The PulseTeam, Book Two: Evolution

Chapter Fourteen: Jinyxis

Part One: Checking On Asune

Asune's Ready Room | Raena Caelora, Elf Territory
Wednesday, July 5, 2034 | 21:35 EST

I tune into the comm frequency and say, "Guys, there was a potentially damaging situation just now, and we need to check on Asune. Rick's already with her, but I think she also needs the rest of her friends, as well. Meet me at the back exit, now."

"What happened to Asune?" asks Malaya. "Is she hurt?"

"Yes," I reply, "and I'll explain on the way. Get here, now. Out."

As we walk through the hallway to Asune's room, I explain, "Alright, so we--Rick and I--were mingling and talking with a few nobles, you know, small talk. Suddenly, we heard a noble in a drunken stupor, being really belligerent to Asune, slurring her while slurring his words. Needless to say, Rick was pissed and so was I, but so we didn't make enemies with the whole kingdom, I handled things. After we check on Asune, though, I have to go."

"Why?" asks Alexa.

"Because I need an audience with the king and queen."

When we get to Rick and Asune, she is still bawling on his shoulder.

"Well, there goes my first question," I say. "But this gives me ammunition for my audience with Silvyr and Halanaestra."

Just at that moment, King Silvyr and Queen Halanaestra rush in, and King Silvyr demands in his deep voice, "Who did this?!"

"Your Majesties," I say, not too shocked to see them, "I was just coming to see you."

Queen Halanaestra kneels down in front of Asune, puts her left hand on Asune's right knee, and tenderly asks, "Sweetheart, can you tell us what happened?"

Asune gets her bearing in order seemingly as much as she can, and begins, "I was just trying to strike up some nice conversation with some of your other guests, but that stupid noble was drunk. And he told me to get away from him and his friends before I stole their souls, or something. And then when I tried to explain myself, he said that he didn't care, and he called me a loose demoness, and demonic trash! Your people hate me!"

"I don't think they hate you, dear," responds the queen, sounding unsure of her response. "I'm not sure he even meant what he said."

"Your Majesty," Malaya chimes in, and Queen Halanaestra looks at her. "Back home, the followers of the Son of the Divine Creator have a holy, sacred composite book called a Bible with many teachings in it. Sixty-six books make up this composite book of many teachings, and in the twentieth book, otherwise known as the Proverbs of King Solomon, the twenty-ninth chapter and eleventh verse states that 'A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.'

"There was also a human philosopher," she continues, "by the name of Jean-Jaques Rousseau who lived by this saying: 'A drunk mind speaks a sober heart. If he said it while inebriated, well I'm sorry to contradict you, Your Highness, but while your people in general may not hate Asune, that noble meant every single word he uttered out of his mouth. Alcohol has proven to be a bit of a truth serum over the years. And consumption of it in large quantities makes it effective."

"Then in that case, who did this is all I want to know," replies a fuming King Silvyr with his arms crossed. "Because no guest of mine has the right to insult another guest. Especially if the individual disrespected is one of the esteemed guests of honor. I don't care if he's drunk, sober, nobility, or not. I want him found and brought to me." He turns to a guard and says, "NOW."

The guard bows and says, "At once, sire," and turns and leaves, posthaste.

Malaya then says, "King Silvyr, there's another Proverb that King Solomon wrote. You really should hear it."