What Memory Remains
Chapter 33: Call to Arms

“Ladies and gentlemen of the Council…I am here to discuss a great proposal. Thank you for granting me an audience. I’d like to preface that as you know, we are all aware of an immediate threat to our great continent of Nostromus. Very unfortunate circumstances have led us here today, and it is with deepest regret that I would propose using this contingency. Yet, I do so with the fullest confidence that you will understand why it is necessary.

“As we all know, tensions between the Northern and Southern societies have risen greatly over the past twenty years. The more technology we produce and create, the more we are judged by our Southern brethren. We’ve explained that our progress of technology is to better our lives and not to harm others. But…many of the Magi people do not seem to share this view.

“And THAT….is why we need my Rune-Tech Armor. If we are attacked or met with resistance with the force of magic, we can withstand and strike back against those who would pose us threat. Runic wards have been inscribed into every armored suit to provide the greatest protection against spells of just about any kind. There are, of course an instance that any mage of High Order may be able to break past this, but it ensures that an army of Magi would prove useless.

“They are made of the most sturdy metal available today, and therefore can withstand much physical damage. You can break down walls, easily capture rebels, and protect innocent civilians with it. My Rune-Tech Armor is a vital tool that can be put to use to give our citizens of Nostromus exactly what they need…peace of mind.

“At the brink of any threat or danger to our people or way of life, the best defense against any obstacle is feeling confidently secure. I can provide that for you, and for all our Nostromian people. Our armor has cannons that can fire concentrated blasts of energy that can cut through any substance. They are easy to operate, and can take a substantial amount of damage before they’re inoperable. I helped lead the creation of this technology myself with the help of leading NOSRAD scientists and engineers, and have tested the product myself. And let me assure you this…the quality highly exceeded all my expectations.

“So I ask you this…when you vote on whether to give me clearance to use my Rune-Tech Armor, think not of the simple “yes” or “no.” Think of your vote as nothing more than allowing technology to do what it’s always done for Nostromus…to better our lives, especially when matters settle down.

“Imagine a world where you have the power to make your citizens feel more safe. Criminals would think twice before doing anything knowing what our forces were capable of. So you can choose between a future of hope…or one of daunting uncertainty. Thank you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Krane, you may be seated.”

The responding voice was that of the High Chancellor, his finely-groomed gray beard excellently reflecting his tailored suit. Krane gave a slight nod, and smoothly worked his way back to his seat.

“Are there any questions from the Council before we vote?”

“Yes, I have but one.” A member stood up. He had the demeanor of a stern businessman, donning a suit with a dark vest. His top hat postured perfectly atop his head was prominent, only accentuated by his impeccable handlebar mustache.

“Yes, Mr. Dante. You may approach for question.”

Moving forward with the use of a cane, Mr. Dante reached the podium and proceeded

“Mister Krane, by allowing you judicial use of this army, I have but one concern. What would keep you from simply running amuck?”

“You suggest that I may use this army for my own agenda? What would make you question that?”

“It’s not that I think you would. I’m merely proposing to everyone…what if you wanted to? Who could stop you? This is a technology of the likes we have never seen, and you said yourself only a few select people understand how it works. I’m merely pontificating that this could be too much power for such few people. Have you any thoughts on this?”

“Well Mr. Dante, you pose quite a formidable challenge to my proposal with that question. I may have been too caught up in my own excitement to mention that there are no special conditions to lead or control this machinery. We simply make the suits…what will be done with this technology is up to the good politicians in this room with here us here today, yourself included of course. Much like any tool, the ethical use of it is up to the user.

“I would like to lead this army alongside any of our most distinguished agents of Minerva, teaching them and showing the capabilities of the Rune-Tech Armor. Once we are out of these dire times, I will leave it to the powers that be to command my wonderful creation. There are no mad scientists here, only men with scientific minds who want to aid the cause of Nostromus with their intellect. Again these are not killing machines, simply a tool for creating peace among our great continents.”

“Hahaha. I believe you have sold me then, Director Krane. Any others?”

Dante looked behind to see if any other members wanted to trade places with him, but his glare was met with no volunteers.

“It would seem that we have all the information we need then,” the High Chancellor began to adjourn. “Last call….alright then. Mr. Dante, if you’ll have a seat, we can begin our voting. If you’ll excuse us, Mr. Krane.”

Krane stood up, gave a courteous nod, and left the council to vote in the Chamber. Outside the Chamber doors, he was met with none other than Vera.

“That was quite clever how you swayed the others that way.”

“Why thank you, Vera. Your flattery is only exceeded by your elven beauty.”

“Now who’s uttering words of flattery?”

