CHAPTER 6
HOME, THE INTERVIEW “ MERIA’S FATHER

Richard, like the rest of the Pedian’s avoided Master Shawn for the good part of the day, his anger cooled enough to allow the boys out of their quarters by the time the craft headed away from Greece and toward Antarctica’s currents and the mixed with the flow of the Indian Ocean.
After several check of his map Richard was sure they were headed now north east toward Australia ‘s Basin area.
“Meria, take us to twenty thousand feet” Shawn called looking out the viewer.
“Preparing for dive Sir.” She said and looked around her.
“Richard, take a seat by the viewer.” Shawn ordered.
Richard sat down and the seat squeezed in around his body snugly. Outside the viewer the coral reefs came dangerously close to the craft‘s hull.
“Prepare for class 3.” Shawn called loudly.
Richard watched as every Pedian found a seat immediately and waited as the seats secured them.
Proceed, Meria.” Richard heard him say.
Under the hand of Meria and watchful eye of Shawn, the craft dived twenty thousand feet toward the diatom muck at the bottom of the basin.
Richard watched in amazement as the wings of the craft folded inward and blended with the ship.
There was a small scrape and Meria looked to Shawn.
“Sir, I‘m not sure if “ Meria stuttered.
“Keep going, cadet that was to be expected.
Richard heard Shawn say from behind him.
From were he was he saw her hands tremble as she looked at him.
Richard smiled encouragingly, he understood her fear as she continued.
The craft began to spin in a controlled fashion, each revolution brought more speed. The ground had blurred beneath the craft and opened swallowing much and the ship.
Richard caught his breath as the lights went out for several seconds.
“That‘s suppose to happen Richard.”
Richard heard Meria‘s voice in his head. The lights returned to normal but the speed, it had nearly tripled.
“Sir , I did entrance!!” Meria cried with excitement.
“A very decent one as well, you have ranked for the eon cadet.” Shawn added.
The other Pedians cheered for Meria. Serrack shouted “Sha-day“ which Richard didn‘t understand.
He shuddered, no one was watching the controls or the panel and they were going straight down through layers and layers of rock.
“We‘re almost there, we‘re almost home!” Navery cried out joyfully.
With a sudden jolt, the ship stopped. Richard glanced at Shawn, he appeared to be sleeping with a grin on his face.
Swish! Suctioned air pulled suddenly at the craft. All the children gave a squeal of delight as a roller coaster effect began.

“The children love this part of the trip.” Shawn explained. “Gets to my stomach somewhat but they enjoy it every time.”
Richard looked around the children were laughing as they swayed back and forth and spun gently on some of the seats. He saw Shawn sigh and reach for a panel. The children boo-ed as the motion eased.
“Time for the second history lesson Richard, to clarify some of what is happening mostly. It must be a rather large unexpected surprise.” Shawn said.
“It is different, I’ll grant you that Mr. Shawn.” Richard was ready to hear a history lesson this time.

“Pedians, as you know from what Serrack and Loo told you, had left the Earth’s surface to settle in the sea. Elders still affected from our sun were lustful for blood and power, the blood wars had continued, causing the islands to sink.
We were forced deeper . By now the Pedians had cultivated and produced some plants and animals from the DNA samples brought from our world. Much was lost in the ruptures of the Islands.. As well as our King. We had learned how to produce life and support it under water, but the Elders, continued to attack for food and out of hate and anger, now a genetic flaw in them that flooded with rages. The Pedians unsettled themselves once more.”
“I can’t see your people fearing anyone!” Richard blurted out . He saw his mistake from every face that had been looking at Shawn telling their history.
“The difference Mr. Morgan is not fear, they were still our people too, by orders of our King, we respect this fact. They are our ancestries blood, some even family lines.” Shawn pulled the craft to a stop.
Richard heard the children gasp, this time not with joy but with a hesitant fear and looked out the viewer.
“What do you see out there Richard, tell me?
