Echoes

Partitions and Petitions

     "I don't think this is going to work, 'Phore." Tuwonyne crossed her pencil-thin arms and paused near the Hub's entrance. Even slumped, her shoulders jutted into the air. The tatters of her faded dress brushed the etchings on the stone floor. "I'm a Wither. I don't belong here anymore. What if one of the Alphas remembers me? What if someone recognizes me from outside?"
     Forsephore sighed and pulled Tuwonyne toward the door. "No one sees the Withers and Fades in the plaza, trust me. It's to our advantage, actually... Sevnynate won't notice what we're doing until the first few petitions come before her."
     "I'm not enlightened," Tuwonyne protested. "The Alphas won't even hear me out."
     Forsephore frowned. "I've been thinking about that. I've got some Inspiration bottled up inside me, but I can't even say what my purpose is. Maybe I can transfer some of it to you."
     Tuwonyne laugehd. "No one shares Inspiration, don't be stupid."
     "I'm not being stupid, Tu." Forsephore peeked inside at the assembled Echoes. "Maybe everyone else is."
     She placed a hand on Tuwonyne's blackened shoulder and pursed her lips, unsure of what to do exactly, yet surprised by a natural ease. Believe in her. And believe in Hope.
     Wisps of light like steam rose from Forsephore's skin and swirled down her arm like streams of water. They splashed color into Tuwonyne's bony frame and she gasped, her body sucking in the light like rain on parched earth. She twirled with delight as her body rejuvenated into a beautiful young woman. Emaciated limbs expanded, as if inflated with light. Inspiration pulsated through her glowing skin, remaking her dress into a magnificent wedding gown that swished around her when she stopped spinning.
     Forsephore couldn't contain her awe at the transformation. "You're stunning, Tu. There's no way they could deny you access."
     Tuwonyne blushed and covered a smile.
     An Echo in a ballroom gown approached, eyes alight. "Wow," she gushed. "You look amazing. I loved the way you moved--so graceful."
     Forsephore grinned. "Tu, this is Sicsayto. A decade ago, she was Eighth Caste."
     Sicsayto peered through the entrance and took in the view. "It's been a long time. I missed this place. Thanks for the Inspiration, 'Phore."
     "She shared with you too?" Tuwonyne raised an eyebrow and turned to Forsephore. "How much do you actually have?"
     Forsephore shrugged. "I'm not sure. I didn't give either of you much, as far as I can tell. But I guess it was enough to do the trick." She gestured toward the doors, eager to deflect attention. "Thriophor should be waiting inside, Sics. She'll make her petition after you. Shall we?"
     Tuwonyne and Sicsayto each thrust a door open and marched with confidence into the Hub.
     Forsephore slipped in behind them and ducked into the crowd.
     Once inside, Sicsayto strode toward a cheerful Echo with a bright grin, who waved an excited greeting. Thriophor clasped Sicsayto's hands and giggled before they turned and approached the Alphas.
     Tuwonyne veered off toward the seats and blended in with other enlightened Echoes. She shot Forsephore a glance then assumed a haughty air fitting with her newfound rank. Her time would come soon, if all went according to plan.
For now, Forsephore thought, I need to see if there's any chance at all. She set her attention on Sicsayto and Thriophor, and the inexplicably familiar activity in the Hub.
     A platform like a stage occupied the center of the hall across from the doors. Rows of seats filled sloping walls on both sides of the inner chamber like an ampitheater, far more chairs than the total number of Echoes within the room. The brightest Echoes--those of the Tenth Caste--filled seats on the ground floor. Each subsequent row's occupants grew dimmer than the first, marking their caste ranking. Most of the assembled separated themselves by related purpose. The few Creatives gabbed incessantly in one section, several Professions held a quiet debate within their ranks, and a large cluster of Ideals sat in silence, stoically giving the official proceedings their full attention.
     In the open center of the Hub, Forsephore found a space in the crowd of Echoes and waited to see her plan unfold. By declaration of Sevnynate, the current chief among the Alphas, only enlightened Echoes could occupy seats. But any Echo could stand in the assembly to make a petition or watch the preceedings.
     Something told Forsephore this was not always so, but she couldn't remember any past visits to the Hub. Still, the divisive rule grated on Forsephore's nerves. Only those of Sixth Caste and higher have enough Inspiration to shine. And any Echo of less than Fifth Caste is too weak to enter.
     A stern voice resounded over the chatter in the hall and caught Forsephore's attention. Sevnynate stood at the central podium in her silk qipao. The radiant dress scattered rays of color like a prism. Beside her, nine other Alphas held seats on the raised platform and surveyed the crowd. Sevnynate's bright eyes glared at Thriophor and Sicsayto. "You bring petitions?" Her tone sounded like honey-covered knives in Forsephore's ears.
     Sicsayto stepped forward with a flourish and bowed. She turned to face the assembly. "I," she declared, "would like to dance. Again. Like the Prime did years ago."
     Light burst from within her in a brief flash, and she glowed like embers.
     The crowd gasped, and Sevnynate's eyes went wide.
     The chief recovered, shot a glance behind her, and then smiled for the assembly. "The Prime has decided. Echo Six Eight Zero now occupies an Alpha seat." She shook her head, but beckoned to Sicsayto. One of the Alphas stammered some protest, but doffed her robe and held it out for the newcomer. Conversations swelled throughout the hall, tinged with urgency and worry.
     While Sicsayto and the other Alpha traded places, Sevnynate raised her hands and called for calm. "The Prime has been through some calamity, and things are--uncertain. But we need not fear temporary whims, pointless hobbies, and flights of fancy. These experiences are common to all humans. Our Prime is no different than the others."
     She gestured at the Alphas behind her. "Our society allows for changing interests and shifting priorities. The Prime survives, and thus so do we. Rest easy, my friends."
     Sevnynate's burning eyes turned to Thriophor, and a slight sneer formed on her face. "I suppose you have a petition as well?"
     Thriophor nodded and stepped forward. She addressed the crowd. "I want to get out, to have some fun with my friends."
     Her body flared with inner light and she shone brighter than Sicsayto.
     The clamor of the crowd erupted louder than before.
     Sevnynate tried to speak but choked on her words. Her eyes burned with anger as she scanned the assembly. Her glare lingered in Forsephore's direction, then moved on.
She couldn't have been looking right at me.
     A moment of confusion and hushed whispers passed. Then Sevnynate managed the announcement. "The Prime has decided. Echo Three Zero Four now occupies an Alpha seat." She spat each word like bile.
     Then she stormed off the stage and strode into the crowd, straight toward Forsephore.