Book 1 — Chapter 49

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Day: Hynyengo

Date: 37

Month: Nokaokarium 

Quarturn: 1618

Location: The city of Melchior

 

Porter forced himself to sway back and forth to subdue his growing impatience. A restlessness that was impelling his voice to release a vocal sigh — illustrating to all, his current annoyance. 

 

But, as he looked at Raer in silent prayer, he tried to remind himself that he needed to make allowances for other people’s reasonable actions. Other people’s reasonable beliefs. 

 

And it was another person’s reasonable belief that had led to this moment. 

 

He and Raer had arrived at the airship rental yard 90 minutes prior. The usually 15 minutes undertaken between customer and rental agency had turned into an hour-plus encounter. For when the agent had seen a Consign was there to rent, they seized the moment and engaged Raer formally — seeking advice both practical and spiritual. A long and detailed exchange that had sent him moving from standing, sitting, leaning, pacing. And now, on the precipice of losing his patience. 

 

He brought into himself a calming breath as he looked at Raer, who raised her head slowly from her silent prayers and — with a gentle smile — addressed the agent. 

 

“Thank you for confiding in me with your concerns and giving me the honor to pray for you. Again, on your end, this is a ‘give it to Deo’ moment. Let the Universe work for you and …” 

 

Raer paused as the phone behind the counter rang, interrupting her words. His eyes moved to the man, who gestured with his finger for Raer to give him a moment. He picked the phone up and walked away from the counter as he answered. 

 

“Buchholzer Airship Rentals, this is …”

 

His attention returned to Raer, who also had turned her gaze towards him, and offered a bright smile as she spoke. 

 

“I’m glad we left early. Though I’m sure even if we were late on our end, we would still arrive before them.” 

 

He opened his mouth to respond, but was cut short, as the man behind the counter exclaimed in disbelief. 

 

“You’re joking with me! If you’re joking, I’m not going too thrilled with you hereafter.” 

 

He looked at the man, who had turned towards them, looking at Raer with wide eyes of amazement. 

 

“Yes. No. Appreciate you letting me know.” 

 

As the man hung up the phone, with a bolt of energy, he came around the counter and grabbed at Raer, pulling her towards him with unclear intentions. It was an action that prompted him to step forward and vocally protest. 

 

“Hey! Take …” 

 

But only the two words had left his mouth, as the man had brought Raer into an embrace, hugging her with what looked to be significant force. A force that made Raer’s nose wince along with the smile, as she giggled and asked in a delighted tone. 

 

“I trust Deo didn’t make you wait long?” 

 

“Oh no,” the man responded as he released Raer and continued. “No. Deo made me wait longer than gave me comfort. But Deo just needed a Consign to whisper in their ear and vouch for me, to get the deal done.”

 

“I can’t claim that I had any hand in such,” Raer assured the man with another giggle. “Nor can I claim coincidence, as I believe those are small miracles for which Deo has chosen anonymity. But whatever was the catalyst for your prayers to be answered, I’m overjoyed for you.” 

 

The man clapped his hands with a loud thwack as he spoke quickly. 

 

“Sorry there about my zealousness. Didn’t mean to scare your helper there with it. But I’ve gotta call my partner. You’re all set to go with cards, ignition generator, and passcodes. If you have any problems, instructions are on the papers. Thank you again, Consign.” 

 

As the man rushed back behind the counter to the phone, he looked at Raer whose smile was still beaming as she spoke. 

 

“Our ship awaits in slip 4-42.” 

 

He felt the relieved sigh pass his lips by reflex as they exited the small enclosed booth. It was an easement that was accompanied by another emotion he was feeling. One he waited for the door to close firmly before he released it as a prolonged groan that was followed with a chuckle of his own.

 

“Uuuggghhh, that was an ordeal! Damn! I understand you were just doing what you do. But given how much of your time he took, and how happy he was there at the end, I was hoping he would at least give you a discount on the rental.” 

