mean? Is it a mistake or a mistranslations?”

I dragged my self away from my thoughts and found everyone looking at me questioningly as I played with my necklace.

“Ah, yes.” I tried to concentrate so I could give a competent explanation. “The ancient peoples called our world Earth and before that it was Terra, and before that, Gaia. They all mean land or territory but are all also synonymous with mother suggesting they thought of the Planet in at least a nurturing way, sensible considering it sustained and provided for them. The different versions reflect the language of the different civilisations that had significant power at the time. I’m sure there were other names used but they fell out of use a long time ago.”

I let them think on that and decided to do one last quick search. I wouldn’t find anything new, I already tried so many combinations, but I just wanted to be sure. We really would need the help of the other races because this wasn’t enough, we still didn’t understand the problems we were having now. Despite the investigations into the different events, and the data we were gathering from BOAD’s many sensors and systems, we couldn’t figure out why it was all happening. We needed more data which meant we needed the races to co-operate. Although… An idea struck me. Maybe it was because of the dream but I could go back there… There was so much that dad and I hadn’t explored, we’d always intended to go back but… It was an option I suppose. I should be able to find it again and there were a few other ruins that may have some similar info stores I could access.

Feeling better about other options I turned my attention back to my team. They’d all worked so hard these last three of four rotations, they deserved some rest.

“Alright everyone. We’re done here, get some food, relax, cleanse, rest, do whatever you like but no more work. Thank you for all your hard work, you all deserve a break. Now shoo!” I smiled as I clucked over them, ushering them back to our accommodations as we all ribbed each other and shut the door behind them.

Though rather sleepy myself, I still had to prepare my report for Kine and Queen Coilna-tianDavarden. I suppressed a yawn and turned back to the workstations, only to see my search had finished. No new returns, as I suspected. I was actually relieved, we probably hadn’t missed anything as far as I could determine. Veest looked over my shoulder and huffed.

“Enough Ambassador Sierra! You have done an excellent job of dissecting my entire library and extracting all relevant data. We have as much as we’re going to get. I noticed that once again, you have sent off your team without partaking of rest yourself. Do you often work yourself to the point of exhaustion or it this a new development due to the terrible recent circumstances?”

I smiled cheekily at him before nodding in acknowledgement. “Yes I’ve always been a little hard on myself and I’m used to taking care of those around me. But it’s not normally this bad, I must say. I’ll rest soon, just want to wrap up here and prepare the report. Are you staying?” I asked. he probably would, he liked to cluck over me just as much as I liked to cluck over my team. I think it came from being so old, everyone seemed like younglings in need of care to him.

“Yes, I’ll stay. I’ve had far more rest than you anyway, so I’ll make sure you don’t fall asleep mid report.”

We worked in companionable silence, occasionally interrupted by quiet consultations over details. We finished the report and sent it off to our respective monarchs and I could finally let out a long breath. One down…

“Good work Ambassador Sierra. It has been a pleasure working with you and I hope to do so again in the future.” Veest congratulated.

“Me too Veest-tianArden.” I frowned though, worry creeping up on me. “Do you think… Will the other races help and will they have what we need?” I asked hesitantly. One of my biggest fears was that someone would object to my involvement or refuse to work with the other races and we wouldn’t get the information we needed to fix this.

Veest took his time contemplating my worries and I tried not to let myself think about the worst case scenario. Eventually Veest spoke up.

“We live on a large world with many complexities to it. Many, very different races inhabit the land, all with life spans of centuries. Some individuals have even been around for eons. We all used to mix and live as one, the Aquartii, theAvaness, the Drakes, the humans, the Icanthie, the Igidoe, the non-bipedal Original Fae like the griffons, gargoyles and Pegasi, the human-like New Fae such as the five Elven races and the courts, the Pettit Fae, the Illofra and the Dryads who have always been wanderers. We are all so different yet at one time, we didn’t’t pay much attention to our differences but to our similarities. Even the rare or reclusive races like the Elementals and the Guide who are so very different from us have at least one thing in common - the Planet. Despite the Divide, we are not as separate as we like to think and I believe we will remember that soon.”