“What can I say? Midas himself couldn’t utter such words of golden promise.”

“Well then, at least you’re humble about it. Seriously though, the way you seemed to sway Dante was genius. If the others see that Dante changed his mind, that would make them second-guess any thoughts of not approving your plans.”

“Precisely. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re scared shitless of Dante. Samuel has a reputation that exceeds the world of politics.”

“I hear that he goes by another name.”

“Yes, but we won’t utter it here. Too many prying ears.”

“Of course.”

“Do you have it?”

“Yes.” From under her cloak, Vera produced a round container with a blue light emanating from it. Running his hands over the smooth glass in wonder, Krane thought of how much was being accomplished by such a small object. He soon placed it in his jacket pocket. The two continued talking of various business topics, until the door opened up and Krane was ushered back in.

Krane approached the podium, the High Chancellor already in wait for him.

“Dr. Krane, it is by the majority vote of this Council that we herbey grant you request for your Rune-Tech Armor to be used. All the details mentioned therein are also in accordance, and so you may begin stationing your armored troops once they are prepped and ready. An agent of Minerva will be assigned to oversee your technology and learn its capabilities. You will be contacted by them within a couple of days.”

“Thank you, High Chancellor.”

After a series of more formalities, Krane exited the Chamber to wait. After another hour or two, the Council’s proceedings for the day were done and all members slowly trickled out of the Chamber doors. The last to leave was Samuel Dante, who casually approached Krane.

“Mr. Dante,” They politely shook hands upon meeting.

“Dr. Krane. I am eager to see this product of yours at work.”

“If there’s anything you’ll witness soon, it will be that, indeed! Thank you for your vote and support.”

“Speaking of which…I believe you have something for me.”

“In fact I do.”

Krane procured the energy capsule from his coat pocket, handing it over to Dante. The blue of the energy reflected within Dante’s eyes, and Krane could see a sick fervor in them. Right away, Krane could see Dante’s hunger for it.

“It’s beautiful, doctor. How did you…”

“How I got it is of no consequence. The important thing is that you have it now.”

“And so….this is pure magical energy?”

“In its most pure, concentrated form. They are not only the power source for the armor, but they serve as ammunition for the cannons.”

“Splendid! You have made me a very happy man today, doctor.”

“You are most certainly welcome. I thought it may help you decide better on how to vote, having such an exquisite item to add to your collection.”

“It is indeed.”

Krane hoped to converse more with Dante, but was instead met with the unsettling silence as the politician remained transfixed on the energy cell almost with some sort of sickness.

“Well, Mr. Dante I bid you a good day again. Thanks again for your support.”

“Yes, yes. You will make an excellent addition. So excellent…..”

Vera and Krane walked away, exchanging a look that confirmed their feelings of being creeped out. They entered their large wooden stagecoach, notifying their driver in the front seat of their departure.

“Right away, boss.” The driver then started using a series of knobs and switches, and they soon heard the metallic clop of hooves as the mechanical horse began moving the carriage forward. It was only a few minutes later when suddenly Vera clutched her head, her eyes going black for a moment.

“What is it?”

“The Shade…it’s gone.”

“Gone? You mean they killed it?”

“It’s not here, that’s all I know.”

“So what happened?”

“I can’t say but…we’re going to have to hurry back to continue with our plans.”

“Agreed.”

They silently made their way through the streets, their next destination close at hand. Though Vera knew of Krane’s plans, there was one part that she did not know of. It was bittersweet, but Krane knew in his heart that he would never feel right if he didn’t do it. He was determined to do all that he could to protect the world from the evils of Magic. Even if it meant killing the person who was his own guardian throughout everything.

He always felt like such a hypocrite, trying to rid the world of elves, Magi, and anything magical in nature with the help of a wizard. It even baffled him how well Vera had gone along with everything, betraying her own kind in the process. Yet like Krane, Vera understood the concept of how it’s necessary to step on the shoulders of others to stay on top.

Poisoning her would be simple enough, but he wondered if he could actually go through with it. Planning something is one thing, but getting through the actual task when the time is right can be tricky. This would prove a challenge, but Krane only needed to picture his lifeless wife in his arms to remind him of what brought him to this very moment.

It angered him so much, he couldn’t help but give Vera a sidelong glance and imagined strangling her with his bare hands and watching the light leave her eyes. The thought was tempting, but he knew he had to wait longer until everything was set. For now, he could give himself just enough joy simply thinking about it.

Vera felt his gaze, and looked over. Not having a clue of why he was smiling, she smiled back. Krane continued his blissful smile, entertaining the idea of her death over and over…