Chapter 3

*The Savants*

The Meeeting Chamber was right next to his work station at the Citadel Central Control Room, so Tindo didn’t need to stray too far from familiar surroundings to attend the meeting with the Savants and Temple Engineers.

He casually strolled into the dimly lit Pyramid Shaped Meeting Chamber, where he took a seat and helped himself to a pack of Hydration Liquid from the Table. As he savoured the precious liquid, Jinda, the Chief Savant stepped in, with Timati the Mambo’s representative and Dzimba, the Chief Temple Engineer close behind.

As usual, they cast a cold demeanour as they took to their tall black plush seats. They had no need for hydration, and seemed eager to start the meeting right away.

Without any pretence of ceremony and a sardonic condescending look coupled with a haughty aristocratic voice, Timati commenced the days proceedings.

“We’re concerned about the lack of productivity on the Zig Mines as well as the increasing Cognitive resistance to the updated Neural feed.”

Dzimba, always on the defensive, took the latter as a criticism of the Temple Engineers and immediately retorted in defence.

“Well the updated Neural Feed worked perfectly in Test Mode, it must be something to do with the new Neural Feed interface.”

“We’ve followed the implementation Protocols that were given to us by the Engineers to the letter so I very much doubt that”, Tindo coolly responded to Dzimba’s attempt at deflecting criticism. Dzimba had always rubbed him the wrong way. He was an overweight, vicious Technocrat of distant Noble Birth accustomed to privilege all his life.

Typically, Timati chimed in with more aristocratic vituperations.

“Well the updated Neural Feed needs to be live so the Federation Citizens can receive the latest Neural Protocols. Its never been a problem before so this needs to be urgently resolved.”

“We’ll work on the Feed update and find out where the problem is so we can fix it”, Dzimba eventually conceded.

“I hope so for your own good” were Timati’s final words on the subject.

Finally, Jinda, the Chief Savant broke his silence. Ultimately, the Savants always settled the question.

“Look, we don’t want or need excuses with the Neural Feed. We’ve also been getting reports of resistance and rebellion on the Zig Mines, and our Intelligence so far indicates that there are bandits hacking into Neural Implants corrupting them and preventing the installation of Neural Protocol updates all across the Federation.

In light of the seriousness of the situation, I’ve decided that in conjunction with our ongoing Intelligence efforts, Tindo be dispatched to the Zig Mines to Investigate. We’ve arranged a Conference of all the representatives of the Federation Planets on Lamu.”

“I’m up to the task”, Tindo replied confidently without displaying any visible reaction to this unexpected development.

“Any other questions or business?”, Jinda sternly inquired.

Tindo felt like this was his opportunity to raise the question of the Elevation applications.

“Before we adjourn, I’d like to find out whether the Council Of Savants has made a decision on our Elevation applications?”

Timati let out a cruel snigger.

“Not yet….Mmmmmmm that decision has been deferred indefinitely in light of the current problems we’re experiencing with the Neural Feed and Zig Ore Production. If there’s no other business, our meeting is adjourned, and lets reconvene after the Conference on Lamu.”

Downcast and livid, Tindo was the last to leave the Meeting Chamber.

He could barely conceal the whirlwind gathering inside him after being told that a decision on the elevation applications had been deferred. Maybe Juju was right all along…They’ll never treat us as equals!!

In the meantime, He would use the trip to Lamu as an opportunity to investigate and understand the unexplained activities on the Zig Mines throughout the Federation.

Next Chapter 4: Planet Lamu Conference

Artwork Credit:

Blog Furlao

Art Of Magic

INPRNT