Veest-tianArden Vorden, elder dragon stared at me and, just like when we first met, I felt as if something more were happening. This was less my new friend and kindred spirit with a love or history and more a dragon of myth, powerful. Almost magical. He continued to stare and I tried not to shrink under the intense gaze.

“In a world where science has been both the advent of disaster and the tools of regrowth and survival, magic has been forgotten. While amazing feats such as telepathy and anti-gravity have been achieved through the newest science that blends biology and technology, that which can’t yet be explained by science has always been called magic and Dragons have a type of their own. The Dragons Stare is the ability to look into a person and see beyond. We see the truth, their caliber, their motivations. The history that defines them. When I look at you Sierra, I see goodness and strength tempered by experience. You fight for everything because you know its value yet you can’t always see your own. It doesn’t matter how the races choose to act in the coming rotations, because you are a holder of secrets. You wear them around your neck, you dream then. There is so much in this world that has been hidden too long and you will find them it is time for some secrets to be revealed. You know some already, but there are others, people and places that have not been seen for an age. If we cannot find what we need from our neighbours, you will find it in the far reaches.”

He stared the whole time, unrelenting as if he were trying to tear me apart and his voice vibrated with power as he spoke, though I couldn’t hear it, yet still I felt it down to my core shaking me. Finally he stopped speaking and his stare eased back until he looked at me normally again, a kind, slightly concerned look on his face. I wanted to reassure him that I was okay, but he’d have to wait because I couldn’t speak. I wasn’t even sure I could move just yet as I stood there and waited for the shaking to stop and some strength to return to my limbs.

“What was that?” I managed to gasp out eventually, attempting to shuffle the tiny distance to the nearest chair but quickly absconding that thought and promptly sat down right there where I had just been standing. Veest moved closer to me, bumping me with his big head and offering a clawed hand to steady me, as I was swaying a bit, even sitting down.

“I apologise for the after affects Ambassador Sierra. When a Dragon Looks and Sees, it can be quite affecting. You should recover quickly. I must say, I usually have a little more control than that, but something about you made the connection very strong and there was much that needed to be Seen.”

“You used my name. Just my name I mean. And you intimated touch when you supported me…”

“Yes. Technically it’s not a breach of etiquette to have unapproved touch when offering aid, as I did and the Looking dose not fall within the strictures of etiquette. We don’t really understand it and if a Dragon is not a master of it, it is often sporadic with a mind of its own. Are you well? I’m concerned with how severely it affected you.”

I blinked and looked up at him, finally starting to feel more like myself. “Yes I’m alright. I think I could get up in a minute. Don’t worry about the name, I’m far more used to Sierra than Ambassador anyway.” I smiled at him, probably a bit wobbly but, true to my word, I shifted my feet under me and attempted to get up. Rather than a graceful stand, I ended up lurching to my feet and immediately stumbling on numb leg into poor Veest’s hovering claw. He must have expected met to have trouble with it. I used the various surfaces around me to lean against as I made my way to a seat, one a bit more comfortable than the closest option, and collapsed thankfully in to it.

Veest-tianArden had accompanied me, no doubt ready to catch me if I fell, and now made himself comfortable, watching me closely. It felt a little too close to the stare but he was just worried I think. When he was sure I was alright he asked, “Do you want to talk about it?”

I watched him as he had watched me, thinking. “Yeah, I think I do. I didn’t know Dragons could do that. Can the Drakarii do that too?”

