Mackenzie watched as Isabella took small steps around the store, admiring the dresses and clothes displayed on shelves and mannequins. Wilson passed in front of the counter to follow her, and suddenly she was startled when, from behind it, a large purple furry animal with a feline face, and 6 legs, appeared silently, walking with a majestic step towards the psychologist. Mac looked at him with some horror, and quickly turned to the elderly shop owner, only to find her smiling at her affably, although with a mocking gleam in her gaze.
Isa's cat jumped off the doctor's shoulders, where it had been until then, and went to meet the large animal, which immediately interacted friendly with little Niki, lying on the ground first to wait for the kitten, and then beginning to play with her. Mac breathed a little calmer, although she still didn't quite understand what that kind of... gigantic purple... cat, with an extra pair of legs was, and why he was there.
"Don't worry Cesar is a friendly guy." Lola, the owner, got up from her chair and walked a little closer, addressing Isabella. "He has been my companion for 40 years now and he never harmed anyone."
Meyer approached the feline, absent of fear, while whispering in a low voice, as if reciting something with concentrated expression. Then her face lit up with happiness, and exclaimed. "Lynx Purpura Gaianus!" Greta looked at Lola. "How curious, it's been a long time since I've seen one alive! I had no idea there was a lynx in Faith Haven. How did he get here?"
Lola made a gesture with her hand, downplaying the importance. "I brought him here, Monsignora, and he was previously in Gran Canaria, with me too. He's a good friend of mine, you shouldn't worry about him."
The clergywoman raised her hands friendly. "Oh, I don't worry my lady, at all. I know the customs and behavior of this species well, I'm a doctor in Biology and I've always been passionate about Zoology." Meyer leaned in to observe Cesar more closely as he played with Saito's cat. "Although I must admit that they are rare to see outside of Gaia, I was very surprised to find one here in the colony, not to mention inside a clothing store."
Mac calmed down completely once she saw that her friend recognized the animal, and that he seemed to be Mrs. Lola's strange pet. She also observed that Niki calmly played with the powerful feline, althoug he was almost three times the kitten size. However, the neurologist had realized that Niki, as Isabella had already commented at some point, was a very perceptive cat about the emotions of the living beings around her. If she wasn't afraid of the lynx, surely his intentions couldn't be bad. Therefore, she watched both animals play for a few seconds, and then she began to walk around the store.
Wilson closely examined some of the dresses, and the shirts. There were some that she found attractive, but only those that had less bright colors, and those whose trimmings and embroidery were less ornate. Mac had a pretty average style of dress, almost always a shirt and jeans, along with sneakers, and she really couldn't remember the last time she had worn something elegant. Not that she normally had much time to socialize, much less to attend any event that required a somewhat formal dress. On the days that she took some time to go to some of the daily ceremonies at the Temple, she used to take out some suit pants that she had in her closet, would put on a jacket, and some pretty but uncomfortable shoes. That was all the elegance in dress that the neurologist used to display.
However Mackenzie had observed how Saito seemed to have a penchant for pretty and elegant clothes. She was also normal, because Isa was certainly good-looking, with really balanced proportions, and practically anything she wore on top of her would look good on her. There were people who were born with the same body structure as an exhibition mannequin, and that allowed them to be elegant even wearing a sack of potatoes. Therefore, Mac thought that if Isabella tended to dress quite refined, and she was going to be her student for at least several months, accompanying at almost all times, it would be better if she also acquired something that she could carry in her suitcase that would was different from the 8 white or light blue shirts and the 8 pairs of jeans that were inside right now, waiting at her house.
Wilson noticed a section at the back of the store where there appeared to be less Cretan versions of some dresses. There were some that were quite plain in color, and others, although they had the usual Cretan polka dots, were more discreet than in the more traditional versions. She chose a long cobalt blue dress with a circular skirt, which she thought was beautiful. It had a gold-colored detail on the V-neckline, and had half sleeves and a zipper on the side, tying with an ornamental belt in the back. Taking it down from its hanger, Mac could sense by touch that the fabric was very soft and comfortable to wear, slightly stretchy. She went to the small dressing room that the store had in the corner to see how it looked on her, and there had to wait for Saito to come out from trying on the clothes she had chosen. When the psychologist finally emerged from the dressing room, she was wearing a beautiful orange and purple dress that fit her as if it had been custom-made. The colors matched perfectly with her tanned skin, and Isa seemed completely happy with it on, judging by the huge smile on her face.
