2.

Ramsey         

Not What They Seem        

"Our guests aren't going to greet themselves," Val says rising out of her chair. "Lets go welcome them in."

We open the sliding glass doors, walk out to the balcony and to the attached landing space. The flying ship hovers downward to maneuver into the area sit aside for it. Upon getting closer to the ship I'm taken back by what I sense.

As Magisters, we are trained to pick up on the spiritual energy of other magic users. I sense four respectable energies, but to feel them from this distance is uncommon. They may as well be standing next to me by way of how clear I'm able to sense them. Then there's the fifth energy, which surpasses them all. There's no malice coming from it, but its the fact that I'm able to sense any of the energies. Spirit recognition is a skill that I have to actively use in order for it to work, I did not activate it.

For comparison, one of the strongest spirit signatures I've felt is that of my brother, Rajah, when he is fully charged by the sun. Each of these signatures on the ship either rival or surpass it. 

Once grounded, a staircase unfurls from the middle of the ship and four men, massive in size and holding large oval shields, are the first to come out. After disembarking, they stand opposite to each other, two to each side, as a regal woman with a crown of grey hair is the next to emerge. Her beautiful green dress fully covers her from the neck down leaving only her hands exposed. A white cape sits on her shoulders and trails behind her as she makes her way down the staircase. This is Iyalode Umi. No one would be at fault if they were to mistake her as the Queen of Corphye by the way she carries herself if not for the fact that Corphye has not had a recognized monarch for over a century. Val is the first to greet the Corphye representative by embracing each other's right arm above the wrist while giving Umi a slight bow.

"Sawubona, Iyalode Umi." Val says. "I wish we were meeting under different circumstances."

"Sawubona, Director. I, too wish the circumstances were different. It has been so long since last I saw you. You have done amazing work in this region. I hope we can use our relationship to continue that great work and stop any more lives from being needlessly wasted." Umi says. She speaks in a melodic tone, enunciating each syllable of every word. 

I'm not able to sense the energy signatures as clearly as I was when they were landing but traces still remain. They must have actively been using a spell at the time, perhaps to survey the area. That would make the most sense. There is no mistake, however, the largest of the signatures belonged to Umi. This woman who is well into the latter part of her life is able to express a signature that substantial; these people are unreal...

"That is my hope as well, Iyalode. Allow me to introduce you to the lead investigators here on our end." Val says as she steps to the side allowing me access to Umi. "This is one of my brightest Magisters, Lieutenant Ramsey Symone."

I copy the gestures Val made when receiving Umi and repeat the same greeting. "Sawubona, Iyalode." I say.

"Sawubona, Lieutenant," Umi says as she holds the embrace and stares upward into my eyes as if looking into my soul. She smiles at me, looks over to Val and says, "Promising, indeed". 

Umi moves down the line where Val introduces her to Eston. "This is the representative Altrissa has sent to lead their investigation, Eston Marquise of the Altrissian Marshals"

Umi and Eston stand before each other in silence, Eston measuring up the Corphyian woman he looms over. The silence lingers until Eston extends his hand to give a simple greeting. 

"Iyalode Umi", he says.

She responds with a traditional handshake. She offers him no words.

Val leads her to Jaqueline and says, "This is Lieutenant Jacqueline Adams, a communications officer from the Altrissian military and a former member of MageCorp."

Jaqueline greets Umi with a full on hug. "Iyalode Umi! Its an honor to meet you! I've heard so much about you!"

Umi is taken aback for a second but returns the greeting. "Sawubona, oyin." Umi says, referring to Jaqueline by a term of endearment instead of her proper title.

We all give Jaqueline a look.

"What? How often do you get to meet such a legendary woman?" Jaqueline shrugs.

The difference in greetings Umi gave to Eston compared to Jaqueline despite them both being Altrissian military officers is... peculiar. That could be because of the shared ancestry Umi, Val, Jaqueline, and myself have. Despite the latter three of us being citizens of Altrissa, none of us are more than one generation removed from our Corphye roots; at least I know that for sure of myself and Val. Val was not always 'Valencia Vaughn'. She doesn't share her story to others often but Val was a child of Corphye orphaned at a young age under a name she never knew. In a rare act of kindness, she was taken in by one Altrissa's illustrious families, the Vaughn's, during her adoptive father's soldier days.

"Lets move this into my office where we can talk in a more comfortable setting", Val says.

Our two groups make our way from the landing area back to the office where we settle into a sitting area of the room. Val, Jaqueline, Umi and I take seats on white sofas in the area while Eston sits in an armchair. The four guards who accompany Umi remain standing and silent. I notice that other than their large oval shields, decorated with intricate designs and multiple colors, the men have no weapons on them.

