The Dekmár Roads: The Factions of Natorna

Chapter 7: Shadowy Contingency

It was a cool morning on the Council planet, Conharsa. Cearfer arrived at Tuanaver's new dwelling and witnessed the farmer kicking small pebbles across the dirt near by the front door. Despite the cloud cover of dirt generated from the impact of his footfalls, Cearfer noticed some of the hand tools laying on the ground by his feet. One of which, the rake, was broken in half. Cearfer carefully picked his words. He knew that Tuanaver was exasperated. "I would say good day and ask you how your time here is going but I see that is not the best thing to say__"

"__But by saying it's not what you are saying, you literally are saying it.

"I beg your pardon then. What do you need?"

Cearfer thought to himself while waiting for a response. He could tell a lot was on the hapless and miserable Gletent's mind, 'He is quite snappy. I need to tread even lighter and not make him completely lose it.'

Tuanaver breathed deeply before responding, "This land is no good. Not one bit. I am completely dumbfounded the council even wants me here. I am a farmer, a well-known and reputable Gletent, but what they are asking me is near damn impossible. And that is not to mention the tools they gave me. They have no clue what it takes to farmland on a large scale. I doubt they even can grasp the concept on a small scale. Sure, these tools have purpose, but not to till acres of land. It would take companies of Liscznata and Lascarta to be able to get this done. But regardless, these tools are basically to move small patches of fair dirt in places like boarders of cities."

Cearfer shook his head. He was both shocked with what he heard and at the same time, he partly expected what it. He liked to think the Council knew what they were doing and had a very firm grasp on the inner workings of the factions. What he had found, however, was not the case. They neither disseminate various vital details when needed or simply glaring information that ought to be well known to the public. For instance, the existence of beings outside of this solar system.

'Why are they failing to educate their people? Is it an oversight? Do they even care? If not, does this make it intentional withholding if knowledge? What are they afraid of if the system works the way it should.' Cearfer continued to mull over The Council's issues and figured that if they do not instruct, then they would also not learn on many areas.

Tuanaver stood in front of Cearfer, staring at him, waiting for an answer. "I understand you have been waiting here for a few days with less than adequate means of fulfilling your job. I would be just as frustrated as you if not more so if I were in this position. You have a list for me of the items you need? I am going to pick them up myself, otherwise, it would take much more time for them to process it and get them back to you. I apologize for not coming here sooner. I had other tasks I needed to do before, and I did not know the poor shape you were in. Although now, you have my undivided attention."

Tuanaver handed Cearfer the list and explained to him what was on it. "Thank you for your kindness. I will need heavy machinery like tractors with certain attachments and various digging equipment. I also desperately need something to sift the rocks out from the soil."

"I will gather all you need."

"Everything?"

Cearfer nodded his head and said, "Yes."

"Then get me my family. If what you said about how long things can take with your faction, I can only imagine how long it will take the council to arrange their passage. I know you would be able to do that, right?"

"You are probably correct. They are not in any hurry. I cannot officially get them on this trip but if they somehow sneak aboard my transport, how would I know?