Chapter 78: Esse et Videri

Chapter 78: Esse et Videri

Efforts to locate Stellar are ongoing, with any remaining assets in western Daressa and Qalo retasked to support this effort. No direct sightings have been reported, but agents have established that BAZ personnel have infiltrated and set up wireless monitoring stations within Daressan territory and along the coast. Our agents have been instructed to monitor Mendiko activity silently, and to set up similar stations in the interior where possible. As there is now confirmation of BAZ involvement, this initiative is now formally under Director Kemper as Initiative Starfall, coded MS-PRIV-SF. Please route any requests for source-linked intelligence through the Directors office.

While the identity of the bearer is not known with complete certainty, several indicators point to Luc Flament, formerly of the Baumgart party. Our dossier on Flament is attached in Appendix A of this circular, along with an assessment on possible avenues of approach given the extensive personality profiles recovered from Braun Island.

At this time all initiatives are suspended save for two; foreign assets are wholly tasked under Initiative Starfall, while domestic assets are to observe their prior orders under Initiative Redoubt as we approach the final stages prior to plan commencement. In the event of resource conflicts, prioritize Redoubt unless specifically ordered otherwise.

- Institute Circular #3560, 45 Gleaning 693.

In the morning the men broke fast and camp all at once, with the tents coming down as a thin porridge of oat and chopped apple began to boil. This was not happenstance efficiency; the men had simply ceased to object when Zabala gave his commands, and the rest flowed onward from there.

Michael made a point of walking by for his bowl while most of the men were still queued for their portion. Every motion of it felt needlessly arrogant, yet the men looked on with a bizarre satisfaction as Michael approached and was served, taking an extra bowl for Sobriquet.

She smirked at his approach, taking the bowl with barely-restrained merriment. So this is it, she murmured. Your descent into aristocratic egomania.

Silence, peasant, Michael deadpanned. He ate a few spoonfuls, then sighed. I have no idea why this in particular should help set them at ease. It does, though, and it seems a harmless enough indulgence.

Sobriquet chuckled. Its all about power, she said. I told you before that people found my apparition easier to follow than my figure, and this is part of it. The games, the mystery; theyre an exercise of control. If youre pledging yourself to a side, its more comforting to know that those in charge have some ability to back up their cause. Social use of that power is one way to demonstrate it. She ate another spoonful, then swallowed. Also a good way to weed out the ones that have designs on your position, since they just tend to find it irritating.

I suppose you had me figured out from the start, then, Michael laughed. He began to eat in earnest, as the porridge was rather good for camp food.

I did, but not because of that, Sobriquet said. In the partisans there were always those who liked the idea of our cause much more than the business of it. They were happy to spread vitriol and make thunderous proclamations about the end of foreign occupation here in Daressa, but ask them to pick up a gun and theyd go rather quiet.

She smirked. Annoying as they were, though, they were necessary. If partisans seize a supply convoy, it hurts the enemy directly - but it does nothing for the life of the cause, since ideally there are few witnesses to such an act. It was an infuriating truth that blowhards with no substance became the focal points for revolutionary ire while the effective actors of our movement were mostly unknown.

Hence your - affectations of personality, let us say, Michael said.

Precisely! she said, giving a mocking flourish with her spoon. Who can agitate the masses while still driving a knife into the occupiers flank? One answer will do for both: it is Sobriquet. She snorted laughter, shaking her head. It still feels stupid, but you grow to realize that power lends respect even to the least-respectable actions. Arrogance and a whiff of insanity is comical until the threat of violence intrudes, at which point it is downright terrifying.

Michael gave a solemn nod. I was very intimidated, he said. You did an excellent job.

She jabbed him with her spoon. Liar. Thats how I had your measure, after all. You were uncertain, but not scared.

You were neither the most arrogant nor insane person I had met that week, Michael scowled, rubbing at his side. After Spark He trailed off, his words failing to gain purchase on the vast and insubstantial swell of feeling the name provoked.

Sobriquet frowned, letting her spoon drop and resting her fingers on his shoulder. You seldom mention him.

Theres not much to say. Michael reached up to take her hand. He upended my life, and then my mind. Ive done my best to right it since; its been for the better, I suppose, given that without that threat Id never have mustered the courage to take that first step away from my fathers control. But- He let his hand drop, then shook his head. That was only the case because Spark was worse still. Given the example set by both men, Im not sure I ever want to get to the point where that sort of thing flows naturally.

You seemed natural enough while speaking to the men yesterday. Was that so difficult, or so dangerous? Sobriquet shrugged, standing from her seat. Youre asking these men to help us track and kill one of the most terrifying souls in this world. This will make them understandably quite nervous about their safety. Theyll want to test you from time to time, to ensure that you have the strength to lead them to more than their deaths.

Michael stood as well. That sounds like a perpetual annoyance, he muttered. Everyone is convinced Im a walking calamity save for the handful of men in my employ.