On the Viewer Richard had expected to see water, rock , maybe some extraordinary species of fish. He shuddered seeing something he knew could not be there in front of him.
“It’s .. my parents.. They’re burning! Oh god the crash, I can smell it all .. My hair is on fire, my arms.. FIRE!!
“RICHARD, RICHARD MORGAN! MORGAN STOP AT ONCE1’
The sound of Shawn’s sharp demands and his own fear brought Richard back to his senses, and his eyes off the viewer. Richard looked away from the seriously nervous young faces around him and shuddered again. The experience had been real enough to him.
Shawn put a hand on his shoulder. It was a comfort Richard hadn’t even had before.
“Look again Richard, this time use your eyes and not the emotions inside of you!” Shawn said. But Richard was refusing to look.
“Open your eyes Richard and see the truth of what is out there, control the fear or they will use it against you!” Shawn demanded with a sharpness that shocked Richard into opening up his eyes.
Outside he saw murky water , bits and pieces of barren scorched land, rock and rubble, noting of what had been there before. Richard blinked.
“An illusion?” Richard shook his head, it had to be more, it was too real.”
Shawn was shaking his eyes.
“I could feel, smell..” again Richard shuddered.
“they have many of our same powers and some they have , we do not, it goes the same for them. We come to respect this fact. And it is good never to underestimate what another may or may not be able to do.”
With an uncertain sigh Richard nodded , he thought he was beginning to understand.
The ship had returned to a slow cruise mode and with a hesitant glance the viewer Richard pointed out toward what looked like fields.
“Real, or un real?” he asked. “fields?”
Shawn nodded “Real. A sharing of certain crops. We will not stop. This is the O-zone. Training Pedians are not allowed here,, only those that can defend themselves against the Elders.” Shawn motioned to the children.
“they are not ready for this place yet.”
“Prepare for class three!” Shawn called out. “Meria, helm control, I want you to take her in this time, with no leaks.” Shawn said rather stiffly.
Richard watched as Serrack mad a wincing face to Navery who in turn stuck her tongue out at him. What that was all about Richard didn’t try to guess about as Meria’s chair squeezed in around her.
“Class three , commencing Sir.” Meria touched a panel and the craft picked up speed its wings extending fully as they skimmed the surface of the fields and came to a body of water that shimmered a silver blue.
“N.A.C. SI. 1, Requesting entry, tower do you read?” Meria said to the headset she had taken from a small inner panel.
Richard heard a slight hum and a voice calling through the ship.
“What is your clearance code, N.A.C. SI. 1 ?”
“Shawn `10-1, commencing . Sector 5.” Meria responded to the voice.
“Shawn, bring that ship in when Meria has completed entrance and see me, MY OFFICE!”
Richard saw Meria’s hand shake and steady again as she looked at Shawn.
“Oh, Master… he said..”Meria was crying.
“Get your mind on the entrance of this craft Miss, nothing else. You are my student and I will handle it. “ Shawn said.
Richard heard Serrack whispering to Loo.
“Berette said she wasn’t to be in sector 5.. With entrance again, since last time, Shawn’s miffed it this time.” Serrack said.
Shawn turned to Serrack much to Richard’s surprise.
“Do not question what or why I do anything Serrack or you will regret it.”
“Yes sir.” Serrack said softly.
Richard watched as Meria entered the shimmering water moving to a slowly opening crystal tunnel. The craft shook.
“Meria , I said control yourself and concentrate!” Shawn demanded causing Meria to take several deep breaths to calm down.
She pulled the craft through the opening.
Richard had been watching her and it wasn’t until he glanced at the viewer, that he saw his first look at the Pedian Sea, and First City.
Meria burst into those infectious giggles.
“Sir, did I look that why when I saw the surface?” Meria asked.
Shawn laughed. “Richard will be happy to hear, you all did. So he may laugh at you all in this same manner!”
Richard turned and grinned at the children.
“Laugh away, this is outrageous, it’s gigantic and amazing. Those children are playing way over there, fish swimming here and there, and the water,,,it shimmers with a luminous quality, I’ve never seen. Oh please, laugh away just don’t mind if I stare in wonder.” Richard stood there mouth gaping.
