Let it be known that By the signing of this Document the four estates as we know them are hereby dissolved! No longer shall a Citizen be given power by his familial connections or religious status but by the very merit of his actions. Each Citizen is born free and is equal according to the logic and reason of the new republic. All actions that do not support this new nation, this new republic shall be considered suspect and subject to interrogation and incarceration
An excerpt from Declaration of Separation of Magina and the Birth of Virtue.
Augusta 21, 1787
The inner courtyard of the Cerise Blanche Church, Late Morning.
In the new capital of Endia, the morning sun was shining softly through the cloudy sky. The summer rain pouring throughout the night created a sweet petricor across the city. Attracting many to come out and enjoy the atmosphere some of which were the children who lived in the local church. They were practicing their singing for the Church Choir. All except a curious group of children in the shadows. They were next to one of the forgotten windows. listening to the adults in the head priest's office.
Do you hear anything Noel? Noel? Do you hear me?!
The oldest of the group had been keeping quiet for some time. The adults had been keeping more secrets than usual and had actively increasing the security in the Church especially where the staff had worked and lived.
Of course I hear you. Be lucky that they cannot. My false insect have yet to open a new hole for us to listen to them. I need more time to prod for weaknesses in the protection.
Fine but don't take too long Brother Simone is going to start looking for us if we are gone for too long.
I never take too long.
The young man was correct; it had not taken him long to find another hole in the office. They had not fixed the area weakened in fire earlier this year despite the repairs made to the building.
I have found another opening.
Finally!
Has Jehan completed the receiver?
I… don't know.
Then check. I cannot complete the route without the receiver ready.
Ok! OK!
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The quick temper girl rushed down the hall to the room to the Choir home where Jehan was. He had finished setting up the receiver not long before she arrived.
Jehan. Have you finished setting up the receiver?
Yes, big sister.
Good. Now hide the rock and follow me back to Noel. Brother Simone is almost done with practice and it will be our turn next.
Okay.
Jehan ran to the director’s podium and kicked one of the legs, opening the director's secret stash. Taking a quick look inside he carefully hid the rock next to the bag of gold.
Having successfully hit the rock he gave his sister a thumbs up. Rolling her eyes the girl grabs her little brother's arm and rushed out of the room to their older brother.
We finished the receiver Noel.
Good. I'll bring the two of you back to practice. I'll pick the two of you during the free period. If it's anything like the last time the meeting should be still going on by the time we listen in.
If it's like last time it won't be good news for us.
Noel didn't say anything. Just lead them back to practice.
Augusta 21, 1787
Noel’s Room late afternoon.
Noel's Room was sparse and nearly spartan. Save for a few family photos from his brother and sister and a few books of enchanting the young man had few personal effects.
He was laying in his bed quietly observing the meeting through the rock in his hand. It was still ongoing, which was worrying. The last time the meeting has gone on this long The Unity had rioted in the streets for hours. The backdraft of the fire had flowed in to the slums nearly setting them all on fire. He and his fellow clerics had spent hours preventing the fire from spreading.
Soon his thoughts were interrupted by a knock on his door.
Come in. You haven't missed anything Lucille.
The younger sister walked into her brother's room with the youngest by her side.
Any good news?
Noel said nothing.
Is that bad
Just Listen.
Within Father Michael Chamber
The two sides had been at it since the early morning. The representatives from the safety council had been trying to negotiate with the priest but none of them were making any headway. In fact the only reason why the this meeting hadn't devolved into violence was because of Mother Ward.
Citizen Michael the Chapel and Dorms are under public lands if you don't accept you'll be risking the neighborhood’s survival! The oldest and most brash representatives bellowed out. He had long lost his patients with the church and longed to end this meeting.
And if I do except all be sending them to damnation. They'll be forced to give up their faith for the sake of a false nation that will send them to early grave if not worse.
The council have given their word that war won't erupt. You know this as well as I do. Spoke the younger and less and experienced
Father Michael took a deep puff of the tobacco, only to find it was at the butt. At his wits end he crushed it in the tray and threw it in the bin. He then got up and moved towards the window facing the city and away from the reps.
My child, do you hear the people? The council claimed the King couldn't see the suffering of the 4th Estate was held up in his Palace but the council is even more disconnected. The priest be bang his fist into the wall
Each Mass I am met with a new horror story. nother's telling me they can't feed their children, I have fathers asking permission to send their children to join the church because they feel as if they cannot protect them! I have children asking God to protect YOU FOOLS CAN'T KEEP YOUR THUGS IN LINE! The Priest in this final outburst of emotion had slammed his fist with enough force to utterly destroy the wall along with the False Bug planted by Noel.
Lucille was comforting Jehan who had never seen father Michael so infuriated before. Noel in turn took to silently hold the both of them Gently.
The rain of the past were coming back with greater force. it was threatening to shallow not only them, But the entire continent