If it annoys you, show them in other ways, she said. And dont worry about succumbing to the temptations of power. If cutting in line for your supper crafts you into a megalomaniac, well- She stepped away and turned to face him, flashing a smile. You will have to contend with Sobriquet, tyrant. She struck a pose, gestured dramatically - and disappeared.

Michael blinked. After a moment of bemused silence, he sighed and went on with his morning.

They proceeded west down the road, albeit at a slower pace than the previous day; the road had seen better seasons, and had been humble in the best of them. Michael winced as Zabala drove the truck at speed into a thick branch that had fallen across the path. There was a sharp shock as they hit it, but the branch broke into splinters with no damage to the truck.

You know, I could have moved that another way, Michael said, gripping the seat to steady himself. Its not strictly necessary for you to ram your way through every obstacle we encounter.

Zabala grunted. This is standard procedure for convoys. Lead driver is always a fortimens, to serve as the icebreaker. Debris, animals, soldiers - we could handle much larger than that, if we need to.

Good to know, Michael muttered, but I think youre going to make the men sick. He sent his sight into the rear compartment of the truck, stuffed full of queasy-looking Ardans on bench seats; indeed, one was holding his helmet upturned while staring into the middle distance, his face pale and sweaty. Maybe let me clear away the next big one?

If you make it an order, sure, Zabala drawled. The men could use some discomfort. Indolent, undisciplined dregs - theyre basically conscripts. Conscripts! He threw one hand up in the air disgustedly. They are a net loss, jauna. Youd be better-served leaving them all at the next town, including that drunken cockerel of a captain.

Michael sighed. Its possible, he said. Probable, even. But its not as though I can ask Antolin for a squad of Mendiko soldiers, is it?

Zabala grimaced. No. But you dont necessarily need this many men. A small team would be nimble, easy to supply. The men are no threat to any ensouled opponent, just as any enemy they could handle would be no threat to us. Youre a spector, so theyre of no help in a search or cordon. Theyre just - weight, and mouths.

I cant disagree on any particular, Michael said. But theyre more than just that. Theyre- He paused; Zabala let Michael order his words in peace.

When I was coming north to Mendian, I met Sever, Michael said. We fought; I incapacitated him. For - various reasons, Sobriquet and I left him alive.

Zabala snorted, but said nothing more.

Michael made a face. I know, I know. It seemed right at the time. But when I mentioned it to Amira - Sustain, that is - she said that I should have killed him. That letting him live created a tether between us, one that would permit neither of us peace until the conflict was finished.

Michael nodded. They turned off the main road, away from the crowds of hostile travelers; it felt like stepping into cool water on a hot day, refreshing and very welcome. Michael luxuriated in the feeling for the short time it took them to reach Rouissat.

His stiff joints protested as he jumped down from the cab, turning towards the small town. It was picturesque, with wide streets and a few orchards hemming in a respectable cluster of houses that made up the city center. There were few other buildings - a granary and small tavern stood just off the square, but the largest structure by far was the towns temple.

Frowning, Michael sent his sight closer to it. The rest of the buildings in town were well-maintained - immaculate, even, with obvious care given to the brick and tile. The temple, by contrast, was ransacked. Its windows were shattered, soot marking the walls above where fire had burned inside. Its doors were missing, its roof collapsed.

Michaels eye for destruction had been well-honed by his time on campaign; he knew at a glance that this damage was fresh, and had happened since the last time it had rained.

Zabala cleared his throat loudly, drawing Michaels attention back; a small crowd of men had formed at the entrance to town, standing protectively in the middle of the roadway. They were a greying and bald lot, clad in simple clothing and bearing farm implements instead of true weapons - though one man did hold a battered-looking rifle, resting it warily on one shoulder.

I suppose thats our welcoming committee, Michael said, walking towards them. Let the men dismount, but keep them well back until were done talking.

If Zabala acknowledged the command, Michael did not hear it. His attention was fully-focused on the knot of men blocking the road, feeling their fear and suspicion intensify as he drew closer. He adopted a smile, stopping well short of the group to wave his hand in greeting.

Hello! he called. My name is Michael Baumgart. Were in need of supplies and information, and will compensate you for either.

The men shifted uncertainly; the one with the rifle stepped forward. Ardan? he called out.

Michael spread his hands, palms open in what he hoped was a nonthreatening gesture. Most of our company is Ardan, but we came here after fighting for Mendian, he said. Were not part of the Ardan military.

There was a brief outbreak of whispered conversation among the towns defenders, after which the man who had spoken took a few cautious steps closer. Youd best move on, then, he said. Theres no fighting here, and no call for travelers. Were just humble folk, and Safs men took what little food we had on their way back.

The crunch of footsteps came from behind him; Michael turned to see Sobriquet approaching. She looked the men over, frowning.

I suppose there are liars even among humble folk, she said.

Michael arched an eyebrow at her tone; the man brandished his rifle menacingly. What was that, missy? he demanded. Were decent folk here, you cant-

He fell silent as Sobriquet manifested her avatar between them, stumbling back with his mouth hanging open; the rest of the men made exclamations of panic, averting their eyes.