“No.” Veest said slowly, still watching me closely, presumably to make sure I was recovering. “The Drakarii do not have this ability. It is not necessarily a secret but it is not often spoken of even among my people. The revelations that result are often personal and many are not prepared to deal with the truth of themselves, no matter how much they plan for it. Some Dragon will also look to gain an understanding of those they encounter. I believe you noticed when I Looked at you on our first meeting, did you not?” I nodded. “Queen Coilna-tianDavarden A’Fiee Quist had spoken of you and asked for my cooperation on this project, which in and of itself spoke of her faith in you, but I wanted to understand your purpose and reasoning myself. A little arrogant or selfish of them perhaps but what I saw convinced me of many things. I had not intended to be so involved with your team but I found I was drawn in by you, all of you actually.”

I listened but, honestly, the experience still left me a little discombobulated and I’m sure I’d dwell on it for a long time to come. “If I understand your explanation right, your control varies. How much did you have both times?”

“The first time I chose to Look and only went far enough to confirm Queen Coilna-tianDavarden’s impression of you, the second time, I was prompted to Look and once begun, had almost no control.” He answered my question simply without trying to justify himself.

“… okay.”

I must have surprised him because Veest raised his eyebrows and asked, “Okay? That’s it, just okay?” I nodded. “I am grateful you are not angry with me, for I know I have skirted close to sharing the friendship we have begun to build. If I were you, I think I would have at least scolded me for acting without permission, at least the first time.”

“I can scold you if you’d like.” I said deadpan. We caught each other’s eyes and started laughing. I really wasn’t too angry, I could understand using all your resources to ensure the safety and integrity of your people. I chose to forgive him his old man manners and move on. It had shaken me, but it had also given me hope from the worries that plagued me. We may have more options to get what we needed and I was now determined that a revisit to my past would happen soon.

We settled down from our mirth and I was just contemplating some food and bed when Veest spoke quietly, almost hesitant, although I would have thought the jovial confidant Dragon wouldn’t be reticent about anything.

“I didn’t know the Myath suffered so much… so much.” I looked at him, startled at the sudden change in conversation, though if I thought about it, the connection became obvious. He’d Seen something and it upset him. “The Drakes have always been absorbed in our scholarly ways, fairly equitable and accepting of things because if was all just more data for us. I think sometimes we forget the reality behind that data. I would have said before now that Drakes were accepting of the Myath but not recalling being interested in them. Now, I can’t fathom how we could have ignored this for so long. Even we, who say we have no animosity for them, haven’t addressed the problems within our Nation Kingdom. The Myath are not recognised, they have no rights, frequently hunted and killed when they can be found, or at the very least driven off. We could have provided a safe space for you within our lands but we didn't. We didn’t attack you but we didn’t defend you either. We are just as bad as the Red Claw because we did nothing. I am ashamed.”

The sorrow in his voice made me want to cry. I knew a little about taking on the burdens that were not mine. It was never good and it did nothing, neither changing the past nor improving the future. Yet I couldn’t excuse nor refuse what he said. I did not speak for all the Myath and he wasn’t wrong. Still, I wanted to say something.

“Please don’t take on the guilt of all the Dragons and Drakarii over all the orbits since the Myath came to be, we cannot change the past but thank you for Looking. If what you Saw helped you understand my people, then I would do it a thousand times and a thousand again because understanding the suffering of others is the beginning to changing it. There are more Myath than most people think and we have become very good at hiding and surviving. Since I was little, my dad and other leaders of the Myath have worked to protect our people and find a way to make things better for them. I have tried to follow in their footsteps but it seems my job it so different from theirs. The Myath have always been secretive because it was imperative for our survival. Thanks to me, out secrets are beginning to unravel and I am so afraid that I will bring about their downfall. But we have agreed to try, to use my unique position to make the changes that for so long seemed impossible. Until now, it was easy to forget or ignore the Myath but now, I don’t think we will let it happen any longer. We will do what we must for the Planet and we will for a better future. So, let’s close the door on what has come before. I will not ask you to make promises, I’ll just ask that, if this has upset you, then please, if you have the chance in the future, act on it. That’s all.” I smiled at last, having delivered my thoughts quietly, a little frown pulling at my forehead as I tried to find the right words. I hoped I had.