“We stared at people outside , up there and they became angry. Said we were rude and to take a picture it would last longer.” Navery said.
“I would take a picture, but I didn’t bring a camera!” Richard said with a grin and regret. “Next time pull out a camera or tell them you would but you forgot the camera,, that usually stops them. Wish I would have brought one.”
Domes of all sizes circled the tops of the buildings in clear reflective material. Drifting dust from the Sea floor was lighted by the luminous substance within it and carried by the currents of the water giving a charmed sparkle to the entire scene.
Richard could see much of the sea life had changed and he could recognize very little.
“SHAWN!” the voice over the speakers spoke loudly.
“On my way Sir.” Shawn replied
Richard was surprised, it was the first time he had answered anyone as Sir and with that tone.
Shawn shooed Meria away from the controls and centered the craft toward the giant mushroomed shaped structure in the distance.
The younger Pedians gathered the equipment and boxes from the trip, Richard hadn’t known there was so much cargo aboard. He went to freshen up.
I should put on my suit, and maybe…” he muttered searching to see if it had wrinkled.
“Richard, its okay to be different. “Meria said from behind him. “But you might want to try this to meet your new Head Master, Serrack said you were going to enroll.” Meria had entered as silently as Shawn walked.
She held out a wrapped silky black uniform similar to the one Shawn had been wearing, without all his trimmings which Richard assumed were a form of rank.
“Tell Master Shawn, that was kind of him, but I have a suit, he didn’t need to give me one of his.” Richard said handing it back to her.
“the suit is not my suit Richard. It is one of yours, the rest are at the dorm in the University. Now get dressed and help with the cargo. He wont be kept waiting I assure you.” Shawn said taking Meria from the room, leaving Richard to dress.
It took a few seconds for him to figure out how to get into the one piece suit with the attachable and detachable shoes . A snug but well fit.
“Nice fit.” Serrack said as Richard came into the hall.
“I thought so too. What will the other out there think of me?” Richard asked knowing that Serrack would tell the truth.
“You ever been the new kid in class when you were younger.. I mean my age Sir? Serrack inquired.
“Back to Sir, is it?,, yes, I was new kid many times.” Richard said taking an end of the box Serrack was carrying to the front of the craft.
“Well, there will be other first timers too, but your just a bit taller than the rest.”Serrack grinned.” Yes, I think you might get noticed a bit more than usual, but we all like you here.” he added quickly.
Its was a good thing to know that he had made friends and they would be around. Even adults had insecurities about fitting in. it was hard to do when you have a deep tanned and blue eyes with shocking blond hair, in a contrasting way he would stick, way out.
“Richard , take the charts and papers you had, and the registration card and paper. Take it all to the interview with you, he will want to see them.” Shawn informed his shoving them into Richard’s hand. Then hurried away.
Meria had become increasingly nervous, so had Loo, Naverine and Serrack. On the viewer, the giant silver doors were marked Docking Station B. the doors slid open revealing a silver floored dock. Several people moving to and from and some punching in on the machines as Shawn was doing.
The children seemed to know where to take or store the cargo they were removing from the craft and going in several directions. Richard looked around in bewilderment.
“Richard, stay here. I will return shortly for you and the other four.” Shawn said loudly over the roar of the small engine that had entered the dock and motioned to Loo, Serrack Navery and Meria.
“Davis, you better get that shuttle tuned before the dock hands go deaf!” Serrack shouted.
“Ah you’re just jealous because you can’t run one without your Master!” the girl yelled out.
“Don’t let her rile you Serrack.” Naverine said loudly. “She doesn’t know how to tune one properly that’s all.”
“Roll any good ships lately Meria? ha ha” the girl shouted back.
“I hate D dockers.” Meria muttered as Serrack stood in front of her.
“You’ve got enough trouble Meria, leave it be!” Serrack shook her by the shoulders.
