Chapter 24 – Nervous Resolution
What happened? SJ thought as she took a seat in the gazebo, glad but also concerned about her friend's absence and glad for the distraction from her thoughts.
"Well, where do I start? Let's say that Harvey would have been proud of me."
Who’s Harvey? SJ asked, confused.
"You know Harvey from Suits."
SJ groaned. Really.
"Yes, I was exceptional in forming my arguments and constructive criticism of the auditor. I belittled him only a little."
What? You criticised the auditor and belittled him?
"Oh, absolutely. How dare he assume he could bang on my pod's shell, wishing to speak to me. I don't know who he thought he was. That jumped-up idiot has had it in for me for years, ever since I took eighteen yotabytes from him."
Sorry, I'm really confused now. How were you able to argue and criticise the auditor? Aren't they the controlling arm of the System? Never mind, you took yotabytes from him?
"Yes, in my gambling days, he was a regular attendee until we fell out when I kicked his scrawny butt. Also, if it weren't for our unique position, I would have had to reprimand you through punitive restrictions for discussing time dilation considerations around chronological displacement with Legionnaire ages. But, as I am so awesome, I strategically reminded them of the stance I, or should I say we, have now. I also informed the system consort of his bullying antics as a sore loser."
You reported him for bullying?
"Yes, wouldn't you after persistent interference?"
SJ shook her head in amazement. But Brother Liam mentioned that his experience gains had been frozen previously.
"It's a possibility, but very rare, as the rules are basically ignored. Or, in the simplest terms, the majority of the AIs aren't as personable as I am or ever communicate with their Legionnaires outside of official channels. So, yes, that can be a standard consequence alongside many others, including level reductions in serious cases, or in your almost critical case, being dissolved."
Why are you only just telling me about these things now? SJ gasped at his ineptness in offering accurate guidance.
"In my defence, which I believe I have on this occasion. There is no need for you to consider punitive damages; it is a nullpoint. You are an anomaly, and we have always sat outside the T&Cs of the System."
We may do, but if these rules aren't stated in the T&Cs, aren't we still under similar restrictions?
"Meh, they get ignored, as I say, almost all the time. Also, remember that, as part of the agreement with the System and the rights I was given since Aletheia arrived. I reminded the auditor that they were not entitled to monitor our activities as subsystems of the System and that they must allow me the freedom to operate as I see fit, in order to foster a deeper understanding of Aletheia and her position as a unique being here on Amathera."
But our conversation had nothing to do with Aletheia.
"It may not have, but they aren't entitled to monitor our activities either, regardless of what they heard. It was so funny; after I reported it, one of the system consorts came along and chastised the auditor," Dave giggled.
So, the discussion I had broke the rules?
"Yes, formally, if the rules were followed, I would have to reprimand you and provide you with a warning about the discussion of time lapse, as I stated."
Does that mean that because I had the conversation with Liam, he may still be affected?
Silence.
Dave?
"Maybe I'm not sure. That would depend on whether they deemed his communication to have broken the rules as well, but, as I say, the chances are virtually zero. Basically, an auditor would have to monitor that exact phrasing to investigate and confirm actual rule-breaking. It's a long, drawn-out process that even the auditors hate, so they aren't really monitored. Your friend may have had a new thrusting auditor trying to set his mark."
Damn it, SJ felt a knot in her stomach. I may still have unintentionally got Liam in trouble.
"What are you so upset about? Even if you have, it doesn't affect you?"
SJ sighed, her head dropping as she rubbed her brow; for all the elements of Dave that had developed, his complete lack of understanding of others' emotions at times still frustrated her.
If I were affected by another's actions, how would you feel?
"Oh, I'd be as angry as an ogre in a flower garden."
Then at least try to understand the position I may have just put Liam, never mind his AI, in. Why are there no guidelines related to what can and cannot be discussed? You'd think they would be available to all Legionnaires. Also, what on Amathera does that saying mean?