Mac couldn't avoid to look at her in admiration. "Wow, Isa, it's... really beautiful. It really looks like this dress has been waiting here for you all this time." Wilson looked at the rest of the clothes that Isabella was carrying in her hands, on the way to the counter, and smiled. "I'm glad we finally came here, I see it was a productive visit for you." She lifted the dress she was wearing in her own hands, showing it to Isa. "And I hope it's equally productive for me. I think this one might suit me well. I've decided that I should add at least one elegant outfit to my closet, jeans and sneakers are great for every day, but now that I'm going out there with you, I would be very embarrassed if a situation arose in which it's expected of me go a little more... formal, and I had nothing to wear."
Mac entered the dressing room, took off her shirt and jeans and dressed in the blue dress. Once she had it properly adjusted to her body, she had to admit that really liked how it looked on her. She had chosen the size well, and its color was perfect, matching her blue eyes and her golden hair. She took a couple of turns to look at herself from all angles in the mirror, and finally took a quick turn to see how the skirt of the dress fluttered, smiling happy. Then she took off the dress again and put her jeans and shirt back on to leave the fitting room. When she approached the counter to pay, Niki and Cesar were still playing, and Isabella and Meyer were watching them, while Lola told them how she and the lynx had ended up being partners in life, and about her family.
Lola turned towards her when saw Mac approaching with the cloth in her hand. "Oh, you finally got that one. I imagined it, darling, as soon as I saw you walk through the door I imagined exactly that same dress for you." Lola took the garment from Wilson and spread it on the counter. "This blue is unusual in a Cretan dress, and it also doesn't have too many trims or ruffles. Although I like to maintain the Hispanic style in my creations, sometimes I allow myself to do things like this, more... exotic. I'm particularly proud of this dress, and I'm so glad you found it." The elderly ex-corsair looked Mac up and down and pointed to her neck and ears. "If you add a gold choker and some sapphire earrings, I think there won't be a place in Sirius where the doors don't open by themselves when you walk by."
Wilson blushed like a ripe pomegranate. She was not used to receiving praise about her appearance, since normally her style was quite sloppy and functional. She stammered a few words of thanks and hurried to pay the bill for her dress. Then she focused her attention on the pair of felines that were currently snuggling together happily, after having exhausted all their games. Isa had crouched down next to the lynx and was scratching him behind the ears while the big cat purred gratefully.
"An animal clinic... very interesting." Meyer scratched her chin, while looking at Mrs. Lola. "I think it will be quite successful, there are a few settlers with pets, it's time someone takes care of them properly."
Mackenzie chimed in, glad to be able to talk about something different than her new dress and how it looked on her. "Oh yes, of course it's necessary. On more than one occasion, someone has shown up at the Medical Center with a sick or injured pet. Normally we find a time to treat them, but anyway, a hospital isn't the most appropriate place to treat this type of patient, and doctors aren't veterinarians, we aren't specialized in treating animals. Many times the physiology of an animal is totally different from that of a human, and our treatments can even be harmful to the patient."
Once all the purchases had been made, the three women said goodbye to Mrs. Lola and Cesar. Niki seemed a little reluctant to abandon her new friend, but she immediately realized that they had to go, so she gave the old lynx a last loving lick on the snout and jumped onto Isabella's shoulders, who was crouching waiting for her. They all left the store together, carrying their bags with the newly acquired clothes.
Once outside Greta turned to Saito. "Well, dear friend. Today has been a pretty full day... maybe too much so." The monsignora smiled a little nervously as she remembered the inconveniences that had occurred during the visit. "I think it would be a good idea for us to retire to the Palace and rest. A good room with all your things is waiting for you there, and you can order dinner when you're hungry. The Palace service will bring you whatever you want to your room."
"I'll walk you there before I go home, if you don't mind." Mac looked at Isabella and winked. "After everything that has happened today I want to make sure that my future teacher gets to her room safely."
