“When one man is willing to stand up like this and shout down all the voices telling us one thing, that has power.” Kivda shrugged. “Right, wrong, or otherwise, we’re looking at a crisis spawned from years of war. Has it benefitted us? Absolutely. But once our culture no longer suffered, once we had slaves doing our grunt work and a bustling economy…”
“You think we needed to refocus?”
“The rank-and-file person doesn’t necessary care about glory. Even as we celebrate it with them. Everyone had to serve in the military at one time or another before returning to our colonies and homeworld to conduct their business. To provide services or continue their bloodlines… giving us more warriors.
“The Prophet offers an alternative. And the reason your father believes we can find a way to contradict him is because it’s clear our new nemesis does not have what he needs to prove the church wrong. He’s building his forces, creating a resistance of sorts. Your father intends to defeat him at his own game.”
“Do you think that’s even possible?”
Kivda nodded. “Of course. Your father’s a brilliant man. He wouldn’t have lasted this long otherwise.”
“I personally think we should track him down and have him publicly executed.”
“Not every problem can be solved with violence,” Kivda replied. “Not only is it impractical but it can waste resources. For example, what if this Prophet can be turned to our side? What if your father shows him further proof of our divine right? Such a person could assuage the resistance we’ve dealt with. Bring the people back inline.”
“Resistance.” Renz scoffed. “Cowards who have no qualms about committing terrorist acts.”
“They’re dangerous in their own right as well. But the bottom line here, the truth of the matter, is this can be a major advantage for us.”
“How?”
“When we find whatever it is, we’ll have it for a while before we return home. Whatever secrets it contains, we’ll know for ourselves. And when we bring it back to your father, we’ll know if he makes any changes.”
“You don’t believe, do you?” Renz asked. “You’re not a religious man.” Suggesting such a thing was another blasphemy, one he recognized as unfair. Cruel even to a friend. But he had to know. He had to hear it from the man’s mouth. Are you willing to come out and say you defy the church?
“Let’s say I’m adherent to my duty first and foremost,” Kivda said. “The church helps guide my men. It keeps them focused on the task at hand. But that sort of faith and zeal belongs in the heads of the young. As we grow older, we see the benefits of alternate interpretations. Ones we can use to make our lives and jobs easier.”
“But that’s…”
“Blasphemy?” Kivda interrupted. “I thought you might say so. Strict reading of the Word states that yes, I have committed a sin. But this is why my public opinion supports our religious leaders wholeheartedly and behind closed doors… with a good friend… I can be honest. You do it as well. All of us sin against the church. And we continue to win the wars.”
Renz glared at him. He didn’t like this talk. Not necessarily because he had any love for the church. He hated some of the strict laws they lived by. Fortunately, he didn’t have to adhere to many of them due to status but such indiscretions were unspoken. Saying them aloud made him nervous. It gave voice to a serious crime.
“Then…” Renz cleared his throat. “I suppose we will have to be cautious with how we proceed on this mission. And take your advice about studying the item.”
“It’s the only way we can be certain of our own part in all this,” Kivda said. “And our best way to find an advantage when it comes time for you to rule our people.”
“I’m not sure that day will ever come. My father knows about the others and their talk of assassination. He’s got a spy in our midst.”
“Are you going to seek them out?”
“Of course.” Renz rolled his eyes. “I need to know.”
“Don’t. Your father told you about it. Let it go. Whoever the spy is will reveal themselves eventually and there’s nothing you can do with the knowledge anyway.”
“I can drum them out.”
“You’d defy your father like that?” Kivda asked. “And you know he’d put someone else in. If he doesn’t have more people now. No. Let him spy. Let them know things. We have nothing to hide yet. And the things we do, we discuss behind closed doors.”
Renz leaned forward. “How do I know you’re not the spy?”
“I wouldn’t get paranoid,” Kivda replied, “if I was you. But that’s your prerogative. Believe as you see fit. However, I’d rather have an ally than an enemy I’m keeping close. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Renz couldn’t argue the point. He doubted Kivda was the man, but he had to bring it up. Or did I? Why should I be so paranoid? He’s been nothing but loyal our entire lives. Always been at my side, always had my back. “I’m sorry for asking.” He gestured to the glasses. “Do you want a drink? I’ll make you one.”
“No, I should prepare the troops for our assignment. We’ll talk again when we arrive, yes?”
“Of course.” Renz walked him to the door. “Thank you for the conversation. I feel I have… a better understanding of what we’re dealing with.”
“My pleasure.” Kivda shook his hand. “I trust you’ll make the right decision. You nearly always do.”
Renz chuckled. “Alright, scoundrel. Off with you.” He watched his friend walk down the hall before returning to his suite