Val is the first to speak. "We all know why we're here. So lets get right into it. Eston, if you would, please share what information Altrissa has gathered so far regarding the Peace Party assassinations. You're free to connect your Commdex to my office's network to display any information you need to share. It may look fancy but my office functions the same as any other office you've conducted intelligence meetings in."

Eston reaches inside of his royal blue jacket and pulls out his handheld communication device. These devices are standard for most people across Gaea. Of course, The Kingdom of Corphye rejects their widespread usage within its borders.

After syncing with Val's Office, Eston is able to use his Commdex to dim the lighting in the room. A large screen on the wall in front of us turns on showing a picture of the Leader of the Altrissa Peace Party, Seymour Maxwell. Like Umi, he is a regal figure in the latter stages of his life. A former soldier with a storied career, Seymour spent his post-military life campaigning for Altrissa to follow a new direction that would have the nation move away from military campaigns and focus on its citizens. 

In a time where the average Altrissian citizen lives in constant hopelessness, Seymour gave them hope. He made them believe that despite their current situations, bleak as they may seem, its never too late to change them. That together, they can put an end to the uber-wealthy elites squeezing everyone beneath them dry of their worth. That never-ending war does not have to be the way of the world they inhabit. Most importantly, Seymour Maxwell gave them an alternative to the callous reign of AP-LAC, The Altrissian Party for Liberty and Commerce. For the past decade, AP-LAC has consolidated political power and used it as a sledge hammer to shatter the will of its people and to benefit its leaders through riches and influence.

Eston walks in front of the screen and speaks. "Three days ago, Seymour Maxwell and members of the Altrissa Peace Party were in Afoji-Idabo to attend a summit discussing whether a new database would begin construction in the city. Proponents and detractors were in attendance as well. The summit remained peaceful until the venue where it was being held came under attack from the anti AP-LAC group known as 'The Sparks of Change' using black market weaponry.

This attack triggered an evacuation protocol for all those in attendance. Civilians were safely moved using underground escape routes while political members stuck to their pre-arranged protocols to make their way way to safety. Members of the Peace Party were originally suppose to evacuate using a prearranged ground convoy at the rear end of the venue. This convoy was met with resistance and deemed unsafe to use. This is when plans must have changed and Seymour Maxwell and his party were taken to an air-shuttle to evacuate the city and return to Mainland Altrissa."

Eston changes the screen to another picture. The aftermath of the air-shuttle being shot out of the sky. The pieces of metal and interior strung across a seared field. He continues. "As we know, they would never make it. 17 people perished. These are the only casualties from the summit. In order to find out who is responsible for this act, there are questions we must answer:

Who was backing the Sparks of Change? Was the resistance blocking the Peace Party escape route coincidental or intentional? Who benefits the most from this action?"

I take the opportunity to ask a question of my own. "Reports keep mentioning that it was a magic user who brought down the air-shuttle. What evidence do we have of this?"

Eston responds, "A surveillance drone was able obtain these pictures". He shows a still picture of the air-shuttle in flight followed by another still of a column of fire from an unidentified source being sent toward the middle of the shuttle before making impact. "I'm not familiar with any military weaponry capable of that kind of attack. Are you?"

He's correct. That was some sort of fire-based technique. The kind that can only come from a magic user. The drone was unable to get a clear view of the suspect because of the distance in between but Altrissa is correct in their assumption. 

"How do we know the Sparks of Change aren't solely responsible for the attack?" I ask.

"Its a possibility," Eston says. "But then I would have to ask you all; what have you been doing below the Altrissian border because you certainly haven't been doing your job if a threat like that has gone undocumented."

He's right again. We keep regular tabs on the Sparks of Change. If a magic user of that caliber existed within their ranks we would know about it. 

Eston continues, "Still, we're leaving nothing to chance. We have all law enforcement agencies in the Twin Cities, including the remainder of MageCorp-Afoji and all available personnel of MageCorp-Asale raiding known locations where the Sparks of Change gather and we're taking their members in for questioning. After their arrests, they'll be taken to Mainland Altrissa. If there is any intel to be gained from them, we will get it."

My brother, Rajah and the squad he is part of are currently conducting the raids that Eston speaks of.

Val says. "Iyalode Umi, do you have any additional information to add that can help give us a better understanding of what's going on?"

Umi, who is sitting next to Val, says, "As soon as we heard of the attack, and that we were the suspected culprits, we too looked into the matter but have come back with little results. We agree with the assumption that the perpetrator is an exceptional magic user, however I cannot make any determination of who is responsible with only a photograph to go off of.

