Chapter 7.4 - Backfire

It was no longer a secret that Haven could resurrect the dead, and that this service was available to all its citizens. At least, that was what Dana's belief was when she had an emergency council meeting with Serin, Representatives Sute, Bilol, Shurik, Uriel, and Adam. Also joining them was the 1st, 4th, and 8th Masks of Ston.

Dana stood there, her own eyes in disbelief as she debriefed the council representatives. She had calculated plan after plan. She saw the machinations of the tinpot governments around Haven. She had worked flawlessly, making the opponents in foreign lands move their pieces as if she was telling them where to go. She had predicted, without fail, every move that would take place.

Dana stood knowing that even if she had miscalculated a bit, Serin and Liza could bring back those that suffered collateral damage. She had even made sure that Mora, her asset in the GWA, ensured that if they managed to kill a Haven citizen, there would be a body.

But the perpetrators of this last attack must have figured this out, and instead of keeping the heads of their enemies as a reward, this group was what she could not fathom, They were fanatics. 'Suffer not the Alien' was not a motto. It was their reason for being. The carefully planned plots and maneuvers to feed the GWA's troops to Haven in preparation of collapsing their government had backfired. Because in their nationalistic zeal, there was birth a group that did not conform to the expectations of the House of Masks. And this group, known as 'The Chimaeras' knew that Haven could bring their dead back to life.

At least that is what the House of Masks believed was why the children of Ston were being burned to ash.

Haven was too secure. It was too hard a target for their enemies to break through. So instead, 'The Chimeras' went for softer targets.

It was no secret that the Cradle Agency, those in charge of child rearing and development, had disagreed with the early actions to begin to spread non-humans into the general population of Ston last Harvest Festival. Unlike the other Allies of Haven, Ston was too exposed. It was a free trade city and allowed anyone to enter. The Masks of Ston had assured Haven that their police force would keep the peace. And for those that resided in Ston the racial diversity of Haven was welcomed.

So when children of Ston began to be born with mocha skin and horns, or black eyes and sharp teeth, or pointed ears, they were welcomed by the populace. They were children of Ston after all. But these children were not being raised in the protective embrace of Haven. They were born in the open and free city of Ston.

And this is what the Chimaeras planned on.

It wasn't a terror plot that took any small effort. It was planned, coordinated, and executed with the efficiency of a veteran team. In a single night, 46 children within Ston were abducted, gathered into a house, and the house set ablaze. The only thing in common with these children was their non-human heritage. And the worst part was The Chimaeras left no trace. Even Ansar, the Scion of Retribution, was sent to find the culprits. But even he could not find them. The human mothers were hurt, not the children. The source of the children's death was a secondary effect of a home being burned down. Whether coincidental or divined, Ansar could not see blame assigned to anyone, as no one had done direct harm to the children. Only burned down the house.

Written on a wall opposite the blaze was the words 'Suffer not the Alien' followed by the symbol of three heads, the symbol of the Chimaeras.

Dana finished relaying her report.

The representatives, woken before dawn for this emergency meeting were all awestruck.

"Are there any non-human children in Ston?"

Dana nodded, "We have moved them and their families to the embassy safehouse."

"Offer them expatriation. Expedite it."

Serin looked at the Masks of Ston, "I understand you are not to blame for this. And I am aware they are your citizens. However they are of endangered races, and were targeted because of it. There were hundreds more children conceived at the last harvest festival in Ston that were born human. Not a single one was lost."

The masks looked and shook their heads. "Honestly, we do not know what to do other than offer our full cooperation. We do not know how this happened, and the murder of 46 children is beyong what we can handle. We have the guard force to watch for external threats and police our internals. We are not equipped to handle domestic terror threats."

The mask continued. "However, in light of what has happened, do you think it is wise to celebrate another Harvest festival in Ston?"

Bilol commented. "The loss of our children should not be compounded with the negation of future offspring. We will double our efforts in Ston." Bilol looked at his fellow representatives. "I will recommend that we send dozens more to Ston for next year, however every single member will be activated as part of the protectorate. They are still given their right to celebrate life's bounty, but when not reveling they will be on silent watch. I recommend issuing each of them classified object number 016, codenamed 'infinite box' and ensure they are prepared to detain those they come in contact with."

Serin understood. Give each protectorate member access to the 'Inventory' Skill, a state secretary skill not handed past a select few. It would still be necessary. They would want access to weapons and armaments in little time, as usually drunken revelers were unarmed.

Serin looked at the Masks. "We would like to send our investigation squad. Would that be allowed?"

The first mask nodded, "I will give them the full rights to investigate as if they were of the Mask's authority."

"And if they detail citizens?"

The masks nodded, "A Trial. Upon being found guilty, we will extradite them to Haven for sentencing."

Serin nodded. "Dana. The price of your failure is your pride. No one could have predicted this outcome. Had we followed the Cradle Agency's recommendation, our enemy would have found a different possibly more volatile way to hurt us. You will not be held to blame for this instance. However," Serin looked Dana in the eyes, "You are my spymaster. Our enemies are becoming more crafty and your team must adjust. If you need more resources you will have them. If you need more personnel you will have them. I will give you anything you desire to ensure this does not happen again." There were tears in his eyes. "I can't bring back these children. It will be your job to ensure this is the last time I have to explain this to Haven's mothers."

Serin then looked at the Masks. "We are sending our Inquisition team. There are mind readers, truth seeking diviners, and powerful seers in their midst. THere are also powerful warriors, mages, and healers. I tell you this because if they decide to hunt someone down, there is no question of their guilt. They are experts at what they do, and if they bring in an accused, a trial is a formality at that point."

Serin then looked at Dana, who still looked a bit broken. She had lost at the grand game, and it wasn't broken toys that could be fixed, but innocent children turned to ash; who could not be brought back. Serin called to her "Dana, is there anything else?"

Dana snapped back, "No Lord Serin."

Serin then nodded. "Then the meeting is adjourned. I am going to go hug my wife and daughters"

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