"Librarian, I trust you have gotten a handle on the way the judicial system currently works? I understand there is quite the difference between knowing how to do something and being able to pull it off in practice."
"It shouldn't prove too difficult. I am properly versed in the law after all, I have had plenty of time to study."
"Hm, if you are so confident then I will not prod further. Marshall, I ask you to provide her any assistance she needs to properly carry out this task."
"Your will be done, my Lady. My only regret is that I was unable to stop such rot from taking foot in the first place."
"Please, Marshall, raise your head. I should have predicted that the task of handling both the military and legal affairs of the Sanctum would eventually grow too large for a single person to handle long ago."
"Your kindness soothes my heart, my Lady, but I cannot help but compare myself to my predecessors. They never had such issues."
"Oh hush now. The Sanctum has grown greatly since the time I first implemented the roles you have inherited, it is not fair to compare yourselves."
"Speaking of implementation, my Lady, what was the verdict of the Terrans? Was Lady Diana as receptive to the proposition as we had predicted?"
"They do not seem to be opposed to the proposition, however it seems likely that they will want to use the change to their benefit somehow. You may proceed as if there is no issue."
"How wonderful!"
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Librarian. As knowledgeable in the letter of the law as you are, it would be unwise to lay the entirety of the drafting process at but a single person's feet. Have you made your selection of justices whom you will begin to teach English?"
"Indeed I have. At your recommendation I have included the most experienced and practiced individuals of every strata in my list, however I have elected to include the entirety of the top circuit."
"A most wise decision. They would be most likely to find loopholes and contradictions no?"
"That was the thinking, yes, though I have been wondering if it might also be a good idea to include some of the enforcers on my advisory board. I feel it would be quite silly to include a law whose violators can neither be discovered or apprehended, no?"
"That would definitely be a waste of time. I will have some of my secretaries find the most suitable field officers for your needs. When should I send them over so you can explain what you are looking for?"
"Thank you for the consideration, Marshall. I believe around noon tomorrow should be a good enough time as any."
"I will be sure to get the memo out tonight then."
"While we are still on the subject of English, might I ask you to teach a few of the staff that you can spare to read, write, and speak it as well, Librarian? Right now there are only four of what you might call 'Native' English speakers, myself, the Scholar, and the Terrans, but I have it on good authority that they will be instructing their own people how to speak English so that they may better utilize ARC in a societal function. At the moment I can only foresee the Scholar as being someone that can actually be used to teach, the Terrans will be busy governing."
"I will see what I can do, but this reorganization is liable to leave us shorthanded."
"It is not a pressing matter, Librarian. There is still a long way to go until they will be in any position to leave the Sanctum."
"I apologize for my interjection in this matter, my Lady, but does dispatching our own people to serve the purposes of a foreign nation truly qualify as neutral?"
"Under normal circumstances it would not, Merchant, however I feel the need to remind you that the circumstances are anything but. Please recall that almost the entirety of the Terran race was wiped out due to the neglect of both the Great Csillacra and I, their culture and industry among the casualties. We do not just have the ability, but the obligation, to bring them up to the level where they can at the very least protect themselves. In the case of dispatching our personnel to teach English, you may think of this as a way to help them better preserve their culture. The language was a hallmark of their race, you know."
"I see. . ."
"Before you go and say that we are giving them too much, oh comrade of mine, I would like to inform you that what we have given them so far amounts to very little in comparison to what they had before. As per request of both the Arboreal Maiden and the Terrans themselves I am unable to divulge the specific details, but it would not be inaccurate to say that their production capacity dwarfed even the mightiest empires of history, with perhaps the exception of the Holifanians."
"Is this true, my Lady?"
"That was a bit of an exaggeration, but the spirit of the comment was not too terribly far off. Their world, Terra, only held around one third of the surface area of the average planet, yet managed to support over two times the average population and produced a quantity of goods capable of sustaining close to thirty planets at its peak with a finite number of resources and without the benefit of split. To be completely honest Merchant, what we consider to be 'high quality' or 'complex' materials, such as nickel and steel, were so easily produced by them that they were considered 'cheap'. So cheap, in fact, that they used steel as one of the primary components in the construction of their largest buildings for a considerable period of time."