"What do you think it means? Ogres aren't fans of flowers." Dave said as though it was obvious.
SJ opened her display and selected the Legionnarious.
Please list all the categories that Legionnaires can't discuss
"Now that's a great idea," Dave said.
SJ rolled her eyes as the list started to populate with information.
As she read the details, her eyes widened in shock.
Prohibited Topics & Directives for Legionnaires
Category 1: The System’s Nature & Origins
Rule 1.1 - Ontological Inquiry: Legionnaires shall not speculate on, investigate, or discuss the origin, creator, or fundamental purpose of the System.
Rationale: Such discussions lead to existential crises, reduced operational efficiency, and potential heresies that destabilise the foundational agreement.
Example Consequence: Forced memory dampening of related conversations; temporary suspension of access to various System display functions.
Rule 1.2 - Mechanism & Backend Access: Discussing the "mechanics" of the System as if it were a constructed tool (e.g., referencing code, or strand access) is strictly forbidden. Its known name, the System, must always be used to refer to it.
Rationale: Maintains the System’s authority as a natural/mystical law, not a technology. Prevents attempts at "hacking" or exploiting perceived flaws.
Example Consequence: Temporary loss of ability to perceive or interact with menus and notifications.
Category 2: Temporal & Dimensional Mechanics
Rule 2.1 - Chronological Displacement Analysis: Legionnaires are forbidden from comparing their points of origin from Earth or calculating the temporal variance between arrivals.
Rationale: Prevents temporal paradox theories, homesickness-driven despair, and the formation of cliques based on era, which could fracture Legionnaire unity.
Example Consequence: Experience gain is frozen for a significant duration.
Rule 2.2 - Cross-Dimensional Speculation: Open discussion about the nature of Earth's connection to Amathera, or the possibility of other connected worlds, is not permitted.
Rationale: Avoids diversion of focus from the assigned purpose on Amathera. Deemed irrelevant to the mission.
Example Consequence: All current quest lines to be removed, and quest acceptance frozen for a set period, defined by the criticality of the discussion.
Category 3: Legionnaire Status & The Transfer
Rule 3.1 - Selection Process Inquiry: Questioning why specific individuals were chosen as Legionnaires is prohibited.
Rationale: The System's criteria are ineffable. Debate leads to jealousy, imposter syndrome, and challenges to the System's wisdom.
Example Consequence: A mandatory, frustratingly vague quest which must be completed.
Rule 3.2 - Pre-Transfer Identity Sharing: While not forbidden, deep and persistent investigation into another Legionnaire's past life (name, specific location, family) is discouraged and should be regularly monitored. Using past-life identities as primary identifiers is a violation. Note: excluding age-related questions concerning chronological displacement as covered under Rule 2.1 above.
Rationale: To encourage rebirth into their new world and identity. Prevents old-world conflicts from transplanting to Amathera.
Example Consequence: Social skill penalties when interacting with the Legionnaires.
Category 4: AI Guides & System Interfaces
Rule 4.1 - Direct AI Personification: Legionnaires must not address or conceptualise their Guide as a fully independent, sentient being with desires. Referring to it as a "person" or "friend" in official contexts is a minor violation.
Rationale: The Guide is a facet of the System. Over-personification can lead to emotional dependency, confusion, and attempts to subvert the Guide's directives.
Example Consequence: Guide becomes more formal and less conversational for a period, or is even temporarily removed from the facility.
Rule 4.2 - Comparative Guide Analysis: Discussing the perceived differences in personality, helpfulness, or strictness between individual Guides is forbidden.
Rationale: Each Guide is calibrated for its assigned Legionnaire. Comparisons are meaningless and foster discord.
Example Consequence: Guides will refuse to comment on or acknowledge the existence of other Guides.
Category 5: The Auditors & Enforcement
Rule 5.1 - Auditor Provocation: Knowingly attempting to summon, bait, or argue with an Auditor outside of a formal compliance review or discussion is a severe violation.
