Clarity

 

The Commandant did keep a meditation practice. It was no full-on devotion, just a positive habit; a tool she could turn to for organizing her life. It did not require much, simply a quiet space preserved at regular times for emptying her presence. It was not that she was able to think more clearly during meditation, as the process involved removing attachment to thoughts. Rather, it seemed she was able to gain a sort of clarity throughout her entire being from this practice. That included her mind, and with the sense of clarity came lines of thought that were naturally better-ordered and more productive for her goals. It was a great way to monitor the beneficial growth of her internal systems. Governments existed at all levels.

Today Riannath had left the base, pursuing a spot for a deeper meditation than usual. She needed to get away from the familiar rooms and lawns, to get some distance from the worries that blanketed those spaces. The neighboring forest township had good relations with the Fort, and it was not uncommon to see enlisted men or women there enjoying a country outing. Riannath herself brought little in the way of picnic supplies, but went enrobed by her personal security detail. The measure was unnecessary in the woodland town, yet it kept up a certain sense of formality about her movements. The Commandant did not want too much attention drawn to her, but also had no desire to hide her activity. She led a small crew, captained by a reliable and amiable man named Geordi, to the outlook on a little marshy lake. Just a little ways back up the slope lay the village center, and one could get a good sense for the township from here. Metropolis built right up to the forest, nearly on all sides, but it still felt peaceful. The wind in the high tops of the trees just barely overpowered background hums from society. The lake itself really was a glorified marsh, dammed up in some ancient time and now settled back into a semi-natural state. Crumbled remnants of the barrier stood on the other side, giving view to a larger, deeper pool beyond. Back then the water level must have been higher, Riannath thought. It would have come right up to this spot. This outlook and shore road could have been a fishing port in those days. Now a low shelter stood dry on this side of the road, taking in the view across the water. Riannath set the guard at a distance, and settled into her practice. The lake was a calm sight, extending back in swampy bays to either side, filling her vision before she closed her eyes.

The rumors meant nothing, each taken individually. It was only through her piecing together of all the information that led to this concern. There was a pattern: similar incidents and phenomena occurring in rural places with practically no communication between them. Each rumor or story told of some mysterious happening with an effect on the natural world. It would seem, these stories hinted, that there could be a sort of breakdown of the natural order occurring. It was not electrical, social, or otherwise systemic; it was something that involved the underlying world, and that was not something she was prepared to handle. She supposed those men in the tavern felt a similar helplessness. It was just that they did not feel the same responsibility to be concerned for that world.

---

After a little while of letting the thoughts pass and re-centering her own energy, Riannath felt more stable. She opened her eyes after the last parts of the practice and decided to just sit there a while to take in the peaceful moment and surroundings. She felt the balance of her own energy sitting in that of the external world's and the subtle dissolution of that separating line. The whole of life felt more hopeful when you took time to be in that balance.

The moment was interrupted however, by the gentle presence of Geordi at her side.

“A visitor for you ma'am. The Kun Ambassador”

Riannath's slight annoyance turned rapidly to curiosity. What was Andrus doing out here? Andrus Elgheny was the fort's official connection to the Empire's Federal District. He oversaw communication and services between the Imperial leadership and the regional military offices. A humorless man, Riannath felt him often tiresome to deal with, but was required to report to him nonetheless. She commended his attention to detail, but he seemed to suck the energy out of any room he was in. Much of what he did seemed unnecessary bureaucracy, and Riannath often thought the base would run better without his brand of management. Of one thing she could be glad: they were meeting outside this time, and the untamed nature would provide a nice contrast to Elgheny's person.

The Ambassador approached the outlook shelter with as pleasant a look as his face could muster. He was dressed in black, but not the sleek armor of her guards. He wore protection of course, but only over vital areas and hidden beneath a stately onyx surcoat.

“I hope I did not disturb your meditation?” he said, pausing as she stood.

“No,” the Commandant replied “I had finished. Though it's always nice to just take in the scenery; get away from it all.” With the last words she made a soft gesture in the direction of the fort.

“Anyway, what brings you tracking me down all the way out here? Is it something back at the base?”

“Oh no, situation normal as usual there.” Andrus was quick to reassure, “And it was no trouble at all when I heard you were out at the township, I do like coming out here too. Fortunate as well- this was a moment best taken off of base anyway,” he said, casually scanning the surrounding trees, “fewer potential listening ears out here.”

Riannath turned to look at him more directly.

“What do you mean Andrus? What's going on?”

The Ambassador stepped closer to her. “Commandant,” he said, taking a conspiratorial tone. “I've heard you're in the business lately of collecting rumors from the local cities. Taking an interest in the culture of the common folk?” Riannath said nothing, trying to guess the motivation behind those dark eyes.

“Well, there's no harm in listening to some stories for fun.” he continued. “But, just some advice, any...investigation or inquiry you have, make sure to send them my way. This kind of stuff, dealing with the minor concerns of the populace, it's, well, beneath your station. We need our Commandant focused on more important matters.” He said this last bit with a smile that barely touched his face. When all she did was nod slightly he went on. “Listen to all the townsfolk tales you want, but I'm just here to tell you some things simply aren't worth your time.” He gave her a hard look that tried but mostly failed to be friendly as well. He then wished her a good day, apologized again for intruding, and walked back past the guard to his vehicle. Riannath watched him leave in silence, listening to the wind in the trees. Afterwards, as her own vehicle passed through the tall pines of the township woods, plans began to form in a head freshly cleared of doubts.