A Walk to Greater Worlds: Aeriel Trilogy #3

Chapter 64

"Do you know what's odd?" Vikram spoke at length, turning to face Ruban directly. "Based on my conversations with him, both on and off camera, I do think Viman really believes his own propaganda. That reinforced sif is the key that'll finally unlock the dream of lasting peace between Aeriels and humans. Between earth and Vaan. He's convinced that conquering Vaan is the only way to achieve enduring peace. The kind that won't be dismantled every time a vankrai goes off the rails.

"Beyond preventing the birth of vankrai, he doesn't seem to harbor much ill will against Aeriels. To him, subjugating Vaan is simply a means to an end. Nothing more."

"And does he not understand that after six hundred years of bloody conflict, humans and Aeriels harbor deep-seated prejudices against each other?" Simani cut in. "That if one side conquers the other, gains absolute power, that power will be abused. Even if those who set up the power structure didn't intend for the abuse to happen. Even if it's illegal. That's just how people work. They won't forget centuries of animosity, just because the government instructed them to do so."

"No, I don't think he does understand it," Vikram said. "Nor do his fans and followers. That's the gist of the problem. They genuinely believe they're fighting for a utopia where the conquered and the conquerors can live together in harmony. Without hurting or taking advantage of each other."

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims will be the most oppressive." Ashwin murmured, shattering the heavy silence that followed Vikram's words. "For those who torment us 'for our own good', do so with the approval of their own conscience."

Ruban squinted at the Aeriel. "Why're you talking like that?"

"Like what?" Ashwin asked. A tiny smile played on his lips.

"Like the overwrought narrator of a historical drama," Simani supplied helpfully.

"Maybe because he's quoting one." Vikram laughed. "A historical drama, I mean. That's a direct quote from one of the most famous playwrights of pre-Rebellion Vandram." He turned to Ashwin. "I didn't realize you were a theater enthusiast."

"I'm not. But Maya used to be." His smile dimmed slightly. "Or, well, she was singularly enthusiastic about this one playwright. Would read all his works out to us, over and over again. Would drag us to the theaters any time one of his plays was being staged. Now that I think back on it, I'm pretty sure she had a crush on him." Wistfulness colored his voice. "It's...reassuring. To know that his works have stood the test of time."

Rising quietly, Ashwin gathered the used utensils and vanished into the kitchen.

Simani moved to follow him. But Vikram pressed a hand to her knee, holding her back.

"Why do you think he invited you to his show?" Ruban asked Vikram, after a moment. "Viman Rai, I mean. It's not like there's any shortage of so-called 'experts' willing to back up his unhinged theories. Dhriti Pathak being the foremost among them. I don't understand why he'd risk having you and Dawad appear on his show. He couldn't have seriously thought you'd agree with him."

"Oh, I think he did." Vikram sank back into the plush embrace of the sofa, pulling Simani close. "Expect me to agree with him, that is. I think he expected me to hold a grudge against Ashwin."

Nestled against him, Simani stiffened. "Hold a grudge? You?" Her voice was incredulous. "Over what? Where did he get that idea?"

"Over you, actually." Vikram's grip tightened playfully around her shoulders. "Viman seemed to think I'd hold a grudge over what happened at that godforsaken fair in Central Ragah."

"But that was an accident." Simani protested immediately. "Or, well, I suppose not entirely an accident. But Ashwin certainly wasn't the one to blame for it."