The group of women headed back towards the Pontifical elevator by which they had descended to the underground colony. In less than 15 minutes they had returned to the square in front of the Medical Center and then turned down another street until they reached the elevator access. The atrium with the counter and the security checkpoint was still there, and the process was repeated by which the three women passed through the detector arches without stopping, ignoring their beeps, while the Guard soldiers present stood at attention and saluted Meyer. The elevator picked them up and began its climb to the surface, while the walls became transparent again and allowed them a last aerial view of the underground urban core. Mackenzie looked up at the ceiling of the cavern just before the elevator walls went opaque again, and could see in the projection how the light in Pygar's sky began to turn an orange color, which heralded the fall of the afternoon.
The elevator doors opened again and the group found themselves once again inside the Pontifical Palace, on the ground floor. They walked down the hallway they had traveled through in the morning until they reached the main atrium, from which the large renaissance style stairs led up to the upper floors. However, Meyer didn't go up them but went to a side elevator with bronze doors, which she called and in which everyone got on, to ascend to the second floor. Once there, they headed towards the left wing of the Palace, crossing wooden double doors guarded by another pair of Pontifical Guards who were wearing ornamental complete power armors, very well cared and polished, although quite old looking.
Meyer pointed to the hallway they had just entered, with a carpeted faux wood floor and white-painted walls with Renaissance-style plaster moldings, and flanked by several white lacquered doors. "This is the residential and guest wing, all these doors lead to private rooms where live some of the clergy who work directly here, in the Palace offices, like me."
They continued walking through the hallway and crossed two more double doors giving way to a large living room, with a certain luxury but quite sober. There were large windows with drawn red velvet curtains that let in the increasingly orange light from outside, and that faced the square allowing to see the Temple on the other side, right in front. The living room had an ornate dining table made of dark faux wood, treated to look antique, with several chairs around it of the same style and material upholstered in red velvet. Scattered throughout the living room, but grouped in certain areas, there were coffee tables similar in construction to the rest of the furniture, surrounded by armchairs and sofas. On the opposite side of the windows, attached to the wall, there was a large library of looking old books, and on another wall was placed a bar cabinet through whose display case it could be seen dozens of bottles of different liquors. Adorning the empty spaces on the walls were some paintings of what looked like scenes from Gran Canaria and Pygar, although there were also serious portraits of some people in ecclesiastical uniforms, and tapestries with emblems related to the Church.
Mac already knew that place, although she didn't usually frequent the Pontifical Palace. However, she had been there in a couple of work meetings that she had had with Greta, related to some matter at the Medical Center, or to ask for funds. Meyer stopped walking a little so she could explain the layout of the room to Saito a little. "This is the lounge of the residential area, a recreation space for those of us who live in the Palace. The large windows open onto an exterior balcony that runs along the entire exterior of the living room, and from which you can see the square very well, and a large part of our small surface urban center. You can also see some of the fields of Biodome 1 in the distance. They are beautiful views, but don't worry Isa, because the windows in your room have the same orientation." The monsignora gestured with her arm toward the rest of the room. "This is a place to rest, meditate, read... There is a good library with physical copies of classic old books, from many literary categories. Of course we have an Internal Neural Network with access throughout the Palace for our much larger digital library, but there are many people who like the feel of paper, when possible." The clergywoman looked towards the bar cabinet. "It's also a good place to have a drink after dinner, if you wish, in the minibar we've here. There is a wide variety of spirits from almost all of Sirius."
Meyer waited a few seconds so that the psychologist could appreciate the place, and then began to walk again, while making a slight gesture for them to follow her. "This living room separates the two parts of the residential and guest wing on this floor." Greta pointed to two more double wooden doors on the other side of the room, which they were heading towards. "Now we'll continue towards the next hallway, where the rest of the residential rooms are."
The three women went to the next hallway, which was an exact copy of the one they had followed until they reached the living room, and they walked following Meyer until they reached one of the doors on the left side. The monsignora smiled and made a gesture with her arm, as if inviting Saito to enter, while looking at a small terminal located on the wall to the left of the frame. "Well, this is your room. To enter you just have to bring the electronic card that I gave you a few hours ago to this terminal."
Mac and Meyer waited for Isabella to open and come inside, and they followed her in. The room was more than just a bedroom, it was an apartment. However, it made sense given that it was designed so that a member of the clergy could live making it his regular home. A short hall led directly to a small living room-study, which overlooked the plaza outside through large windows with a balcony. The parlor was tastefully decorated, but in a much more modern and functional style than the rest of the Palace. Attached to one wall was a synthetic plywood desk with a large leather office chair, on which was a Neural Net terminal. A sofa in front of a holographic playback device, a bar cabinet, and a small size wooden dining table, surrounded by four chairs, completed the rest of the furniture in the place. At the back of the room there was a door that led to the bedroom, and another door to the left allowed access to a tiny kitchen, in which there was a refrigerator, a kitchen automat, and a professional coffee maker.
