The Scalian Legacy

As Rauug approached the doors to Admiral Tarza’s office, he readied himself in his usual manner by growling intensely, but quietly. He figured that it was a waste of time to ask the admiral for leniency for his sister, but he had to try. He could still remember all of the good times he spent growing up with his only sibling. She was always the strongest willed of the two and while Rauug never admitted it, she was also the smartest of the two. However, Rauug was the male and Scalians were a heavily male oriented society. Sure, females could advance to some level of power within organizations or even the government, but there was still a ceiling and it was etched in their laws as well as their customs.

The captain patiently waited for permission to enter after announcing himself to the computer and supposedly to Tarza inside. Soon, the doors opened and Rauug entered.

“Captain,” The admiral began as Rauug entered. “How can I help you?”

As Rauug entered the intimidation center that Tarza called his office, he could see that the admiral was alone this time, sitting behind his grand desk. Rauug wondered where those two aides of his were, but was quite glad that they weren’t here to hear him beg for his sister’s life. “I have a situation with my sister on Scalia, sir.” Rauug walked up to Tarza’s desk, but did not take a seat on any of the three chairs surrounding the desk.

“Really.” The admiral sat back in his chair and seemed uncharacteristically interested. “And what is that? Could it be that she has been assassinating my royal friends on Scalia?”

Tarza already knew! I should have figured that they would have reached out to Tarza before contacting me, Rauug thought to himself. Rauug tried to remain composed. “Apparently, so, sir.”

“I understand that you are to go visit her.” Tarza began. “You do not need my permission for this. You may go.”

Tarza leaned forward again about to start working on his holographic display again, when Rauug broke in. “Sir, I was hoping that you could help me with this situation.”

Tarza again leaned back, apparently a bit surprised this time. “In what way, Captain?”

“If she tells them who the rebellion leader is and they are able to capture him, I was hoping that she could be granted freedom.” Rauug knew that he was asking for a tremendous favor, but perhaps he could negotiate down from this and achieve something.

“I am not in charge of the sentencing of criminals, Captain.” Tarza replied. “That is the job of the Minister of Justice. You will need to speak with him.” Tarza leaned forward again to resume working.

“I have already spoken with him and all he will do is delay execution for a year. As a part of the senior council, you can intervene.” Rauug forced the issue.

This time Tarza glared at Rauug while still leaning forward. “I could, but I will not. I would just hope that the minister retains his agreement with you, if I were you. Now, I believe you have somewhere to go.”

Rauug remained calm on the exterior, but inside he boiled. He had dedicated his entire life to Scalia and this leadership, but all he could get was a year of life for his sister. He knew that royals got pardons and even some elite nonroyals, so why not his sister? He knew that he would struggle to keep himself composed for much longer, so he turned and exited Tarza’s office before he said something that would put him in a similar position as his sister.

***

As Captain Rauug exited, Tarza stopped working on his holographic display. The encounter had made him think as this situation did not seem familiar to him. Above all, Tarza was a conservative Scalian. He knew how fragile the grasp on power and dominance could be. He decided that the encounter was worth noting as well as checking for in terms of previous occurrences.

Tarza placed his palm on the desk and spoke some commands in Scalian. The computer verified his voice and palm and the bottom portion of his desk drawer opened to reveal a large black sphere. It was a little larger than a bowling ball and much heavier. However, the powerful Tarza lifted it up onto his desk without much strain. As he did, he spun it around to look for the right spot and then placed his palm on the spot. He spoke another command and felt tiny pricks on several random locations on his palm.

After this, three small stands appeared on the bottom of the sphere to allow it to stay upright on its own. Then a holographic display appeared and the device spoke in Scalian as the Scalian words displayed in holographic form just above it.

“Tarza DNA confirmed.” Was spoken and written on the holograph display.

“Summary of Ectsy Rauug—all timelines.” Tarza spoke.

“Please choose which Ectsy Rauug.” The computer replied as it displayed hundreds of them with various birth dates and locations.

“Sibling relationship with Granek Rauug, current Captain of the Seguura.” Tarza replied.

“Person found. Ectsy Rauug, twin sister of Granek Rauug, current Captain of the Seguura. Born on 6545.163 in Draniak, Northern district to Harnek and Ectsy Rauug.” The computer responded.

“Excellent, provide summary—all timelines.” Tarza requested.

The computer continued to speak as it displayed the formatted information:

“Original Timeline—No information found”

That’s always the case Tarza thought to himself as he saw the first line.

“Timeline #2— Graduated with honors from the Draniak legal academy on 6566.003. Joined Ministry of Justice. Married Joohsen Tranier on 6569.202. Still married and employed at the Ministry when timeline ended.”

“Timeline #3— Was seven years old and in good health when timeline ended.”

“Timeline #4— Was attending the Draniak legal academy when timeline ended.”

“Timeline #5 - Graduated with honors from the Draniak legal academy on 6566.003. Joined Ministry of Justice. Married Joohsen Tranier on 6569.075. Widowed on 6573.087 when Joohsen Tranier died during battle for Helos 4. Terminated from Ministry of Justice on 6574.041 due to inflammatory publications against Scalian leadership. Arrested for further inflammatory remarks on multiple occasions. Not imprisoned at timeline end.”

“Current Timeline - Graduated with honors from the Draniak legal academy on 6566.003. Joined Ministry of Justice. Married Joohsen Tranier on 6568.023. Widowed on 6577.143 when Joohsen Tranier died during battle for Earth. Terminated from Ministry of Justice on 6578.095 due to inflammatory publications against Scalian leadership. Arrested for further inflammatory remarks on multiple occasions. Arrested on 6594.177 for participation in the assassination of the royal Hawardine Gargemane and his eldest son, Farken.”

“Any notes in regards to meeting with Captain Rauug about his sister?” Tarza asked.

“No notes in regards to any conversations regarding Ectsy Rauug or Ectsy Tranier.” The computer responded.

While Tarza thought of the interaction as likely insignificant, he had learned over time how the slightest of changes can cause unexpected ripples through time. He decided it would be wise to record the event just in case. “Make a note and synchronize with the Redeemer….” Tarza commanded the computer and recorded his meeting with Rauug for future reference.