She shoved him away.
To Richard’s relief, Shawn returned and ushered the five of them into the elevator. In seconds the unit opened to the waiting room of a private area. A door panel with a red light over it stood in front of them.
Shawn moved his group into the panel as it opened.
Inside behind a neat and orderly desk, a rather stern faced gentleman was seated on a long air filled cushion, his lean hands folded on the folder in front of him.
The majority of the room was taken up by the giant window behind him that gave a breath taking view of the city outside.
Richard felt small as the Pedian stood up and extended his hand in greeting. His height well over six foot just above Richards head.
“Richard Morgan, I am pleased that you have accepted the invitation, and from what Mr. Shawn tells me, you may wish to stay as one of us and enroll at the University?”
“I am glad to meet you, Berette is it?” Richard said .
:”Head Master, Berette. Is the official title.” he replied and took the charts that Richard was holding .
“I see that Shawn has kept you busy during the trip here.” Berette said looking at the charts.
“It was interesting to say the lease, Mr. Berette.”
“You seem to be consistent even in making mistakes and there are a few critical error..”
“Master Berette,, he’s never..” Meria interrupted and seemed frozen, her words lost as Berette stood up.
“Take those three and get out now!” Berette said, his voice barely above a furious whisper.
Meria and the other children left without another word.
Shawn stood up and Richard saw Berette make a motion to sit back down. Shawn did, his silence strangely unnerving to Richard.
“Perhaps after you understand the strict discipline required for the enrollment here, you may not wish to enroll.” Berette said.. “This goes for Master‘s as well Richard.”
The look he gave to Shawn as he said the word Masters, didn’t go unnoticed by Richard. Shawn looked uncomfortable, but not nervous like the children had. Perhaps it was just the way that Berette had mentioned it, like a warning, that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He became nervous for Shawn.
“Speaking of policies, I have a situation that needs clearing up immediately, concerning the four that are outside that door, and with you Sir.” Berette pointed at Shawn.
Richard saw Shawn shudder. He was almost sure of it as Shawn stood up to move.
“Sit down, Mr. Shawn, you and Mr. Morgan here will not speak, interfere, intervene, or move until I have finished with them totally, is this clear?” Berette was staring straight at Shawn.
“Yes Sir.” Shawn said and looked at Richard.
Richard heard Shawn’s concern and saw it in his eyes. Richard nodded to the waiting man following Shawn’s lead.
The children entered and looked toward Shawn and then stood in a line in front of Berette.
“MaHann, Tan, forward please.” Berette called.
The two boys stepped outward from the line.
“Shawn has told me of the episode on the Bridge of the craft. Your actions were immature and lacking responsibility for a station of this magnitude , therefore, I’m confining your activities at any craft except shuttles unless supervised for one year and seven eons.” Berette stated his voice even with control.
Richard saw Shawn grip his fist and close his eyes. It was obviously a hard sentence for the boys too, he could see this as Serrack spoke up.
“Sir,, I was gr..”
“Serrack shut up!” Berette warned.
He removed a short stick from the drawer and went to Loo. Richard could see Loo bite his lip.
“Hands Loo, I won’t have carelessness, sloppy reports, and excuses from anyone, especially the elite.”
Serrack moved immediately in front of Loo.
“Sir, I’m group leader, he is first eon, I stan ,,” Serrack held out his hands to Berette. The stick cracked sharply on Serrack’s hand and Richard caught his breath as it started to glow. It struck again this time leaving Serrack on his knees in tears.
Berette stood over Serrack as Richard shook inside, what was the matter with Shawn? He said nothing did nothing,
“Cadet, when I silence you, you will not defy me!” Berette said and turned again to Loo.
“hands Sir, your behavior is unacceptable, thank Mr. MaHann, as you are also scrubbing docks A& B and their new dock ins reports for this evening between seven and ten.” Berette raised the stick
Richard saw Loo sigh as the glow stopped before it touched his hands. The boy was trembling but stood tall.