The bedroom had another large window that overlooked a balcony, which communicated with the small living room's balcony, where a round forged iron table with a built-in ashtray and two chairs of the same material were placed. Inside there was a large double bed about two meters wide, a built-in wall closet with light synthetic wood doors, and another holographic player hanging in front of the bed. The suitcases and other luggage that Isabella had brought were placed unopened neatly in a line on the carpeted floor, in front of the closet.
Finally, another door inside the chamber led to the bathroom, of considerable size and completely covered in a type of black marble and bronze metal details. It had a big mirror with a double sink, an interactive toilet, a gigantic shower with a large upper ceiling that could throw water in the form of rain, and, separately, a whirlpool bathtub.
Greta smiled at the psychologist. "I hope you feel comfortable here and can relax and rest well, it's a fairly well-equipped apartment, after all. If you need anything you can contact the Palace service through any of the communication terminals in all the rooms of this apartment." Meyer looked into the small living room and pointed to the desk. "For when you're hungry, I've left the Palace kitchens' menu on that desk. You can ask the service to bring dinner directly to your room." The monsignora glanced outside through the window. "Of course you can walk through the Palace without problem, although I'm afraid that the offices wing, as well as the apartments of His Holiness, are restricted to Church personnel. I've sent you an interactive map of the Palace to your personal communications device, anyway, in case you get lost. But you can also ask any clergy member that you see in the hallways, or any Guard. Everyone is aware that you're here visiting, so don't worry, no one will be surprised of your presence." Greta began to take a few steps towards the exit, preparing to leave. "If you need me for something, my apartment is exactly next to this one. Still, I have quite a bit of work to do yet so I don't think I'll retire to it until the evening, but you've my contact. Feel free to call me if necessary."
The three women reached the door and Greta looked at Saito and Wilson. "If we don't meet before, tomorrow, before you both leave, I will be there to say goodbye to you on the landing pad." Meyer turned to Saito. "For tonight, I recommend a short walk through the main square after dinner, so you can see the small urban center of the surface at night. The Great Temple and the Pontifical Palace have very beautiful exterior lighting. I also suggest that you visit the private garden of the Palace, as I told you before. It's very likely that you will meet His Holiness there, he usually walks there every night, but he's informed. He will not feel bothered in any case." The monsignora made a farewell gesture and smiled again. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go. Otherwise I think that when morning dawns tomorrow I still won't have been able to go to bed."
Meyer walked away down the hallway and Mac prepared to leave as well. "Rest well Isa, I hope you enjoyed the day and the visit. The truth is that I loved accompanying you and being able to teach you all this. I don't know what time you want us to leave tomorrow, but keep me informed of what you're going to do." The neurologist made a gesture like making a call with her hand. "You've my contact on your communications device, too."
Isa had Thrust in her little Companion so she had no fear about the big Gaian Lynx. But she could see how Mac was a bit uneasy about the Big Predatory Cat. Isa knew a bit about Gaian Animals as she had some of them Living in the Biodomes of the Healing Heart. But she also had never seen a Gaian Lynx in Person. These animals were Rare and that they would form a bond with an Human was even more Rare. Isa smiled at Mac after she saw how Niki had begun to sniff at the Larger Animal.
Isabella: Isn't he a Beautifull Mac? Gaian Animals are such beautiful creatures. We have some of them in the biodomes of the Healing Heart. Those that live on the Ship were Injured during the Gallic Occupation and couldn't Survive in the wild anymore. Some of them miss a Limb or were too long in human Care to be released back into the wilds. I will introduce them to them once we arrive on the ship Tomorrow.