"Might I ask why they stopped?"
"A material that we could not even dream of creating with our current processes became cheaper and more reliable. By their standards, the metals that we have provided them are actually of unsatisfactory quality for construction, however they are better than nothing. That, I believe, is the only reason they have accepted our help thus far, because it is better than nothing."
"Are you insinuating that they do not consider us to be of assistance?"
"No. They very much understand that we are protecting them. It is simply the case that they operate at so much of a higher level than we do in the industrial sector that collecting and refining the material they need by themselves will probably be easier. I'd give it a few months before they stop requesting metals altogether, perhaps even offering to sell their excess to us, though I have no idea when they will set up the infrastructure needed for some of their more complex goods that we are currently supplying substitutes for."
"Substitutes?"
"Indeed. Did you know that Terrans, the vast majority of them at least, did not make clothing out of organic materials for at least seven centuries before my failure? Well, calling it inorganic isn't exactly correct either, but the liquid, yes a liquid, they used to form the fibers had been dead for so long that there wasn't much difference. Eventually they managed to figure out how to make that liquid themselves, truly making it inorganic at that point."
"Are you referring to polymers, my Lady?"
"I see you have been doing your homework."
"Yes, I was doing some research into the realm of affixes and came across them. The dictionary didn't say how they were made of course, but from the prefix 'poly', which means many, and the suffix 'mer' which was said to mean 'part', the word literally means 'many parts'. Supposedly there are many different types of 'polymer' as well."
"That is indeed the case, however that is a discussion for another time. Marshall, what do you think of my proposition?"
"A new ten-thousand man detachment that the Terrans may use to get their military in working order as soon as possible, correct? While I certainly think it is possible, I am hesitant to offer military assistance to an outside nation even if it is for the purposes of reparation."
"A valid concern, however in this specific case I will need you to trust me on merit. The Terrans have military secrets that I am unable to divulge on principle, however I firmly believe that this detachment will learn the very basics of these secrets. This knowledge will hopefully keep the Sanctum safe once the Terran era begins."
"The Terran Era? My Lady?" "A change of era?" "I had thought as much."
"Yes, yes, I understand your confusion, however recent developments have convinced me that those Terrans, few in number though they may be, will come to occupy not a position of dominance but supremacy in the coming millennia. So long as they survive the first few years, that is."
"Will it really be enough to shake the grip of the Guayans though? They still occupy the vast majority of the galaxy's thrones."
"Yes, but how many of them are capable of directly governing a thousand planets at once? How many of those thrones are capable of raising an army that can rout one twenty times it's size? Once that boy, Donovan, gets his plans rolling there will be nothing that can so much as raise a finger in opposition. Because of that we need to put ourselves in a position that is both amicable to them and threatening enough to make us not worth the effort."
"Make ourselves amicable, my Lady are you suggesting we abandon our stance of neutrality!?"
"No, Marshall, only that we make it obvious that we will do nothing behind their back. As it stands, the Sanctum is simply too valuable for them as a neutral entity to try and bring it into their sphere of influence. Of course I cannot predict if something will change, but I don't think that either of them would willingly ruin the only place they could reliably hold negotiations and enforce international law."
"Then are things going to get violent?"
"At times I am certain Donovan will have to be the one to take the lead, in fact his military actions against other nations is likely to be their only source of expansion for a time, however their ability to aggregate power through peaceful means is not to be underestimated, though I would struggle to call some of them peaceful. Once they have built up enough of a reputation and a solid economy, it will probably just be better for them to talk their enemies into submission. In fact I have already taken steps to make sure it happens as often as possible."
"What do you mean?"
"A verbal agreement, officially outside of any real legal repercussions, that restricts what methods of attack that boy has available to him. Many of their weapons scare even me, so it shouldn't be a stretch to imagine what they might seem like to an uneducated peasant."