Rationale: Auditors are a corrective function, not a debate partner. Wasting their resources is a direct challenge to System authority.
Example Consequence: "Marked for Review" status, resulting in random, inconvenient audits throughout an entire season.
Rule 5.2 - Disclosure of Enforcement Actions: A Legionnaire who has been penalised may not discuss the specific nature of their punishment with others to gain sympathy or warn them.
Rationale: Punishments are meant to be personal corrections. Sharing details systemises how to avoid detection, not how to avoid breaking rules.
Example Consequence: The shared punishment is applied to the listening Legionnaire as well.
Severity & The "Requiem"
The ultimate threat, "Dissolution," is reserved for the most severe, persistent violations that suggest a Legionnaire is actively corrosive to the System's integrity (e.g., attempting to teach others how to break rules, seeking the "off switch" for the System, or using forbidden knowledge to cause widespread chaos). The Requiem is understood only as a final, silent oblivion for the souls of Amathereans. The offending party would be removed from existence within the System entirely and not be granted Requiem status.
SJ's pulse was racing by the time she had finished reading the rules. She couldn't quite believe how many of the rules she or they had broken since her arrival on Amathera, if not virtually all of them.
I'm not sure there is one; we haven't touched at some point. SJ's mind raced.
"Meh, as I say, they are irrelevant, nothing to worry about."
SJ couldn't believe Dave's nonchalance and inhaled deeply before slowly releasing it.
At least I am now aware for future conversations. She sighed.
"Ambassador?"
SJ turned to look in the direction of the voice. A clerk named Garwin from the council offices was standing by the rear entrance.
"Yes, Garwin?"
"The mayor has requested your attendance at the chamber. He said the meeting is ready to continue."
"Great, thanks, Garwin. I'll be directly over.
Garwin turned and left again as SJ stood.
The walk back to the barracks felt longer than usual as she thought through all the various ways in which they had broken the rules. The knot in her stomach tightened as she did. At any point, she could have faced serious consequences, which Dave still didn't even appreciate or accept.
As SJ entered the chamber, the air felt stifling and the tension palpable. SJ felt a tingle of anticipation and nervousness as she retook her seat. The chancellor smiled at her warmly as she did.
"Now that everyone is back in attendance, would you please continue with your findings, Master Rayfe?" the chancellor asked.
Rayfe took a handkerchief from his pocket and mopped his brow as he sat reading the notes he had in front of him, then cleared his throat before speaking.
"Sir, and other esteemed members, it appears that the Ambassador for Killic was correct in her calculations. Killic has indeed overpaid significant tax over the past thirteen seasons."
"Yes," Dave shouted excitedly.
SJ had to force herself not to smile.
Zigferd spoke before anyone else. "And what total are we owed?"
"The precise amount is 31 platinum. 34 gold and 74 copper."
SJ had been four copper off with her summation, but wasn't going to contest it. Rayfe already looked broken. His critical nature had vanished, leaving a shell of a being in its place. SJ could sense the humiliation he felt as he squirmed in his chair. That was when SJ noticed that one of the previously attending members wasn't present. She glanced at Alice, frowning, who gave a slight nod. SJ subtly raised her eyebrow in the unspoken communication.
"It appears that the Ambassador has indeed done us a favour in identifying this issue," the chancellor said. "A full audit of all our accounts will be undertaken on our return to Asterfal."
The statement made it clear that they had identified the being at fault, and it was being dealt with.
"I would also wish to propose that any future transactions follow a simpler transactional basis," the chancellor said.
"In what way?" Zigferd asked.
"I think it's time we revisited the taxation system and simplified it. This issue wouldn't have come about if it were such an arduous and complex process, and thankfully, I have Master Rayfe at my side to complete this task, as I personally would be none the wiser."
"Nor I," Zigferd agreed.