Isabella was happy as she saw how friendly the Bigger Animal was with Niki and how much they played with each other She was happy that her little Kitty had so much fun with the bigger animal. The Two of them were really cute with each other and Isa would make more than one aww and oh and other happy Noises as she watched them. Isa would watch them for a while longer before she would go and pick her dresses. Isa hadn't noticed the Admiring looks of Mac at first as she was deeply in her thoughts about the clothes that she wanted to buy. It was True that Isa liked Fashion and Clothes. It gave her a good feeling to look good and it was almost as if she would wear a Medival Armor that protects her from the ugly side of the world. Clothes were a way for her to express herself and to make herself feel good and happy, and also to give her patients a good feeling and make them feel at home or Relaxed.
She smiled at Mac as she admitted that she had little clothes that were more for a Private Setting. She knew that Mac was a Diligent Doctor who cared a lot for her patients and put her own personal Life behind that. Isa would try to get Mac to take a bit better care of herself, she knew that Doctors like her were having a higher Risk for Burnout or other Stress-Related Health Problems.
Isabella: you also look realy good Mac. This Dress realy suits you and you are right that you will need more than work and Religious Clothes for the Healing Heart. We have bars and even Nightclubs on board and it will be alos Beneficial when you're not wearing Doctors Clothes. It can make a Patient more Relaxed when they see that you are only a normal human as well.
Isa smiled and giggled as she heard the comments of Lola about the Dress that Mac had Chosen for herself to wear. She had an Amused and a bit Naughty look on her face as she came over and went to the counter to pay for her Clothes. She wasn't someone that needed much of Luxury or Fancy things, but from time to time she would buy something that she liked or otherwise would consider Luxury.
Isabella: who knows Mac with a Dress like this you might get the attention of your Soulmate. I can definitely tell that you look Super Good in it. And I can Imagine that you become the star of the show in the Bars and Clubs of the Healing Heart.
She smiled and giggled as she paid for her clothes and gave the Big Gaian Lynx some Cuddles while the others took their time to find what they needed as well. Isa was also taking some pictures of the two. Isa realy enjoyed her day at Faith Haven so far and even the stressful moments gave her Simply even more insight into the Colony. Isa smiled as she heard her com device ring and looked at the Screen. She had good news but she would wait for it to tell them to leave the Store before she would tell the good news.
But Isa hadn't waited for much longer as Mac and Meyer also had finished their Buissnes and went back on the way to the Surface. Isa made a happy and touched face as she saw the cute way Niki and Cesar cuddled together. She almost didn't want to separate them, but she knew it was time to go for them. Niki would hop onto her shoulder after she had said goodbye to Cesar. She would Wait till they were in the elevator before she spread the Good News.
Isabella: I told you that I was in contact with my second-in-command about some Extra Doctors that will help till you have enough Trained Psychologists who can Share the Workload with Mac. Well, I can tell you now that a Team of 5 Doctors is on the way to Faith Have. They helped at a Mine collapse on Planet Nauru and offered psychological counsel to families and Miners there. They have finished their work today and have accepted our Request for Faith Haven. If you agree they can be here in a Day or Two. There will be 1 Man and 4 Women on the team, they will need only 3 Rooms as Doctor Malcolm and Doctor Hudson, as well as Doctor Nieman and Simmons, are Married to each other. They can stay for as long as it is necessary and are realy nice pepole. Dr Nieman is an Expert in Childrens Psycology and Dr Hudson is a Former Soldier and Specialized in Traumatic Stress and Other Fear Related Problems. Dr Malcom and Simmons are General practitioners, oh and Doctor Richards is an Expert when it comes to Medication. Those 5 will be under your Supervision as if they were Local Doctors from Faith Haven. And i think when Doctor Wilson Come back then she will take over as Head Doctor. I make sure to give her some Extra Training on how to Lead a Team of Doctors. I am sure she will do a Great Job.
Isa would Follow them back to the Elevator and Enjoyed the View over the Underground Town as she Acended towards the Surface. Isa was Tired after the long day but she looked forward to see where she would sleep tonight. She followed Mac and Meyer to the Guest wing and was again impressed by the beauty of the Palace. Isa was happy as she sees the books and the Compfy Reading Area with all the Armchairs and Sofas, she would make sure to come here later to get a good book to read before she goes to rest. Isa loved a good book to read in bed, it helped her to turn of her mind if she can sink her mind in an Fantasy World, or in an good Romantic Novel.
Isa could feel at home at an place like this and Relax after an long hard day.