 

“That would’ve been nice,” Raer admitted with a sigh. “But I am sorry that took so long. Some people just don’t care for attending Sanctuary itself, but do value what Consigns can offer. I’ve been approached in the strangest places for guidance.” 

 

“No. Don’t apologize. I know you’re just doing what’s required of you,” he reiterated with an emphasis in his voice. “Cause if I understand correctly, you’re considered a government employee. Always on the job. Right?” 

 

“Right,” Raer affirmed, with a chirp in her voice. “Well, government-adjacent. Because while Sanctuary is a spiritual institution, Consigns are required to have training in social services. Knowledge of government agencies. How to fill out forms. Where to direct people for more specific services. Blah, blah, yada, yada. Though, a point of interest for you. We’re actually lawfully obliged to engage with individuals in a secular manner, unless it’s evident the charge in said scenario expresses a wish for additional spiritual-related guidance.” 

 

“I noted that,” he acknowledged. “How you didn’t mention Deo until he did. Kept it direct with the whole ministry of economic affairs of energy, thing. Which apparently was exactly where he needed to go. Good on you for that.” 

 

“Thank you,” she responded with a chuckle.

 

“I know law requires secularism, but acquaint me with the brief history. How did Consigns become a sort of …  para-government entity?” he asked. 

 

“Ooohhh, I like that. Para-government,” Raer repeated with a vocal underlining in her voice. “How it happened? It came about rather organically. A bit boring, as histories go. As people came to Consigns for advice for the spiritual world, it’s often they also need assistance in the material world. They’re pretty much inextricably woven together, after all. Consigns, wanting to help their charges, began to ask government agencies about practices and where to direct people. Exchanges emerged. And ultimately, the governments realized people were far more likely to confide in a Consign initially, as they were considered more discrete and trusted. I think the government gets more out of it than Consigns do, to be honest. I mean, their programs have to be justified through spending. If they don’t spend their allotted budget, they are more likely to get budget cuts. So having Consigns familiar with all the programs that might be considered niche, or at the very least, not common public knowledge, gives the programs and their agencies a boost in visibility.” 

 

“That makes sense,” he admitted. “And I have to agree with you, the government gets more out of Consigns than vice versa. I say that as your salary isn’t what most government employees make.” 

 

“No indeed,” Raer confirmed with a sigh. “Consigns are only allotted about half of the medium salary of the government employees of said area, minus things like room and board if they stay at the Consign house. But, it’s a pain in the butt, if you don’t mind me saying. Not so much the salary. Granted, that just flat out sucks. But the pain in the butt part is the constant adjusting to fluctuating income when you’re a traveling Consign. Which most are. At least part of the year.”

 

He nodded knowingly; he could empathize to a degree, with his always-fluctuating income working part-time at Nokahme. But his thoughts didn’t have time to move far; his attention was directed back to Raer, who spoke with a bounce in her voice. 

 

“And here we are.” 

 

He looked at the small airship and felt a smile come to his face, as he hadn’t flown in a while and was looking forward to it again. 

 

But as Raer moved forward toward the airship, to release the lock for the rear ramp, a question came to mind as he processed her words. 

 

“One doesn’t become a Consign to accumulate wealth, I know. Not that required poverty is asked of you. But a modest life, lived. You don’t get any financial help from donations?” 

 

He watched as Raer, who hadn’t lowered the ramp of the airship yet, looked over the papers that were provided as she spoke aloud — both addressing her own thoughts with a lamenting voice and the question he asked in a steady pitch. 

 

“Okay. So this is the 1500 model. Which means you put the card in first, then enter the passcode. Ode to old, I miss the manuals. Even if the propulsion was unsynced … Deo. To your question. No. No money that comes from donations may be used for Consigns. They go directly towards people. We’re very transparent about that. The founders of Sanctuary believed making money off the name of Deo was one of the more perverse things one could do. For while not explicitly within the Twenty-Two Pillars, it did fall within several of them. And I agree. I understand even a Consign has to eat, have shelter, and be permitted to have a family. But there’s a stark difference between providing for you and yours at the table and … well … grifting those looking for guidance. It’s indeed, perverse.” 