Veest wavered, his expression changing so quickly I couldn’t track them all. Finally, he smiled back sadly and nodded. I could tell he wanted to beat himself up more but he would honour my request. Huffing out a self-deprecating chuckle, he lifted his wings and gave them a rustle.

“Perhaps I need to take a break from these old documents, stretch my wings a bit and see the outside world for a while. I once read about waterfalls and have always wanted to see them for myself.”

I chuckled with him, following his example to stretch, my limbs now far more co-operative, though they still felt a little soft and wibbly. “You could come to the Gathering on Neutral Territory, make an expedition of it and sightsee on the way there or on the way back. I’m sure Queen Coilna-tianDavarden A’Fiee Quist would appreciate one of her advisors there and it is an historic event. Witnessing it firsthand and providing an accurate account for the records would be a tantalising opportunity.” I tempted in a teasing voice. I was somewhat joking as I’m sure Queen Coilna-tianDavarden already had her team picked out, probably with Ambassador Thespenia as a key member due to her involvement so far, but I was also somewhat serious too. I liked the old Head of Research and, as he’d said, we were very nearly friends. Maybe we would become friends before I had to leave. But it would also be nice to have another familiar, friendly face at such a large gathering of so many potential problems. Veest looked like he was considering it when his large screen pinged at him.

He pulled it out and activated the incoming message, the screen immediately showing an image of his Queen and my cousin. Veest bowed to the monarchs as Queen Coilna-tianDavarden got straight to the point.

“Veest-tianArden Vorden. Thank you for answering so quickly. Is Ambassador Sierra with you? We’d like to speak to you both.” She asked.

Veest nodded, responding, “Yes Queen Coiln-tianDavarde A’Fiee Quist.”

I walked to stand next to him, making sure I was visible to those on the screen and greeted the monarchs with a brief bow. “Greeting Queen Coilna-tianDavarden A’Fiee Quist. Hello my King.”

The queen looked a little irritated and I worried I’d offended her somehow or broken etiquette but it turned out I was safe.

“I think, before I die, I will have heard my own name more than anyone has a right to.” If she was anyone else, I’d say she muttered but that didn’t fit the regal figure. “I think, considering your positions as a trusted Adviosr, Veest-tianArden and as both an Ambassador and a Royal, Sierra, I will not consider it a breach of etiquette should you address me as Coilna-tianDavarden in all but the most formal of occasions.”

“Thank you Coiln-tianDavarden. I’m honoured.” I responded, and Veest likewise expressed his gratitude, though I suspect he already had such privileges before, at least when they were in private.

The queen nodded. “Now, this conversation is to be kept strictly confidential please, with the exception of your guards and Advisor, Ambassador. King Kine and I have reviewed your report and we agree, you have done a very good job. W are putting your collected data into a shared space reserved for the Gathering. Invited parties, probably the monarchs of each of the Races and experts such as Heads of Research or the equivalent, are the only one’s who will have access. Additionally, no-one will be able to remove data, only add it until the Gathering itself, then they can view it with approval.”

Kine took over, as if they’d agreed before hand who would handle each topic. “Queen Coilna-tianDavarden and I have been working together to try and convince the other monarchs to attend the Gathering on Neutral Territory and share whatever data they have on the phenomenon and the moon. We have met with some success however, we are having trouble with a couple of the races. One we can wait on for a while but the other really needs to be addressed as quickly as possible.” Kine sighed a little, showing how difficult the past rotations had been. “The Igidoe are being difficult. They have outright refused to even listen to our proposal and resorted to some rather unpalatable slurs about the entire matter, some aimed at members of my family.”

Ah, now it made sense. The Igidoe were a forceful lot in almost everything they did and unforgettably, although the majority of them were refined and honourable, the current Prime, their colloquial terms for King, was a rude, bullying isolationist. And he probably blew his lid when he heard about me. He was the worst person to have in charge during a global problem.

