the unique abilities of our Mutis, due to their quiescence. If the message proves to be correct, our understanding of the Muti will surely be changed. No longer can we remain complacent under their guidance—though if this becomes a world crisis, we will need them more than ever before.
“They are capable of detecting future events. Our societies have relied on their benevolent wisdom for countless ages. Yet we freely govern ourselves while they maintain a respectful and protective watch over us.” He shook his head sadly from side to side.
“If the reports are as accurate as they appear to be, then we face a threatening Muti Empire. Thus, we will not know which Mutis to trust. We are in a very difficult predicament—caught in a critical bind.
“We’re not equipped to battle a toxic Muti uprising without the help of an equally powerful force; our long-term Muti connections.”
Romos impatiently drummed his fingers on the desk, and then stiffly standing, released a heavy sigh.
“Korda dump! We have to sort it all out. And fast. Until then, we must be vigilant toward the complexity of our immediate task.”
His gaze met mine; then he began formulating his plan in a cold, methodical manner.
“We presume the danger is eminent. Prepare for the worst. The Kaminaean Mutis must be stopped at all cost! We have no choice. Use all discretion available to separate friend from foe, especially among our Mutis. A real problem! We must place our trust in those who pass the test and are with us. And pray to the gods of Noomas, all of them however the spirit world works, to help us successfully distinguish good from bad.”
His voice faded, his eyes glazed to some distant point; then back to mine.
“Before I discuss my plan further, can you tell me what you have learned from Adt? I assume he’s confided in you. And I would like a detailed report.”
I took a long, slow breath before deciding how to begin my reply and then proceeded to relate how Adt and Sarleni practice an art related to the telepathic practice of the Mutis.
“Sarleni claims to be a student of a Helandian study. The HanJahn Academy, I believe, directed by a learned teacher named Moyi. I do remember meeting Moyi once during the Relief Projects after the great storm—reminded me of Andon, in some ways. At any rate, I believe their expertise could be on the order of the telecommunications equipment implemented by the Janis Foundation.”
He nodded.
“And they mentioned a woman called Ju-bilee. Apparently they are mystics, of a sort. I seriously doubt it is a religious order, sir. Adt leans toward hard science and would not easily trust mystical teachings without solid evidence.”
The Proctor replied with a candid admission.
“It is genuine enough. I have known of the Helandian practices for years. From my youth I studied the historic annals of Noomas.
‘To understand anything fully is to know nothing.
And the more facts you embrace, the less you understand.’
“Gaining a broad sweep of many avenues into truth and answers expands any man’s leadership capabilities with effective authority and wisdom.”
His arms generously cut through the air.
“I am aware of mystical practices among the Primitives in the Northern Territories. We have not had contact with these hidden clans for ages. Not until recently. We reconnected after the disastrous storm that tore through during the Diano War. The Helandians joined the relief efforts along with the Raiders during the worst of the disaster. And afterwards their people slipped away, unnoticed.
“What the general public knows or doesn’t know, has little to do with what a Proctor must know. No power, even as subtle as the Helandi, can govern unless they have some exposure to the outside world. They are simply secretive.
“I understand they are linked to the Nuja gods of the north, primarily worshipped by tribes from their region. If they have perfected their art to the degree you are suggesting, then it will truly be helpful in our conflict with the Kaminaean Mutis.”
The Proctor was addressing me directly, leaning close; pressing his words strongly with an obvious agenda.
I paid close attention.
“Remember, Torlo. The more you can learn and discover the better prepared you will be. Don’t get lost in details best left to the understanding of experts in their specialized fields. Use them. Know whom to entrust into your inner circle, and allow them free reign within their intellectual pools.
“Trust them to sort details. Knowing the difference can be the fine line between success and failure.
“This applies to your galactic experience before coming to our world.…”
He broke his thought, staring into space. After a while he strode to his desk, tapping the rich wood. When he turned back, his tone had shifted.
“I understand our Mutis have limited access to your mind.”
“I don’t know about that,” I admitted.
“My Muti suggested you do.” Romos countered.
“Could it be possible to keep your thoughts discreetly blocked from Muti infiltration? If so, then we can expect to take advantage of your disciplined mental shield.
“If you are successful, your abilities will be greatly useful, as my Muti suggests in its predictions of the shadows you seem to be casting across the future of Noomas.”
The Proctor stepped to the deep-seated window overlooking the Parliament House.
“Urgency is in the air. Have you noticed the influx of outlanders who have recently arrived? It is common to have visitors during the Three Moons Festivals, but this is decidedly different. Our parliament guest quarters have been filling up. Dignitaries from the eastern regions of Kulaina and Walinal have traveled for days.”
He had settled back into the Proctor’s role, leader of a powerful nation and began summarizing preliminary plans of action.
“I have called the High Council as well as the advisors of our international dignitaries to assemble. I’ll be working with the political officials and the media once the community leaders have been initiated. Outlying districts are showing signs of resistance.
His beefy fist struck down on the table hard and determined.
“Stubborn as the Jilio: stuck in their small cultural edicts—unwilling to be open-minded. Nations, tribes and clans are rife with conflicting conditions. They can be difficult. I’ll be communicating with every order, family, and army with whom we must unite.
“I’ll be sending envoys to assemble a military force.
“We will need first-hand reports directly from contacts within every nation. I can depend on few people. Rumors will surface; deny everything. I’ll continue studying the reports as Andon makes progress with decoding the microchip from Talni. Make your connection with Janis; he has the authority to share whatever you need to know.”
He glared at me before continuing.
“You two share origins, from up there!”
He hesitated as if annoyed. The idea of a Galactic Federation spread among the stars was disconcerting to him. “Your experience as a military officer and combatant…out there…is useful.”
He shrugged his tired shoulders, an action of bafflement.
My experiences were extensive on a galactic scale. And Noomas was a planet in a solar system fairly well forgotten within the wide Galactic Federation. I’d come here to search for my father.
They had called me ‘the lost one ‘; Torlo Hannis.
This world of archaic city-states had no technical knowledge concerning interplanetary travel. Only Youi’s father, Andon Janis, understood, for he had been an important part of my past,