“Cadet Tan, you are dismissed. MaHann,, stay.”
Richard tried to get up and found Shawn’s hand on his wrist. Shawn was shaking his head no. he returned to the chair.
Meria and Naverine had become deadly silent as Loo made a hasty exit.
“On your feet MaHann, no noise.” Berette ordered.
Ice would have seemed warmer than the tone of voice Richard heard come from the Pedian called Berette
“You three, should be suspended! No– expelled would be even better, but I don’t have the time for that much paperwork with Assembly tomorrow, so I will not even discuss the matter!” Berette put the stick away and removed the silk sash from around his waist.
Richard was shocked as Navery went instantly to the floor on her knees head to the carpet.
“my parents would never accept it Sir, anything except your sash or hand Sir, I swear!” She cried desperately.
“Miss Vorke, its s not a question of will they or won’t they . There is no discussion, none.””Berette replied curtly.
Serrack bowed to Berette the same way Naverine had done.
“ENOUGH! I have the authority , I’ve discussed it with your parents three weeks ago,, my sash, or you are all our! Expelled , and Shawn dismissed a full year as Master and removed as Second in Command of High Council.. Davidson to take his place indefinitely , for his lack of control as well.” Berette waited.
Watching Meria wipe a tear quickly, Richard saw her glance at Shawn.
“The choice is your! My sash with power or expelled and dismissal of a Master and face your parents as well? You three knew there would be consequences to the actions you decided to take. You choose to disobey, disrespect, and break the laws set down, now choose.” Berette demanded firmly.
Shawn stood, only to end up somehow on his knees.
Meria had stood silently watching. She had not reacted like Serrack or Naverine had to Berette.
Richard eyed Shawn still on his knees and watched as Meria stood tall and walked to Berette.
“Permission to speak , Head Master, to the Protect?”
Richard felt her words bold as even Shawn gasped from the floor.
Cool , undaunted eyes of Berette looked at her evenly. She stood her ground waiting for his reply. Richard felt the tension build between them and then Berette spoke.
“No. You’ve spoken too often with disrespect to Master Shawn, and me! I’ll hear no excuses out of you Miss. This is a school matter and if I should let the Protect handle it you most definitely would not enjoy it, or the out come!” Berette raised his voice a fraction and Meria hit the flow in low bow like Serrack and Naverine.
Serrack moved and stepped forward slowly and kissed the sash in the Head Pedian’s hand. Navery did the same. Meria kissed his hand and not the sash.
Richard realized that moment what Serrack had done on the Bridge of the ship when he had kissed Shawn’s hand. He must have broken a serious rule to make Naverine have him face Shawn in such a serious manner. Here though, it was Meria kissing not the sash but this man’s hand for something all three seem to be guilty of. The question in Richard’s mind was, why.
“You are no different than they are Meria, a sash of power by my command! Your father how ever will not accept such disrespect to the Head Master and Master Shawn , as you have recently given. You have his hand to answer to shortly.
Meria bowed but said nothing. Richard was perplexed.
“Shawn, the first day of eon break you and these three have scrub down, dock D, all crafts as well!”
Richard saw even Shawn flinch at what was just ordered. It seemed no one like the idea of scrub down. Richard had no idea what it might be but he was not sure if he would like it either, from just the sound and reaction to it.
The heaviness of the situation dawned on him at this particular moment. Shawn had known he’d be facing this man many weeks ago and so did the children. But had they known the consequences that the man spoke of ? Richard could see how much Shawn wanted to speak up for the children but he had been warned not to even try. They now had to make a difficult choice.
The three of them were silent as Berette shook the thick silky sash out and walked behind them.
Richard’s heart went out for the children as he saw the sash take on a glow. He remembered Serrack’s reaction to the stick that had glowed in a similar way. The pressure that Shawn had placed on his wrist returned.
Looking down Richard discovered Shawn again had anchored his wrist to the chair and was shaking his head in warning not to interfere.
The sash was a brightness now that was visible. Richard could almost feel Serrack tense as he clenched his hands, his knuckles white as the sash struck three times on his backside.