The Kingdom of Corphye has no reason to target Seymour Maxwell. I, personally, found him to be a good man that I had the brief pleasure of working with in the hopes of ushering in a world without war. Both him and I know what it is like to take part in bloodshed and how it only leads to more bloodshed. His death and the deaths of the other victims aboard that air-shuttle are a true tragedy. My heart goes out to all of those affected."

Umi sounds genuine in her sympathy for the loss of lives caused by the attack. For all of the stories about how fierce of a warrior Umi once was, the woman who sits with me now is completely different. Its said that Umi comes from an old guard Corphyians who's greatest pleasure came from battle, whether against enemies of the Kingdom or even each other. Now the thought of war sickens her. This is the conclusion that her and Seymour Maxwell came to after experiencing war firsthand. The things that they must have seen. The pain Umi must have felt losing her daughter to battle. I pray that I never have to experience those things myself.

"You're very careful with your choice of words, Iyalode Umi." Eston says, incredulously. "I believe you when you say that Corphye did not intend for Seymour Maxwell and his party members to be assassinated but I don't believe for a second that you or your nation are completely innocent. Do not lie to me. Was Corphye behind the attacks that-"

Before Eston could finish leveling his accusations at Umi he is snatched by his throat by one of Umi's bodyguards, the largest of the four. He approached from Eston's blindside. Nobody had time to register what was happening.

Eston removes his attacker's arm from his neck using his left hand while he throws a punch with his right. The punch is blocked and Eston's attacker takes his right arm back to wind up a punch of his own before Umi interjects. 

"That is enough!" she shouts.

Umi's bodyguard, who is more than twice her size, obeys the instant he hears her voice. His face is mortified. Only now does the shield he was holding and left behind to attack Eston fall to the ground. He, too, falls and takes a knee begging Umi to forgive him for his insolence. Umi waves him off. He picks up his shield and returns to his position.

"I take it by that response that I must have struck a nerve." Eston says as he straightens his jacket.

"You did strike a nerve, but only because of your wayward tongue. You are free to come to whatever conclusion you wish to draw from my statements." Umi says, unbothered by the accusations. "But since you ask for clarity, I will give it to you. It may determine whether or not you live through this investigation of yours. We are not the only parties hunting the person responsible for the attack on your politicians.

Once I leave here, I will return to Corphye where, tomorrow, we will hold a summit of our own. The Leaders of our Kingdom will discuss this attack on your nation. Amongst those leaders, we will hear what Lady Akasha has to say regarding this matter."

Eston Interrupts, "Is this Lady Akasha responsible for the Peace Party Assassinations?"

"I did not say that. However, Lady Akasha holds more of a interest in finding out who is responsible than anyone in our Kingdom." Umi replies.

Lady Akasha, Chieftain of Desheret, a desert city in Corphye. While Iyalode Umi is honored and revered, Lady Akasha is famed and renowned as if she were a celebrity. In a Kingdom that thrives off of secracy, Akasha flaunts her deeds and her notorious reputation for all to see. 

I look over at Val to see her eye is twitching at the mention of Akasha. Surely she has had her share of encounters with this notorious woman over the course of her career.

Umi continues, "Lady Akasha can be ruthless and dangerous when it comes to getting what she wants. She is smart, she is crafty and she has no shortage of followers who will go to any length to make her desires a reality. Her reach extends far. If she is after the same thing you are then you are in danger."

"You're not denying that this Lady Akasha is the one who is behind all of this" Eston says.

"What I am doing is warning you. Unless you practice caution, you will come across Lady Akasha. And if Lady Akasha sees you as an obstacle in her path, she will remove you, forcefully. Do what you must in your investigation but you have been warned," says Umi.

Eston walks towards Umi but another one her bodyguards cuts him off. The Altrissian Marshal stops and talks around the man. His voice is filled with emotion. "You're warning me? Well let me warn you. If you think Altrissa sending me is the only move they'll make regarding this situation you have another coming. As we speak, my superiors are looking for every way possible to work around the armistice we agreed to 2 decades ago. I may work within the agreed terms of our arrangement, but not all of my superiors share my sense of honor. They will be coming you, for Akasha, for whoever is responsible.

People have died and not just from the air-shuttle attacks. We've suffered attacks all across our territories for months now. People I served with, grew up with, gone. I may not agree with the steps my superiors take but if it means bringing those of you responsible for these heinous acts to justice then I hope they succeed."

Umi snickers. "Young man, you are so focused on what you believe my people and I are responsible for yet you ignore your nations hand in all of these things. Are my people responsible for the suffering of your citizens? Citizens who suffer so much that they rebel against your government? Did we defund your schools and hospitals? Did we take the hope from you?

