Condition Evolution 4 by Kevin Sinclair (parable of the sower read online .txt) 📗

came to see you, to be honest. If I’ve taken anything from this encounter, it’s that I was stupid to think I could get through to you.”

“Then go!” she screamed at me. I looked to the people with her and wondered why they couldn’t see how fucking ridiculous this all was. They seemed content where they were. Fucking weirdos.

“Okay, I’ll leave you to it. We’ll see what Shaun has to say when he arrives.”

“Yes, see what the actual leader of your little club has to say, but unless it’s here is a ship for you. He might as well say nothing.”

“Sure, whatever, Astrid. Unless you come to see me before we leave, this is goodbye.” Then in a louder voice to others in the room. “Goodbye to you all. I hope you get whatever the hell it is you’re looking for out of all this.”

“Good riddance, murderer!” she all but spat at me and we left under a dark cloud.

“They all need their heads looking at,” Mick said as we walked away.

Chapter 17

Spare Ribs in Kim Do Sauce…18

Jezai and his small group walked with purpose back to the Council Elders’ Hall. I followed closely behind with Havok on my back where he should be, ready for action. On entering, we found the place crowded—it was the busiest I’d ever seen it. Every damn head turned to stare at us. This was going to be a serious conversation, but I knew that whatever the result I was walking out of there again. With the Omni energy offering protection from mind invasion and Havok by my side once more, woe betide anyone stupid enough to start shit with me.

“Jezai! What is the meaning of this?” Galivea shouted, her face flushed with anger. “You must answer for your actions! Why were you present at the murder scene of Fiekela and Kirel? And why did you then flee with Vakuna?”

“Woah, woah, woah,” I interrupted before Jezai could respond. “Call me Vakuna one more fucking time, and we’re gonna have a big fucking problem! I’m already beyond pissed that you’ve imprisoned my people, destroyed four of my ships, wiped my memories, and if that wasn’t enough, had me thinking I was somebody else. So, if you love all this 99 percent Potential business as much as you say you do, then we’re at a crossroads here. Which way do we go? Do I consider you an enemy or a friend?”

“Do you believe you can just enter our hall and issue demands? We are the Apochros Council of Elders, child,” a male Council Elder snapped. I could vaguely remember him, though I’d not had much to do with him throughout my training. His name was Herial, and I didn't like the bastard, even less so as he continued, “At this moment you stand accused of murder. And Jezai, what was your role in this travesty?”

“I’m sure if we all remain calm, we…” Jezai began, but I interrupted him.

“Sorry, but no. You’re calling me a murderer? After what you all did to me! I need to say my piece here, come what may.”

“I think you’ve said enough,” Herial replied.

“You don’t get to make that decision. You're all too caught up in your own superiority, just like Fiekela and Kirel. They didn’t think my words held any value either, yet if they’d listened to me, they’d be alive now. I told them not to fuck with the door in my Subconscious. My entire mind screamed that it shouldn’t be opened, and I held the door shut against them for as long as I could, begging them to leave it alone. But just like you now, they thought they knew better, and died for it.”

“So you say,” Herial fucking sneered at me. “Would it be okay for the Council Elders to speak now? Or should I have you put somewhere safe while we get to the root of this?”

“If anyone tries to touch me…”

“Shaun,” Jezai said, putting a calming hand on my shoulder, “it’s okay. Allow me.” I decided I should probably let him speak now, but I wasn’t finished by any stretch of the imagination.

Jezai addressed the council members, taking a far less aggressive stance than I did. “Ialos alerted me when Shaun became frantic over the door in question.”

“Why did she not come straight to us?” questioned Herial. “It seems extremely suspicious.”

“Why?” Jezai said, his voice suddenly booming. “Because you supported the abuse enacted on this man. The man you hope one day to be your savior. Let me ask you, would you have listened to Shaun and tried to stop Fiekela and Kirel from opening that door? Of course you wouldn’t.”

“This all seems highly convenient, don’t you think?” Herial replied, leaving the insinuation obvious.

“Herial, I am the oldest, and was considered the wisest of us all until this debacle took place. I guided our people to this part of the galaxy. Are you casting doubt on my honesty? Does anyone else have so little faith in my integrity and intent?” he asked, raising his arms to take in the room. Impressively, there was not a single person in that hall that questioned him.

He continued to speak. “We have an ongoing disagreement over the treatment of a potential savior. It has clearly revealed rival factions in our Council; on one side, I wished to support his growth, to build up rapport and have him as close as a friend. Whereas you prefer to wipe his mind in an attempt to mold him to your own desires. I warned you throughout that it was not only immoral, but against our core values. All of our prophecies and stories say the same thing. The Vakuna is a force of nature, not something to be controlled, so that this attempt backfired cannot come as a surprise to you all. Rather than blaming the rain for soaking you, blame yourself for not taking shelter.” He took a slight pause while everyone absorbed what he was saying before continuing. “Those