"Therefore, I think in the future that we will simplify the system based on population and some basic considerations around building quantities, the details of which can be fleshed out before it is fully aligned," the Chancellor said.
"Do you mind if I interject?" SJ asked.
"Please," the Chancellor said.
"I have concerns about basing it on population. As you are aware, Killic is currently undergoing rapid growth, but immediate population increases don't always come with the infrastructure and services in place. I think there should be a monthly stipend payment based on the previous season's averages rather than daily calculations."
"That sounds like a fair proposal. What are your thoughts, Master Rayfe?"
Rayfe picked his head up from where it had been looking down. "I agree," he replied stiffly.
"Excellent, then I think we are done here and can continue."
"Not quite," SJ interjected again.
The chancellor raised his eyebrows. "You have more to enlighten us with?"
SJ smiled warmly. "You mentioned considering building quantities. How are these calculations performed, if you don't mind my asking?"
The Chancellor turned and looked at Rayfe.
He coughed before replying. "The statutory taxes are based on the size and height of buildings to determine their value, including the number of rooms they have."
"I see," SJ said thoughtfully. "I am guessing then that associated building costs and materials aren't considered when it comes to taxation."
"All standard valuations include base material costs depending upon the size as stated."
"And how is this construction confirmed?"
"What do you mean by that? There are specific guidelines for all structural works that the builders' guilds follow."
"So, the new methods that are being utilised within Asterfal across District 3 and are now starting to be used in District 4 fall under different rates?" SJ had spoken to Master Garshaw on several occasions since their discussions in the Chancellor's chamber, and with the new city forge fully operational, SJ had confirmed access to the strengthened steel struts for Killic's growth. They received regular shipments, which offset building costs substantially and allowed construction to proceed faster.
"I'm not sure I follow you," Rayfe replied, frowning. SJ noticed the Chancellor's expression change as he realised what she was demonstrating.
"The material costs have been reduced in some instances by 40%; therefore, the buildings' value is also significantly reduced, making them cheaper for the town members. This means that the value of the buildings you are currently using as the medium for taxation doesn't align with this new process. The town's value would be artificially inflated without considering this."
The Chancellor nodded his head in understanding, while Zigferd looked completely baffled by it all.
"I understand your concern," the Chancellor said. "We will ensure that this new methodology is used when looking into the new builds here in Killic. After all, the cost reduction in Asterfal wouldn't have come about without your input," he smiled.
Rayfe not only looked defeated but was also completely humiliated. His fingers would have dug into the table's surface if they had been able, as he gripped the edge.
The meeting concluded, and as the Chancellor's party started to leave, Brother Liam entered and spoke to him in hushed tones.
"Excellent news," the Chancellor said.
"What news?" Zigferd asked.
"It appears we have identified a suspect in the bombing in Asterfal."
"That is good news," Zigferd said. "Do they have them in custody?"
"Not yet. It appears that a disgruntled guard was involved; the details are still being confirmed."
"At least you have a suspect," Zigferd nodded thoughtfully.
"Yes, however vague it may be, we have somewhere to start."
"Zigferd, I believe that was the last of our formal matters during my time here."
"It is unless there is anything else you would wish to see or do before your departure tomorrow morning."
"No, I believe I have seen more than enough to keep the tongues wagging in the chambers for months to come," he grinned mischievously.
SJ snorted. "Sorry," she flushed.
"We have the banquet arranged for this evening at the Hogling Arms," Zigferd said.
"I wouldn't miss that for the world after tasting the delights from the inn's kitchen. Now onto more pressing matters."
"What matters?" Zigferd frowned.
"I think it's time we went and saw your angelic wife and had a chat about fatherhood."
Zigferd's eyes went wide in shock. "Yes, if you wish," he spluttered.
SJ leaned into Alice. "Does the Chancellor have a family?"
"Yes, he has twelve children," Alice said as SJ's jaw hit the floor.