I am Sobriquet, she said. These men are here with the authority of free Daressa, for they helped to make it so.

The men dropped their weapons, save for the rifleman who laid his gently aside, straightening up to show shaking, open palms. Milady Sobriquet, he said hoarsely. Please forgive us, we didnt know-

She let the apparition drop. Well, now you do, she said. Michael asked about supplies and information; do you want to try to answer him again?

The man licked his lips, nodding fervently. Apologies, milady - milord. We have food and drink aplenty for guests such as yourselves. As for news - we dont hear much, but if youve got questions well answer what we know.

Michael smiled. That sounds fine, he said, motioning for the man to be at ease; the trill of acute fear emanating from the villagers was distracting. I took no offense; these have been dangerous times. Are you the headman here? Whats your name?

Thomas, milord - and I do speak for the village on most things, when theres call for it. He scratched nervously at his arm. The soldiers, are they - is there trouble coming here? Does Saf mean to return?

Not that I know of, Michael said. For the time being the War is over, though I couldnt say for how long. Were not here to fight, just looking for someone - not anyone from your village. A young man, about my age, with dark hair and an Esroun cast to his features. Hed be traveling alone.

Thomas frowned. Esroun, you say? Havent laid eyes on an Esroun in years, save those that came down from the Savvy half now and again. He spat upon the road. Would have been a welcome sight, but no - no Esroun passing through.

Michael let his breath out, feeling oddly relieved to know that they hadnt managed to follow Lucs path that precisely. How about the people heading north? I imagine some of them must have stopped by on their way up from Rouns, did any of them mention a strange encounter with a young man? Any mentions of fires, flashes of light or an odd sickness?

Sickness? Thomas asked, looking alarmed. Weve heard nothing- He coughed suddenly, then calmed himself, looking abashed; Michael frowned. There was a flutter of odd emotion from the man, but not one that he could place. Sorry, milord. Weve had few enough - travelers through here, and the ones weve had didnt have much to say. Is the illness among the folk heading north?

Theres no outbreak that Im aware of, Michael said, trying for a reassuring tone. Just asking to see if you heard anything out of the ordinary.

Nothing at all, and were looking forward to getting back to whats proper, Thomas said, mustering a relieved smile. Saf gone and the filth out of free Daressa, eh? If thats your business, then you and your men are more than welcome. He peered past Michael at the men milling around under Zabalas watchful eye. Weve plenty of spare houses left, with the Savvy bastards gone. Youre welcome to them, and anything left within. Weve gathered most of whats good already, though - let me talk to our innkeep and well see about some dinner.

The headman clapped his hands, suddenly animated. Guests, guests! he shouted. Yann, go get Mathieu and tell him to start cooking! Well - sorry, milord, but youve caught us a bit by surprise. If your men come by the tavern around sundown, well have a little party to toast the end of the War and talk about whatever else you might need.

Michael nodded, trying to keep pace with the rapid shifts in tone, then turned away to walk back towards the trucks. Sobriquet fell into step beside him. Odd folks, he said when they were out of earshot. They seem friendly enough, but theyre keeping a lot unsaid.

Michael, you just arrived with half a company of foreign soldiers - and me, to boot. She gave him an exasperated look. Its a miracle that nobody fainted. These are not people well-used to excitement, and even less to the positive sort.

Point taken, Michael conceded. He waved to Zabala, then filled him in on their situation; in short order the trucks were rumbling into the town. A few of the men pointed out the vacant houses available for their use, and Zabala began to assign the men to them. At a significant look from Sobriquet, Michael interceded to take one of the smaller houses for their own.

The echo of acceptance and satisfaction was still bizarre, but his conversation with Sobriquet had at least stripped the sinister aspect his mind had lent it. He walked up to the house and pushed the door wide - easily, for the latch had been hacked away from the door, leaving only splintered wood behind.

Frowning, Michael stepped into a small but well-made house, albeit an empty one. The floors were well-laid wood, the walls sturdy plaster. Aside from the main room there was a small kitchen, a bedroom stripped bare of all but a frame, and a smaller room with an upturned and broken bassinet.

The walls of this last one had been decorated inexpertly, but not so poorly that Michael couldnt recognize the simple shapes - eight men and women rendered in colorful paints. Michael saw a pair in white and black, another carrying a shield and sword, a third in matching grey robes and a fourth carrying scepters - one of gold, the other of gnarled wood.

All of their faces had been scratched away, pits in the plaster showing raw brick below. The odd sight captured Michaels attention until Sobriquet grabbed his arm; he startled, but managed to avoid making any undignified noises.

Come on, she said, drawing him close. Weve got some time before supper. Who knows the next time well get a room to ourselves?

Michael nodded, turning back to fetch their gear and bedrolls with a motivated stride. The empty room with its ruined paintings lingered in his mind, though; even as he walked, he let his sight stray back to peer at the faceless figures, their expressions hidden in the plaster dust scattered across the floor.