"A verbal agreement, so a treaty? Are we even allowed to make those?"
"Officially, no, hence why there are no legal repercussions to it. However I have attached this borrowing of ten thousand men to it, men who are needed for an incredibly vital task with relations to their future, so there will be some pressure from Diana on Donovan to follow it."
"Oh, oh, oh how exciting. Should we give the treaty a name?"
"Librarian, you sudden lack of professionalism confounds me."
"Oh come off it Marshall."
"I have to agree with the Librarian on this one Marshall, I would like to be able to call it something without revealing what it is about."
"Fine, we shall give it a name so that we do not reveal anything major if overheard."
"If you are all so excited about it, then may I provide a suggestion?"
"Of course my Lady." "We have no right to prevent you." "If it is your will."
"How about something in English. I was thinking of calling it 'the Absconded Treaty'."
"Abz-kon-did?" "What does that mean?"
"Absconded in this case refers to something that has been done in secret without the legal jurisdiction to do so. I feel it fits what I have done, no?"
"An excellent idea!" "I've no qualms." "It isn't too hard to pronounce, so I can approve."
"Then from here on out it is to be referred to as the Absconded Treaty. Do try not to reveal its existence to anyone else. Merchant, how go the inspections of the Great Csillacra's trophy fleet?"
"To be honest, its a mixed bag. Some are completely unserviceable, some could probably be brought up to operating condition with a year of work, while others are either only in need of a little maintenance or are practically pristine."
cakeonfrosting I liked writing this chapter. Its sort of a reminder that the Grand Elders are more than just positions, they have problems and they do stuff. They're competent too, which I suppose should be expected of them, but the number of novels I've seen where the upper brass of an esteemed organization like this are just decrepit old fools is simply unnerving, and it doesn't really make sense most of the time. Organizations need competent leaders or else they just crumble, and the Sanctum is not an organization that is fated to crumble any time soon.
"Librarian, I trust you have gotten a handle on the way the judicial system currently works? I understand there is quite the difference between knowing how to do something and being able to pull it off in practice."
"It shouldn't prove too difficult. I am properly versed in the law after all, I have had plenty of time to study."
"Hm, if you are so confident then I will not prod further. Marshall, I ask you to provide her any assistance she needs to properly carry out this task."
"Your will be done, my Lady. My only regret is that I was unable to stop such rot from taking foot in the first place."
"Please, Marshall, raise your head. I should have predicted that the task of handling both the military and legal affairs of the Sanctum would eventually grow too large for a single person to handle long ago."
"Your kindness soothes my heart, my Lady, but I cannot help but compare myself to my predecessors. They never had such issues."
"Oh hush now. The Sanctum has grown greatly since the time I first implemented the roles you have inherited, it is not fair to compare yourselves."
"Speaking of implementation, my Lady, what was the verdict of the Terrans? Was Lady Diana as receptive to the proposition as we had predicted?"
"They do not seem to be opposed to the proposition, however it seems likely that they will want to use the change to their benefit somehow. You may proceed as if there is no issue."
"How wonderful!"
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Librarian. As knowledgeable in the letter of the law as you are, it would be unwise to lay the entirety of the drafting process at but a single person's feet. Have you made your selection of justices whom you will begin to teach English?"
"Indeed I have. At your recommendation I have included the most experienced and practiced individuals of every strata in my list, however I have elected to include the entirety of the top circuit."
"A most wise decision. They would be most likely to find loopholes and contradictions no?"
"That was the thinking, yes, though I have been wondering if it might also be a good idea to include some of the enforcers on my advisory board. I feel it would be quite silly to include a law whose violators can neither be discovered or apprehended, no?"
"That would definitely be a waste of time. I will have some of my secretaries find the most suitable field officers for your needs. When should I send them over so you can explain what you are looking for?"
"Thank you for the consideration, Marshall. I believe around noon tomorrow should be a good enough time as any."