 

He smiled as Raer’s voice had changed its timbre, as she explained from one of calm, to one that hinted at the disgust she had for such notions. It was that little fire in her that he always enjoyed seeing, as it was both humorous and invigorating. 

 

However, the lingering question in his mind hadn’t been satiated, and he asked directly. 

 

“Follow up question, then. Where did you get the money to afford to rent the airship?”

 

As Raer had successfully unlocked the rear ramp and it began to lower, she stepped aside to prevent it from striking her, and smiled in a coyish grin as she responded. 

 

“In a more mundane explanation, Consigns are permitted to take on extra work outside of Sanctuary. Like my sewing. Or working occasionally for Wayra at Nokahme. Supplementing income isn’t frowned upon, as long as the work is respectable enough.” 

 

The sly smile increased as her voice lowered and she continued her answer. 

 

“An amendment, if you will, to my earlier statement. That the government gets more out of Consigns than we do. It does allow Consigns to become very well connected. And said connections do present opportunities from time to time. This opportunity wasn’t government involvement. Certainly not sanctioned. But it was respectable … enough. And what matters is we have the means to collect our … bestowal, in Saettee.” 

 

He felt his grin widen towards the careful choice of words in all of what she said. Saying little in where exactly she obtained the funds, but revealing a great deal to his initiated self. 

 

However, his mind didn’t have the opportunity to probe too far into the details; his attention was taken back to Raer, who asked in an earnest voice. 

 

“Do you mind if I fly down? I don’t get to fly often.” 

 

“I don’t either,” he spoke with a sportive inflection as he quickly reached out and snatched the ignition generator from her hands and continued. “Plus, you’ve done enough work. I’m giving you a break.” 

 

“Oh, dear Deo,” Raer rolled her eyes along with her head for emphasis as she continued with a doubting tone. “You’re so full of it.” 

 

A grin appeared on Raer’s face as she teased. 

 

“You know … lying like that … a certain way to end up on the wrong side of the light. Something to think about.” 

 

“Well, I’ll have good company,” he returned the tease with a chuckle. “As manipulation, which is a form of lying, is a certain way to end up with me. Just something to think about.” 

 

As Raer burst with laughter and shook her head, he held up the ignition generator and reiterated. 

 

“You know, I left work early for this. I willingly gave up income. And I'll tell you what, it sure as shit wasn't because I would see people I see on the regular. I’ll be doing the flying this time.” 

 

“Fine. You’re lucky I’m so vexatiously obliging,” Raer admitted of herself as she began her ascent up the ramp into the ship. 

 

He followed, chuckling at Raer’s self-deprecation. However, there was a truth in her words that he was all too familiar with. One he, along with many others, had been gently discouraging from her over the quarturns. It was an overzealous leaning towards accommodation that not only brought her troubles, but true pains. Both physical and emotional. As he closed the ramp to the ship, it was the emotional that was brought to the forefront of his mind, and he asked. 

 

“Speaking of your biddable flaws. You going to be okay when you see him? He’s definitely going to be there.” 

 

He looked at Raer, who — with a device in hand — was investigating the ship for cameras and listening equipment. As she found one, she reached into her messenger bag and pulled out a sheet of interference stickers and placed one over the hidden camera, rendering it ineffective.

 

Raer continued her movement around the cabin as she released a vocal sigh and spoke softly. 

 

“I’m aware O’cerne will be there. And while I’m not Attata, I can gauge what you’re implying. You know … I do listen to you all. I really do. I’m trying to be less submissive to a fault. Not only for myself, but because you all have hurt due to the collateral damage of my choices. I chide myself for that often. But some situations are harder than others to put your recommendation into practice.” 