“He utterly disregards etiquette and if there wasn’t a disaster looming, I’d have nothing to do with him.” Queen Coilna-tianDavarden stated, obviously driven to her wits end by the Igidoe talks.

“Indeed, a most unpleasant individual.” I commiserated with the queen. “I’ve met him only once and I do not wish to repeat the encounter. Thankfully he was unaware of my status as a Myath at the time, though he learned of it soon after. I’m not sure I would have survived if he was aware of it when we met.” I could understand the queens distress and I really didn’t want anything more to do with the Prime myself. “What was the other problem, cousin?”

Kine was watching me closely and I realised he was reacting to my comments. Kine turned out to be a protective cousin and hearing I not only met an odious individual, but had been at risk of dying would have upset him. I’d need to be careful how much I revealed to him in the future, especially when he was already stressed. Not that’s I’d hide things from him, just make sure I fed him my history in little bites. Though distracted, I think only I noticed and Kine responded quickly.

“The Avaness are proving difficult to contact. We have no connection when we try to send them simple messages and trying to get anyone to their archipelago is a dangerous and lengthy journey. For now, we are sending out widespread message that we believe can reach them but are still secure. We can afford to give it a few rotations before we try something else. We really need to focus on the Igidoe though as they are actively hostile to the endeavour and could potentially be at risk of influencing the other races against our work.”

The queen took over the briefing. “We believe the Illofra are safe from such influence due to their traditionally neutral status though we’re not sure if they will have much to bring considering their nomadic lifestyle. The Fae were receptive to our approach but have not yet indicated any kind of response, positive or negative.”

“The Illofra do have static strongholds which they visit frequently, though they move between them and are just as comfortable in the wilds. They are believed to have resources at such places but I also know they enjoy an oral tradition. They should have contributions as they are very invested in understanding the land. The Fae probably won’t respond for a while. The multiple factions would rather debate first and come to an agreed response before they then present their status to you…” I commented as I tried to figure out who we might have missed. “Have you considered approaching the Aquartii?”

Both Queen Coiln-tianDavarden and Kine had been listening carefully to my comments, nodding to acknowledge the points made but they looked a little startled at my question. I gave them time to think about it, waiting patiently when the door to the Icanthie accommodation opened silently. Mathias stood there, immediately noticing that we were communicating on the screen and waiting to see that I wanted him to do. I nodded him in and opened a mental link.

“Mathias, come in and close the door behind you. We’re speaking with Kine and Queen Coilna-tianDavarden. Confidential but they’ve allowed me to share with you and the team. They’ve issued the proposal to the races but are having trouble with the Avaness and the Igidoe. Have a listen and we can discuss later.” I finished my brief re-cap while keeping my face blank and half my attention on the figures on the screen. I sent my joy at having his strength and help close by and the warmth of my love. I found that I was very much enjoying having more kin that I was close to.

My attention fully returned to the screen as the figures on it came back to life.

“I had’t thought of seeking our the Aquartii. It’s been so long since anyone has had any contact with them as far as I know.” Queen Coilna-tianDavarden said slowly. “Do you have any news of them Ambassador?”

“Nothing concrete. Their capital city was very far south off the coast, according to records. Even I have little reason to travel so far into the wilds. The few times I did, I only came close to the coast once. I thought I saw a figure dancing on the waves a great distance off, but I cannot say it was definitely an Aquartii.” I hesitated before continuing. “Rumour says the Illofra sometimes interact with them but I cannot say how accurate that is. Still, it may be worth sending the proposal on the old communications for them.” I suggested.

Kine agreed. “A wise suggestion. it cant hurt to try and we may have some luck with it. Let us know if you think of anyone else we could try and contact Sierra.” Kine said to me.

“Actually,” I said slowly. “I may be able to talk to someone with the Igidoe. I cannot promise, but I have a contact who may be able to help.” I was going to regret this, I just knew it.