RC20

Hurried footsteps disturbed the calm of the sanctuary. Residents would usually have hurled reproachful words at the loud visitor, but daylight had yet to reach the gilded cupola.

He stopped in front of a luxurious door with a gem-studded knob and knocked twice.

- It's time ! he exclaimed

Then he resumed his hasty walk to another floor.

In the room, leaning against a wall, a man opened his eyes.

"Don't give up, don't run away, don't give up, don't give up, don't run away, don't give up...

These endlessly repeating words became a litany, the dark circles decorating his face, giving the impression that a forbidden ritual was about to take place. The man got up painfully. He hadn't slept.

He began his daily devotions while putting on his uniform, took one last look in his mirror, then went out and closed his bedroom door.

The young man never went unnoticed in the Sacred Circle. His impressive size made him almost intruder wherever he went and his outfit reinforced the curiosity that people had for him.

His status as a high priest was clearly visible, as he was dressed in a white tunic adorned with a collar embroidered with blue jewels which distinguished him from the nameless priests. As per custom, he had himself extracted each of the stones he displayed.

There was a crowd in the hemicycle today and when he pushed open the Great Door, 300 heads turned towards him with the same gesture. Of course they had all come. The young high priest would have preferred that they abstain. His already difficult task was going to be more complicated than expected.

“Brothers… All of you who are setting here today know who I am. Some of you have even had the pleasure… of seeing me stroll through the halls of the Sacred Circle during my childhood, he said as a small smile full of nostalgia took shape on his lips. You were there when I proclaimed my new name in this same room so that I could one day appear before you. I am High Priest Axel, and a serious matter prompted me to call this assembly. There is 1 year left before the RCacts! Now we have to vote.

At these words cries of rage and fear echoed in the room.

Should we act or leave the field open to the RC?

A first man advanced in the center of the assembly, his thick beard and reddish color gave him the air of a barbarian hidden behind the refined robes of the brotherhood.

— Brothers… I wear the number 24 with pride. I do not yet have a name, but my voice is sure and fair and it is with humility that on this day I dare to say aloud:

Let them die!

Brother Axel's words imply that we forgive past crimes… he said as a bitter laugh accompanied his words.

Centuries of terror, brothers! So what ? Are we going to forget them? Are we going to give them the chance to start over? My blood cannot accept this betrayal! Free them if you wish, but you will no longer be able to look at the names of the heroes engraved on our cupola without shame!

Axel could already see the excitement building among his brothers and raised his hand briefly for silence again.

— 3 million years ago… Those responsible for this tragedy have been dead for nearly 3 million years. Don't you think we should give descendants a chance? They know nothing of their fate. The walls of their prison are invisible to them. They are more children than criminals!

Brother 24, furious, decided to retaliate.

- Nope ! Nope ! the fruits are as rotten as the root! We have only to look at their way of life. Do you see in them a peaceful society? Don't be blind! This planet is their prison. May it become their tomb.

Axel was not a fervent defender of the cause, anyway it should not be openly. The animosity remained too tenacious. He knew well the story of brother 24 and especially of his family which had been almost completely exterminated during the Reign. The man only needed a few drinks too many to accurately describe the carnage and the methods used by the followers of the Usurper.

“I don't want to defend them, but the children are innocent. Let's not blame the father's crime on the son. I'm not saying let them have complete freedom in the RC, but let them choose their future and if they decide to swear allegiance to the RC, we will watch them and if necessary we will trample all forms of rebellion. Brother Ethan, what do you think, you who often have the fairest reflection of all of us?

An elderly man rose with difficulty from his seat. His tunic was adorned with black jewels and reflected his senior rank of Grandmaster. Embarrassed by a fit of coughing, he straightened up painfully.

"Each of you has valid arguments, but I see only two camps here, that of ' fear… ", he said, turning to Brother 24, who looked down at the gaze of the most powerful member of the brotherhood "and that of the undecided" he continued, turning to Axel.

“Let's give them back control of their destiny. When they have made their choice, we will separate the good elements… from the bad. These last words had been pronounced with unusual coldness and seemed to reassure the most reluctant brothers.

"What do you say, brother 24? Could this ease your worries? Asked Axel.

“They would all deserve to immediately join the Creator and suffer the wrath of the High Priestess. But I will cast my vote on one condition, continued Brother 24.

Axel could see in the man's eyes, a twinkle that wasn't innocent. Brother 24 was a cunning and charismatic man. He certainly would have had a name by now if he hadn't failed that year.

- The test.

An incessant brouhaha began, some cried out in outrage, others looked at him in horror, the last in admiration.

"This test is a ritual reserved for brothers! How dare you propose it, when you failed to complete it? Is your grudge so tenacious that you would condemn them all? Axel roared

A cruel grin paralyzed the man's lips.

- Full citizenship, the possibility of accessing the highest honors, for these beings? Do you want to give it to them without anything in return? Let them pay the price!

- He is right !

"It's an outrage!

"You defile our traditions!

Another brother looked at him in disgust, and walked over to him. Arrived at the height of brother 24, he spat at his feet and regained his place without looking back.

Axel, helpless watched the conflict escalate.

- Enough !

The Master rose slowly, supported by his aides, two novices who had served less than ten years in the Circle.

“Brothers, the proposal of brother 24 does not come from a decision without feeling, he began, casting a stern look at the accused. He denies our traditions, and a ritual dedicated to the most experienced among us, the Master said as a few men nodded briskly.

But… I agree, there is no better test to fathom hearts. Before the brotherhood was as you know it today, this test already existed. It was open to everyone. Nowadays, few dare to face it… declared Master Ethan with a note of regret in his voice.

We want to have faith in this planet, but we don't know them. So why not let the test decide their value?

Looks were exchanged, each hoping to find the answer in the eye of a neighbor, also lost. When no one spoke again, Axel judged the right moment to intervene.

— The Grand Master spoke wisely, this judgment will not be easy to pronounce, and even after the vote, a long crusade awaits us. But we are the Brotherhood, we have to make a decision, he said before looking at the hologram that was in the center of the room. The planet rotated slowly, majestic and ignorant...

" Today, we will judge the future of the Earth."