 

“Is this one of these situations?” he asked as he made his way to the front of the cabin and sat down in the primary pilot’s chair. 

 

“No,” Raer responded with a firm voice. “I have decided what my boundaries are. Not only out of respect for myself. But out of respect for his family. I know he’s your best friend …” 

 

Raer paused as she seemed to reconsider what she was going to say. But as the pause lingered, he took the moment to add his own thoughts. 

 

“There’s no need for consideration towards me with the ‘I know he’s your best friend,’ stuff. O’cerne is more than a best friend. I love him like a brother. But no one is perfect … and, like you, I can maintain relationships despite a loved one’s failings. He knows my thoughts on this. I told him he did you wrong. He did everyone wrong, including himself. I know his thoughts on it, too. He bitterly regrets his choices and broods vocally to me from time to time. That all being said, I’m going to encourage you … whatever boundaries you have set in your mind, increase them. Again, I love him like a brother, but don’t give him any opportunity to confuse you. Or confuse himself. I say the following, with all respect to him … he’s an ass, and because of that, he’ll sure as shit try to kiss you.” 

 

He watched as Raer sat in the chair next to him as she examined the main board of the airship. Upon seeing another potential camera, she placed an interference sticker on it and sighed as she reported. 

 

“I think I got them all. This sensor is an older model and doesn’t pick up all frequencies very well. But this isn’t the newest airship, so hopefully no upgrades were made. But the affection part, is that something your graces gleaned or …?”

 

“Don’t need graces when you know a person as well as I know him,” he responded with certainty in his voice. 

 

Though with the sureness came a pang of regret as he studied Raer’s expression. One that had settled into sadness as her eyes remained on the airship board in front of her. 

 

He breathed out vocally as a memory came to mind. The recollection of a future Wayra had graced and shared with him. A future that he knew could not be divulged. But a future that would see Raer immersed in joy. 

 

He again breathed out vocally as he felt the pull to tell her of what he knew, to alleviate her current distress. But the strength of his convictions, ones that aligned with Wayra’s, kept his tongue in check. 

 

However, Raer’s sadness still moved him to want to assure her. He felt a light smile come to him as he tried to soften his voice for comfort as he asked.

 

“Hey. Do you trust me?”

 

Raer turned her head quickly to look at him directly with an inquisitive — yet worried — expression, as she responded with earnestness in her voice. 

 

“Yes. I have entrusted you with my life on more than one occasion. Why would you ask such?” 

 

“Because I want you to remember your trust in me as I say the following,” he spoke with emphasis as he continued. “He’s not the one. But there is a ‘one’ out there. Trust me. Trust us.” 

 

He felt his smile widen as Raer’s face lightened, seemingly understanding the implications of him placing stress on the word us — meaning him and Wayra. It was a lifting expression that came with a grin and a giggle as she nodded and spoke. 

 

“I will keep that in mind. Thank you.” 

 

As he released an exaggerated vocal sigh, he announced with vigor. 

 

“Now let’s go get one of the catalysts to your future happiness.” 

 

He looked at Raer, who smiled brightly with hope and nodded and sat back in the seat, readying herself for flight. 

 

As he inserted the ignition generator, he felt the excitement rush through him — as the electrical snap the discharge produced could be gently felt under his fingers. It instantaneously sparked a low resonating hum to the airship that sent vibrations from the floor and seat into his lower appendages. 

 

It was a series of sensations that, for most, would be viewed as inappreciable, if even noticed. 

 

But not for him. His position in life allotted him few chances to fly an airship — something that he sincerely loved to do. And such moments of indulgence were ones to be savored to their fullest.  

 

As the airship rose with the burst of the magnetics engaged and hovered, he closed his eyes and held for a moment, as the perception of mobility washed over him and brought with it a true sense of freedom. 

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