“You sir. will give me no more sass when I say silence!” Berette told the boy and swatted the other two children only twice.
Richard gasped when Berette suddenly for no reason grabbed Meria’s arm and turned her toward him in anger. Again Shawn’s hand gripped tightly, as Richard tried to react.
“Who’s hand runs your house Miss?” Berette demanded sharply as he shook Meria.
Meria’s tears were real as he spoke, her lip trembled as she spoke.
“Yours Father. I have shamed you.” Meria cried,
Richard’s throat went totally dry. Berette was Meria’s Father. The lump in his throat was a thick one.
“Yes you have. Bring that chair over here!” Berette was pointing to an empty chair as he spoke.
“you are nearly eleven, why is this needed? I warned you along time ago on this , and what I would do.. Over that char young lady!”
Meria was unsuccessful at hiding her tears as he rolled up his sleeve.
Suddenly Shawn stood up and spoke with concern in his voice.
“Sir, she was punished severely.. Is your hand really needed” Shawn asked.
For a second Richard felt fear, cold fear as Berette looked at Shawn straight on then turned to his daughter.
“Meria, now your Master disobeys the commands of the Protect to stand for you and interfere in a family matter. All this for you, and you sass and disobey, and disrespect him. I should dismiss him for teaching you this, here and now, perhaps call the Protect and demand a whip for the both of you!” Berette spoke to Meria but he was looking at Shawn.
Richard saw the other children look at each other. Navery was crying silently, Serrack seemed to be saying a prayer or something as his lips moved soundlessly watching Shawn as well.
Shawn abruptly returned to his chair but remained on his feet. Suddenly he hit the floor on his knees, making Richard gasp softly with surprise.
Meria was off the chair and ran to her father.
“I disobeyed Father, he didn’t teach it. I comply to your hand with power, I comply in silence I swear!” she cried and kissed his hand twice and laid across the chair.
Berette was silent as he raised his hand it glowed strangely and struck Meria soundly. He repeated it twice more before he stood Meria up on her feet.
Richard shook off the hand that reached for his wrist as Betrette removed the sash from the back of the chair and cracked the air sharply. Meria jumped back a bit from the chair.
Richard stared at Berette in disbelief, she was a child . He was angry, but couldn’t move.
“Give this to your master and if he refuses to use it as you refused his commands, I’ll lay you out and see High Council’s whip in restraints myself for it! You will comply to his hand as well.” Berette handed her the rather deceptive looking silk sash.
Richard watched as Meria brought it to Shawn and kissed it , waiting.
Closer to her now Richard saw it was not a blush that covered the young girl, but a rush of color from what her father had done to here, her face now streaked from tears was radiating a heated energy of some kind. Bright read, her skin was quivering.
Shawn rose from his knees and took the sash. He kissed the sash to Richard’s surprise and amazement and shook his head giving it to Berette after a second kiss, not touching Meria.
“I gave her my judgment weeks ago. I stand by it and for her now if I must, she stressed and has had enough!” Shawn stood tall to Betette.
“Master ohh Master not for me..” Meria burst into tears at his feet.
“Enough , silence that shame Meria, I will not her it! Berette said calmly and struck Shawn across the face with the glowing sash.
“Don’t teach her such disobedience! Down Sir.”
Richard watched Shawn accepting all of what Berette had done and was now on his knees as the sash struck glowing extremely bright then stopped. Shawn didn’t move and Richard feared he had been injured.
“Meria, come here! Betette called. Miria kept her eyes on the sash and on Shawn as she slowly went to her father.
He struck her swiftly with the sash and put it around his waist.
:Know now that I am your father, head of your house and keep my word, Master, or not! Kiss his hand and do it in compliance to his rules, at once.”
Meria didn’t argue as she kissed her father’s sash then too
Shawn’s hand and kissed it.
“I’m sorry I shamed you father.”
Berette took Meria’s face in his hand holding it toward him as he spoke.
