Inauguration II

Hale

by Hale

Story
London

Over the past decade, the Society had grown evermore divided. The skin that had once been a wall of a sanctuary and community for like-minded people now had deep gashes. The need to break away and become more involved in the outside world and its politics seethed beneath a once harmonious surface, especially since the political superpowers Russia and China decided to start their aggressive bullying campaign against Taiwan and Europe. Several of the Society’s members wished for a more active part in this worrisome climate. Thus far, Chancellor Alma Zaba had been determined to hold on to the Society’s values and traditions. Her course of compartmentalisation was not to be disrupted. She valued, above anything, the safety of her people. The disparate gifts and their personality traits did their part. There were still families that held both gifts, like Bene’s family. His Father was a feeler and his Mother was a sightler. Radella Claes had the somewhat rare gift of foresight. Some evil tongues whispered that her very well-developed gift was the only reason Bancroft Claes had even considered remarrying after his first wife’s death. That and so many other rumours about his old family lineage were the reasons Bene was mostly distrustful of his peers. Many of the people he had grown up with in the Society wanted to be his friends. Mainly because of his father’s seat in the High Chamber, the Society’s governing body. Bene was only 18, but he knew better than to indulge them. Luckily, there was one person he knew he could trust. That was plenty for him.

When he finally brought himself to enter the hallway of 19 Millbank, a middle-aged man behind the front desk guided them through heavy double doors. Schilling Gallery, the large ballroom beyond, was already full to the brim of people. Out of the corner of his eye, he could make out a scruffy brunette bob. “Edda,” Bene called out. The scruffy bob turned around and revealed a 15-year-old girl with dark eyeliner and a scrawny physique. Even when Edda Whitt wasn’t saying or doing anything, she looked like she was up to something. She was one of the few exceptions to be present. Only inaugurated members of the Society were allowed to enter government buildings. She in turn, was wearing the teenage version of the Puku. Instead of the large silver band across her chest, her dress and bolero were fastened with large silver buttons. Her youth dress had no silver spheres yet. Her headpiece, though barely visible in the messy hair, was of similar shape and size to his mother’s. It wasn’t embroidered, however.
Today, as a symbol of trust, Bene would receive his 1st grade of possible 8. His first silver sphere. Unlike his mother’s, his sphere would be attached to a thick silver chain around his left arm. 

“Hello soon-to-be feeler, 1st grade,” Edda said while pushing past people.
“Mhm,” he grunted. “Where is your wookie of a brother?” 
“Where you should be. He is getting his bond fitted,” she replied, pointing her thumb to the upper balcony.
Radella spoke, joining his side: “You better go too, you are already late as it is. Hello Edda.”
Instead of arguing, he hurried out, back into the foyer and up a grand staircase onto the balcony. Lines of young adults queued in front of 4 tables.

© Hale 2024-07-31

Genres
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Moods
Abenteuerlich, Dunkel, Emotional, Mysteriös