You asked a valid question earlier. 'Who benefits the most from this attack'? Perhaps you should aim that question inward because I can think of several parties throughout Altrissa who fit that description." Umi turns toward Val to speak to her directly. "I have shared what I know regarding this most unfortunate situation. I have given you the knowledge to defend yourselves as you investigate this matter. I will speak on this no more.

I do have another matter I wish to speak to you about, but I will not do so in his presence." She uses her chin to point to Eston. "The matter I speak of has nothing to do this with this alejo." 'Stranger' in Corphyian tongue.   

Eston lets out a laugh of his own and replies, "I'm not going anywhere."

Val turns on him, "Marshal Eston, Iyalode Umi has been more than kind to us in the information she has shared. If we wish to continue to use her as a reliable source in the future, its best we meet her wishes. 

She says the matter has nothing to do with your investigation. Please leave this conversation to me and if anything of relevance comes up, I will be the first to let you know. Take the elevator down to 4th floor. Support staff will be awaiting you to show you to your quarters. You'll find the arrangements we have made for you are quite comfortable. Its been a long day. Get some rest and we will reconvene in the morning."

Eston tries to hide being offended behind another laugh. "Incredible." he says. "Ms. Adams, lets leave them to their conversation. There are a few things I would like to go over with you before we retire for the night."

Jaqueline sits up from the sofa she has been sharing with me and prepares to leave but is stopped.

"No, she stays." Umi says.

Eston looks at Jaqueline, confused. She looks back him just as confused and shrugs.

"Seriously?" Eston says. No longer hiding his indignation "Unbelievable." He about-faces and makes his way to the elevator. He turns around and stares daggers into Umi as the doors close.

"So what is this matter you needed to talk to me in private about, Iyalode Umi?" Val asks.

"I warned you that Lady Akasha's reach extends far but I do not think you are aware of just how far that is." She looks toward Jaqueline. "Would you like to tell her, or should I, omo?"

Jaqueline is amused. She responds, "So you know? Well, this is awkward." She leans back into the sofa and places her hands behind her head. Eyes closed, her smirk grows, "I work for Lady Akasha."

If I found her annoying before, I detest her now. I don't know what this revelation means but the arrogance from this woman is intolerable. I look to Val for clarity about all of this and she is rubbing the bridge of her nose with her thumb and index finger again.

"Shouldn't we do something about this, Val?" I ask. "Report her? Arrest her?"

"You can't", Jaqueline says, not even bothering to meet my gaze.

"Why not?" I say?

"Because I am asking you not to. She is vital to Lady Akasha and therefore she is vital to Corphye." Umi says.

Val joins the conversation. "Iyalode Umi, You know I'm willing to make many compromises for the greater good. I've done so plenty of times that we have worked together. But I will not have someone who serves that woman working under my watch."

"I was serving Lady Akasha from the moment I stepped into MageCorp as a neophyte. It wasn't a problem then." Jaqueline says. Val ignores her. She could rip this small woman to pieces with ease. Why is she taking this from her?

"This not fair to me, my team, or our investigation. Anytime we gain any information, she is just going to report it back to Akasha." Val says.

"Lady Akasha" Jaqueline says, correcting her. Val ignores her again.

"What if I can assure you that this will not undermine your investigation?" Umi asks.

This legendary woman is reduced to negotiating on behalf of this smug, arrogant spy. 

"Omo," Umi says to Jaqueline, using a Corphyian term. "I know that you are not here to do Akasha's investigation for her, she has others to do so. If I can get her to agree, will you give me your word you will not sabotage Director Vaugn's efforts?"

"Clear the terms with Lady Akasha and I will do anything you ask of me, Iyalode Umi. I have nothing but the utmost respect for you." Jaqueline says.

"She's a spy", I say. "Her word means nothing."

"It does to me." Umi says. "Mo pa ileri mi mo", she says to Jaqueline

" Mo pa ileri mi mo", Jaqueline repeats back. Val lets out a groan of disgust.

Umi rises from her seat and gathers herself. Val does the same. "Director Vaughn. Thank you for appeasing me."

"Did I ever have a choice?" Val replies back, realizing what has just taken place. This meeting was never her idea. It was Umi's.

The two women embrace arms once more and Val bows to Umi. "I will walk Iyalode Umi and her guard back to their airship. Ramsey, please escort our 'guest' to the fourth floor. Her accommodations are already prepared." Val says. She turns to Jaqueline. "Little girl, the only reason you are not in shackles and on your way to an underground cell is because of Iyalode Umi. You should thank the stars for her grace. If you step out of line even one time, Akasha nor Iyalode Umi will be able to save you from me. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal" Jaqueline says, unbothered.

Umi and Val walk toward the airspace and Jaqueline and I walk to the elevator.

"So, what's the view to my room like?" She asks me as we enter the elevator.

I detest this woman.