"I will be sure to get the memo out tonight then."
"While we are still on the subject of English, might I ask you to teach a few of the staff that you can spare to read, write, and speak it as well, Librarian? Right now there are only four of what you might call 'Native' English speakers, myself, the Scholar, and the Terrans, but I have it on good authority that they will be instructing their own people how to speak English so that they may better utilize ARC in a societal function. At the moment I can only foresee the Scholar as being someone that can actually be used to teach, the Terrans will be busy governing."
"I will see what I can do, but this reorganization is liable to leave us shorthanded."
"It is not a pressing matter, Librarian. There is still a long way to go until they will be in any position to leave the Sanctum."
"I apologize for my interjection in this matter, my Lady, but does dispatching our own people to serve the purposes of a foreign nation truly qualify as neutral?"
"Under normal circumstances it would not, Merchant, however I feel the need to remind you that the circumstances are anything but. Please recall that almost the entirety of the Terran race was wiped out due to the neglect of both the Great Csillacra and I, their culture and industry among the casualties. We do not just have the ability, but the obligation, to bring them up to the level where they can at the very least protect themselves. In the case of dispatching our personnel to teach English, you may think of this as a way to help them better preserve their culture. The language was a hallmark of their race, you know."
"I see. . ."
"Before you go and say that we are giving them too much, oh comrade of mine, I would like to inform you that what we have given them so far amounts to very little in comparison to what they had before. As per request of both the Arboreal Maiden and the Terrans themselves I am unable to divulge the specific details, but it would not be inaccurate to say that their production capacity dwarfed even the mightiest empires of history, with perhaps the exception of the Holifanians."
"Is this true, my Lady?"
"That was a bit of an exaggeration, but the spirit of the comment was not too terribly far off. Their world, Terra, only held around one third of the surface area of the average planet, yet managed to support over two times the average population and produced a quantity of goods capable of sustaining close to thirty planets at its peak with a finite number of resources and without the benefit of split. To be completely honest Merchant, what we consider to be 'high quality' or 'complex' materials, such as nickel and steel, were so easily produced by them that they were considered 'cheap'. So cheap, in fact, that they used steel as one of the primary components in the construction of their largest buildings for a considerable period of time."
"Might I ask why they stopped?"
"A material that we could not even dream of creating with our current processes became cheaper and more reliable. By their standards, the metals that we have provided them are actually of unsatisfactory quality for construction, however they are better than nothing. That, I believe, is the only reason they have accepted our help thus far, because it is better than nothing."
"Are you insinuating that they do not consider us to be of assistance?"
"No. They very much understand that we are protecting them. It is simply the case that they operate at so much of a higher level than we do in the industrial sector that collecting and refining the material they need by themselves will probably be easier. I'd give it a few months before they stop requesting metals altogether, perhaps even offering to sell their excess to us, though I have no idea when they will set up the infrastructure needed for some of their more complex goods that we are currently supplying substitutes for."
"Substitutes?"
"Indeed. Did you know that Terrans, the vast majority of them at least, did not make clothing out of organic materials for at least seven centuries before my failure? Well, calling it inorganic isn't exactly correct either, but the liquid, yes a liquid, they used to form the fibers had been dead for so long that there wasn't much difference. Eventually they managed to figure out how to make that liquid themselves, truly making it inorganic at that point."
"Are you referring to polymers, my Lady?"
"I see you have been doing your homework."
"Yes, I was doing some research into the realm of affixes and came across them. The dictionary didn't say how they were made of course, but from the prefix 'poly', which means many, and the suffix 'mer' which was said to mean 'part', the word literally means 'many parts'. Supposedly there are many different types of 'polymer' as well."
"That is indeed the case, however that is a discussion for another time. Marshall, what do you think of my proposition?"
"A new ten-thousand man detachment that the Terrans may use to get their military in working order as soon as possible, correct? While I certainly think it is possible, I am hesitant to offer military assistance to an outside nation even if it is for the purposes of reparation."