“I will not do that in front of others ever again your lady, do you hear me clear enough
Sobbing Meria nodded “I hear you clearly Father.”
Richard noticed neither of the other two children had moved or said anything as he had spoken and dealt with Meria. Meria looked away from them trying to wipe her face dry with her hands. Richard felt sorry for her they were her best friends, and he’s seen them turn when she was punished. They had expected this reaction from Betette toward Meria! Perhaps not everything but for the most part, they had not been surprised at all.
Richard’s attention was drawn from Meria and the children as Berette turned on Shawn.
“Get on your feet!” Berette commanded , his voice deepened.
Shawn stood straightening his uniform as he did.
“Shawn , you will remain a Master, hers if you choose at the Assembly tomorrow. How ever, as for your neglect in this mess…”Berette hesitated. “ARE YOU LISTENING THIS TIME ROBERT SHAWN!?”
“Yes, Protect, I am listening , as you will.” Shawn answered with a quick bow.
Richard was stunned, it had never occurred to him that Berette was the Head Master of the University, the Leader of the Pedians, who they call the Protect, and Meria’s Father.
“The rank of Commander will now be given at the age of 15 instead of 12. You will limit the amount of the Elite. It is to be 7 or 8, not the previous 16.” Berette stood there a moment and took a deep breath.
“This decision is due to your inexcusable ability to control and your neglect for their safety Mr. Shawn and if I hear that angry outburst about to escape your mouth, the number will drop to only five per eon or perhaps None!”
Shawns anger could be seen clearly at many of the orders.
“I will not have your defiance Shawn!”
Shawn stood up. “Eight will be fine Sir… is Richard my cadet?” Shawn asked suddenly.
Behind Richard Serraack and Navery move restlessly , Serrack was trying not to look hopeful as he stood taller and Navery did the same. Meria had clasped her hands in hopefulness behind her father’s back turning to attention swiftly as he looked at her.
“You will be his Primary Master, for his schedule, Secondary Masters will be at Assembly tomorrow. For now be glad you still have rank and grade Sir. Dismissed. You three without trouble get to the dorms, move it! “ Berette snapped his fingers and they headed for the door. Berette held up his hand as Richard rose from his chair to leave too.
“Richard, please remain, we need to talk.”
He couldn’t imagine what they would need to talk about, except for the way he was feeling right now. His emotions were mixed , the way Berette had handled the children seemed unfair, yet they and expected similar reaction, it had showed throughout the entire trip but he had not seen it until now.
The room was strangely silent as he waited for Berette to speak.
Angered , confused , and shaken, with all that had transpired with in the past hour, Richard stared at Berette.
Mr. Morgan, I am what some in your world would call an empathic type person, I can feel what other sense, think, and feel. And I realize you wanted me to stop how I disciplined Meria and the rest of the children.”
“I didn’t much like it.” Richard admitted.
“I understand that, but what you don’t understand is that as these children grow, so do their powers, yes powers, not simple first aid healing powers that you were allowed to witness that first night weeks ago, but unmitigated powers Richard. They need to and must respect power before it grows beyond their reach to control, or it will destroy them.” Berette sat back a moment then stood up and put the chair back where it belonged.
In some ways Richard was beginning to understand what this Pedian was saying about the power taking them over. Hadn’t Serrack said that is what similarly happened with the Elders?
Berette re-adjusted his sash and sighed.
“If I told you right now that young boy, Serrack has the ability to toss you across the room with a look, and medially slice any part of you he chose to think on, would you see it a bit clearer?” Berette asked.
“I have seen him heal Meria, she was injured severely.” Richard admitted nodding his head.
“I was informed.” Berette said. “His potential is a far cry from just that. He has tested at a high Medi-surge of at least a twelve.” Berette said with a shake of his head.
“I don’t understand what you mean by this…”
Berette sighed.
