Darklight: The New World

Part 18: Acclimatising

Soran remained bed-bound for another 36 hours but was not forced back into his dreamless coma. His brain swelling has reduced significantly and Serene came to see him on a daily basis, but never in her white coat as she used to wear.

"So you don't work here any more?" Soran asked her one day as they sipped their herbal tea together sat at the small coffee table in Soran's hospital room.

"No, no I've not worked here in quite some time" Serene chuckled. "Although I do miss being a doctor. My work is mostly taken up in the Senate Building. What do you know of our diplomatic structure? Our government?" She placed her cup back on its saucer and sat back in her chair, looking expectantly at Soran. He took a sip from his own cup.

"I know that there are three leaders" He replied, frowning and trying to remember his orientation class 'Introduction To The Skry' from the Combat Academy.

"You, Kisa and Rammachandra. But that's all I know, I was under the impression that it was..." 'A Dictatorship' he thought. "Just you three?"

"Well it is true there are three of us at the head of the Senate" Serene replied. "But could you imagine only three people running a nation? I wouldn't even sleep!" She laughed. Soran wondered if Rammachandra or Natasha/Vittoria had chance to sleep.

"Rammachandra Leon dedicated her life to the military and to the teachings of the Goddess Hel after the explosion that killed her parents".

"Explosion?" Soran asked. He knew of no explosion, but then Rammachandra's early history was shrouded in mystery.

"Yes. Rammachandra and Vittoria were young, around fifteen, when it happened. The cause has never been truly discovered but the consensus is a malfunctioning power generator. The explosion destroyed the house, killing Dionne and Cephalus instantly. Rammachandra decided to move into the military and Vittoria, being a little older, went into training with the Senate and scientific divisions. Since then Rammachandra branched into politics, gaining great support from human sympathizers and Skry who commend her tough childhood. She is a true fighter" Something in her voice wasn't quite right.

"But you don't think she is?" Soran said quietly. Serene shifted in her chair slightly, considering what to say.

"I find her... different. A little difficult maybe. But she is an elected official and for that she has my trust and respect". The politician was back. If only she knew the truth.

"Anyway, under us Leader there are representatives from every corner of Skrya. Senators only have a maximum term of ten years to ensure a fair representation for both the longer living Skry and Humans. All motions are passed by majority vote but if something is critical then it can be decided by the three leaders, but we tend to keep that to a minimum if it can be helped".

"I can see why you don't have time to be a doctor" Soran said to her. "So I take it that in between all this you practice and hone your abilities?"

"Oh yes, I have scheduled practice times in which I teach, study, research and meditate. It's all very time consuming!" She laughed again, that friendly infectious laugh that Soran liked. He thought very highly of Serene, she was a great woman. But he kept himself from thinking of her fate. Hopefully he wouldn't have to live through that.

"So tell me" Soran said, taking another sip of his tea and then placing it back on the saucer.

"Why can't humans use powers like the Skry?" Serene was picking up her cup as Soran asked the question and she paused as she brought it towards her, looking at Soran with confusion.

"You mean you don't know?" She asked worryingly. Soran shook his head.

"Oh, ok then" She said almost to herself. Her brow was furrowed as she took a sip from the tea.