Neophyte

Unexpected

The church bells rang, waking the Mission's inhabitants. The Tongva neophytes felt relieved when they saw rain, which meant that they were allowed the day's rest. The Padres gave some of the neophytes permission to visit their villages for two days, but the Soldados would ensure their return. The punishment for refusing to return to the Mission was twenty lashes. While some of the neophytes were preparing for their departure, the Padres and Bishops finished their morning prayers.

Many were concerned about the whereabouts of Bishop Victoriano and Padre Federico. The Bishops noticed but tried not to bring too much attention to Padre Fermin Lausen since he was going to leave in a couple of months. They all arrived in the dining room, where many of the women stood with a tray of food. The Padres and Bishops stood by their places, recited a small prayer, sat, and their breakfast was served. 

Padre Fermin looked at Bishop Victoriano's empty seat. It was strange that he wasn't in attendance or didn't go for morning prayer. "I noticed that Bishop Victoriano is not present with us. Is he well?"

"We are not certain, Padre Fermin. Bishop Victoriano is very responsible when it comes to his duties," said Bishop Juan.

"Perhaps he is not feeling well. The weather is getting colder, and others have been getting ill," Bishop Samuel suggested. 

Everyone in the dining room ate their breakfast quietly until it was time for them to continue with their duties. Since it was raining, the Padres had to teach classes to the neophytes. The Bishops and Padre Fermin stayed behind. "I wanted Bishop Victoriano to arrive but it would seem that he is unwell. I am leaving in a couple of months, but I recieved word that Gobernador (Governor) Pedro Fages wish to visit the Mission to see how it is run."

The Bishops looked stunned. "The Governor, here? He wouldn't visit for no reason," Bishop Samuel said while sipping his cup of milk.

"I have been getting letters from many of the Missions, and apparently, there are problems regarding the Soldados de Cuera with the native women. There have been reports that the Soldados have raped many native women, and some have made them their concubines. Rape, of course, should not be tolerated, but these Soldados have their frustrations," Padre Fermin mentioned while massaging his forehead. "They also complain that there are not enough Spanish women. What are they to expect? It is challenging to live here." Padre Fermin was frustrated with the many complaints he had been receiving from the Missions and Soldados. Everyone wanted him to solve their problems, and they were taking a toll on his mental health. 

"Padre Fermin, forgive me for asking, but do you think that the Governor may wish to visit due to the complaints?" Bishop Juan asked. 

"With the Governor, one needs to be cautious. Pedro Fages must have gotten many letters regarding what is happening to these natives. He may want to visit many areas of Alta California to see how the situation can be handled. He also sent me a letter that he heard about our 'abuses' toward the natives. Bah! We are doing god's work. We have converted many neophytes to our Holy Father. These natives must learn the hard way so their souls can be saved from damnation."

"Padre Fermin, brothers."

The trio looked forward and saw Victoriano entering the dining room while closing the door.

"Brother, you have missed morning mass and breakfast. That is very unlike you. We feared that you have gotten ill," said Bishop Juan. 

Victoriano knew that his fellow Bishops weren't worried about him. They were only worried about their reputations. It was nothing more than a game that he had to play for many years. He was exhausted. "Forgive me for worrying you, but news had just reached me by one of the Soldados. It would seem that he witnessed Padre Federico trying to assault a woman of this Mission."

The three men violently flinched when they heard the news. Bishop Samuel stood up from his seat. "What accusation is this!? A man of god would not lower himself to-!"

"Why would a Soldado lie? A Soldado swears fealty to those he serves. A Soldado also made an oath to god when one protects the Mission. The Soldado knows that making a false accusation can lead to drastic consequences."

"Bishop Samuel, please calm yourself. We must listen to what happened. It is one thing a Soldado to try to assault a woman but one of our own brothers is unheard of."

"We all know that Bishop Victoriano despises Padre Federico! All this-!"

"Padre Samuel, enough!" Padre Fermin said firmly, making the Bishop sit back down on his seat. "So many things are happening in the Missions that my predecessor, Padre Serra, and I created. Now, we see why the Governor wants to visit the Mission? He believes we are not capable and I fear that he wants to destroy our work!"

Victoriano was surprised to hear that Governor Fages wanted to visit the Mission. He heard that the Governor tried to solve the peace between the natives and the Spanish, but Padre Fermin was making it complicated. Padre Fermin wasn't open to change regarding the Missions' system, believing the natives shouldn't be entirely trusted and should be punished when necessary. "Padre Fermin, I know you have many responsibilities, but this is something we must not ignore. A Padre tried to assault a woman, and Padre Lucas has gone missing. We must deal with this as soon as possible before the Governor arrives."

Padre Fermin was frustrated, but he knew that Victoriano was right in trying to solve everything before the Governor's arrival. "Very well. We will have a trial tomorrow morning. We must do this as quickly as possible."