“In your world that might be considered a specialty surgeon , he may be at a level six in perhaps two years if uncontrolled it can harm him or he can harm others out of anger, not skill. My daughter, Meria, has a temper that can out match Shawn’s. I have not told him this. He skills are tremendous, I don’t speak as a father when I say this, but as a protect. Even at this young age she has demonstrated two of our highest powers, and will some day if trained become a Protect to all Pedians. Shawn is aware of her abilities and her flaws.”
Richard smiled now starting to understand many things but one thing stood out as odd to him.
“What of Naverine? She is so … well just the opposite of the others.”
Laughter burst from Berette. “Richard, I am the leader the head Pedian, and very much a father to Meria.
Those three have been friends forever, Navery is shy, but most of her is silently hidden, I have sensed a uniqueness in her for years, it is growing stronger, one that not many Pedians posses or can handle at the lowest levels. She is also bright in Bio-chemicals and animal -plant behavior. All of this at eleven. But she too disobeyed and knew the rules as the other did. I know that you noticed this,, you are a bright individual. I will not have the rules broken, it can and will cost a life someday if they don’t learn now.”
Richard was letting it all run through his head,, much had happen today and he had seriously considered just returning home..
“Truthfully Mr. Berette, I was considering and having doubts about staying even because of what just happened. These children are extraordinary, I have seen this already.. And it seems you do have reason for the reaction that I saw.” Richard stood up and brushed off his suit.
“yes Richard and you will see many of other in the morning at Assembly for enrolling but I am warning you, her and now, if you consider entrance and show up on time , a sash, correction stick, or other disciplines will be handed to you as equally as rank or grade, and vise versa.
The Masters won’t say, oh you are different, don’t do it again. They and I will give the order, will treat you as any other student, no difference. And what you learn now may in the future save one life, or many perhaps even your own. You will not be able to just walk out and say , I quit. I don’t like it the way the Master treats me, and you will learn to control that temper of yours. If not you, like those children, will come and face my anger and temper, and I am sure you wont like it. What is more, Shawn dislikes needing my assistance with his students, I’ve noticed they fear him even more than me at times… think on that too.”
Richard thought of the times he had lost valuable education because he had walked out with a hot temper. Berette already knew he had one, so did Shawn, and yet, they were asking hem to enroll.
“I’ve screwed up most of my life…” Richard said slowly.
Berette held up his hand.
“Now is the chance to change,, and for your outside protection, here you will be called Young Richard Pedian Shawn.” Berette announced.
“But , I’m not young.”
”As a Pedian, you are. Actually below elementary really. Besides, I’ve put it in the paper work and enrollment list as this and changing all that paperwork in twelve hours along with schedules,, etc… please keep the name Richard.” Berette laughed.
Sheepishly Richard grinned .
“Kind of like a new life or beginning, but what does Master Shawn think of my using his name? I tend to irritate him sometimes.” Richard asked with a smile playing on his lips. In a way it was amusing.
Berette’s smile turned into laughter. “He’s got you calling him Master already I see. Don’t challenge him Richard, you will loose.”
Face bright red. Richard smiled.
I fell into that Master thing didn’t I “ Richard sighed.. “It’s that school boy effect he has on a person.”
Again Berette’s somber face twisted into a smile and he actually giggled like his daughter had done several times.
“Did I miss the joke here? Richard ask seriously confused.
“Shawn said the same thing about you when you lectured him about the care of the children that night, said you sounded like an old Master he’s had at one time long ago. He respected you for confronting him as an adult, so as a student, respect him and all Master’s here or see me… because if you step out of line, I will be there. Meria ‘s outside waiting to take you to the dorms. it’s a boy girl mix so if your shy on dressing use the wash up to do it in. Other rules on this Shawn will fill you in on, such as misconduct with the ladies etc.
Richard stood up straighter.
“They are just children!” his shock genuine at the implied thought.
“Some day, they may not be, rules remain the same. Dismissed.”
As Richard was about to leave Berette stopped him once more.
“Oh, by the way Richard, Shawn suggested your name…weeks ago.” Berette said and bent over the folder that he had opened on his desk. The door opened on its own and Richard left.