"A valid concern, however in this specific case I will need you to trust me on merit. The Terrans have military secrets that I am unable to divulge on principle, however I firmly believe that this detachment will learn the very basics of these secrets. This knowledge will hopefully keep the Sanctum safe once the Terran era begins."
"The Terran Era? My Lady?" "A change of era?" "I had thought as much."
"Yes, yes, I understand your confusion, however recent developments have convinced me that those Terrans, few in number though they may be, will come to occupy not a position of dominance but supremacy in the coming millennia. So long as they survive the first few years, that is."
"Will it really be enough to shake the grip of the Guayans though? They still occupy the vast majority of the galaxy's thrones."
"Yes, but how many of them are capable of directly governing a thousand planets at once? How many of those thrones are capable of raising an army that can rout one twenty times it's size? Once that boy, Donovan, gets his plans rolling there will be nothing that can so much as raise a finger in opposition. Because of that we need to put ourselves in a position that is both amicable to them and threatening enough to make us not worth the effort."
"Make ourselves amicable, my Lady are you suggesting we abandon our stance of neutrality!?"
"No, Marshall, only that we make it obvious that we will do nothing behind their back. As it stands, the Sanctum is simply too valuable for them as a neutral entity to try and bring it into their sphere of influence. Of course I cannot predict if something will change, but I don't think that either of them would willingly ruin the only place they could reliably hold negotiations and enforce international law."
"Then are things going to get violent?"
"At times I am certain Donovan will have to be the one to take the lead, in fact his military actions against other nations is likely to be their only source of expansion for a time, however their ability to aggregate power through peaceful means is not to be underestimated, though I would struggle to call some of them peaceful. Once they have built up enough of a reputation and a solid economy, it will probably just be better for them to talk their enemies into submission. In fact I have already taken steps to make sure it happens as often as possible."
"What do you mean?"
"A verbal agreement, officially outside of any real legal repercussions, that restricts what methods of attack that boy has available to him. Many of their weapons scare even me, so it shouldn't be a stretch to imagine what they might seem like to an uneducated peasant."
"A verbal agreement, so a treaty? Are we even allowed to make those?"
"Officially, no, hence why there are no legal repercussions to it. However I have attached this borrowing of ten thousand men to it, men who are needed for an incredibly vital task with relations to their future, so there will be some pressure from Diana on Donovan to follow it."
"Oh, oh, oh how exciting. Should we give the treaty a name?"
"Librarian, you sudden lack of professionalism confounds me."
"Oh come off it Marshall."
"I have to agree with the Librarian on this one Marshall, I would like to be able to call it something without revealing what it is about."
"Fine, we shall give it a name so that we do not reveal anything major if overheard."
"If you are all so excited about it, then may I provide a suggestion?"
"Of course my Lady." "We have no right to prevent you." "If it is your will."
"How about something in English. I was thinking of calling it 'the Absconded Treaty'."
"Abz-kon-did?" "What does that mean?"
"Absconded in this case refers to something that has been done in secret without the legal jurisdiction to do so. I feel it fits what I have done, no?"
"An excellent idea!" "I've no qualms." "It isn't too hard to pronounce, so I can approve."
"Then from here on out it is to be referred to as the Absconded Treaty. Do try not to reveal its existence to anyone else. Merchant, how go the inspections of the Great Csillacra's trophy fleet?"
"To be honest, its a mixed bag. Some are completely unserviceable, some could probably be brought up to operating condition with a year of work, while others are either only in need of a little maintenance or are practically pristine."
cakeonfrosting I liked writing this chapter. Its sort of a reminder that the Grand Elders are more than just positions, they have problems and they do stuff. They're competent too, which I suppose should be expected of them, but the number of novels I've seen where the upper brass of an esteemed organization like this are just decrepit old fools is simply unnerving, and it doesn't really make sense most of the time. Organizations need competent leaders or else they just crumble, and the Sanctum is not an organization that is fated to crumble any time soon.