Isabella: i have to admit that i like the Style of the Church. This Livingroom looks so wonderfull and Relaxing. I hope you have some Romantic or Fantasy Novels. I have to Admit that those Storys Relax me and bring my mind to other worlds even better than any Spaceship can. And if i can Enjoy it with an good old Warm Tea with Honey then i can sleep like a Baby.
She said with and Chuckle and an Smile as she looked at them and followed them to the Bedroom. She was deeply Impressed by the Apartment and walked around with big eyes. Niki would also love the Room and jumped from Isa´s shoulder onto the bed and curled into a ball. The Kitty would seme to be in heavens. And so semed Isa as she looked around and then she had an smile on her face as she sees the Large Shower.
Isabella: oh this shower is wonderfull, Niki and i will have a lots of fun Takeing a shower later. Oh and this whole Place is almost Larger than my Apartment at the healing Heart, and Definitly Biger than the Small one i have onboard of my Dromedary.
Isa chuckled as she sees the Suprised Faces of Mac and Meyer as she told them that Niki likes to take Showers with her Human. Pepole mostly Reacted like this because most Cats would avoid Water in the same way that the Devil would Avoid to enter a Church. But Niki was always a special kind of Cat and loved the feeling of the warm water and the cleaning of the Soap. Niki would mostly sit on a Small Shower Chair or even on Isa´s Shoulders. As she had seen everything that the Apartment had to offer she would smile some more and sit on the bed next to Niki and gave her some belly rubbs and scratches between her ears. The litle Kitty would purr from the love and atention that she would recive. Isa would Smile at Mac and Meyer as they had shown her everything and then stood up again and Huged both woman as an Goodbye.
Isabella: Thank you two, i am happy to have meet two so wonderfull woman like you. I think i will Take a Shower with Niki and oder an Cesar Salad if they have something like this. And then i will take a litle Nap and maybe an Walk Later in the Gardens. I think we should Leave around 10 in the Morning, let us have a good nights rest, we dont have to Rush things. The Healing Heart will be in the System around 13:00 Hours Pygar Time. If you cant Sleep you should Try the Same as me, an Glass of Warm Milk and a Tea Spoon full of Honey. If you drink it before you lay down to sleep you will dream like a baby and fall asleep.
And for you Mac how about we go out for Breakfeast before we leave tomorrow? i mean we also have to Pick up the Cake at the Muriel´s Cafe. And i am sure we can be at the Healing Heart for Dinner.
Several Hours Later She smiled as she woke up Several Hours Later and looked around. The Sun had already gone down and the alarm clock on her bedside table showed that it was 10 o'clock at night. Isa would go up and look out of the Window and smile happily as she saw the Stars, it looked like the Storms had died down for a while. Ias would get dressed in jogging pants and a long shirt that was almost a dress. Isa decided that when she was already awake, she wanted to walk around the palace park. It would take her a while to find the right way to the park but then she would find the right way. Isa would of course not be alone as she was accompanied by Niki. The Cat would follow her lead and would walk with her through the garden, Isa and Niki would enjoy the smell of the Flowers and the light of the night bathed the garden in a very special light and the whole scenery seemed like something out of a fairy tale.
Isa walked through the garden for quite a while till she found a Bench by a Waterfountain It was a wonderful place and she was Relaxed by the nature around her. Isabella would smile as Niki would climb into her lap and cuddle with her human. She enjoyed the way that Isa would pet her and let her hand glide over her pelt as she Gave the cat some cuddles and thought about the future that she would hopefully have with the man of her Dreams. Isabella had a Smile on her face as she had her eyes closed and enjoyed this Peaceful Night. As she opened her eyes again she had a feeling that she was not alone.
The Pontiff blinked hard to clear his work-cluttered brain. He had been working late in his office, and just when he thought he had finished and could go down for a break, he had been showered with an avalanche of complaints from his Science Minister, Monsignora Meyer, about the behavior of the Guard in the exercise of their duties. Apparently Meyer had witnessed an arrest on the street of a subject suspected of espionage, and the Guard had acted too brutally with him. The Minister was also upset because she had tried to talk to the Field Maestre Martin De Alba about it, and had only received indifference from him.
The Pontiff liked to let the Field Maestre De Alba act, and didn't usually interfere in security affairs. He considered the Commander of the Guard to be the most competent person in military matters in the entire settlement, and Gregorius was aware of his own inexperience in such issues. However, the Maestre had rudely dismissed the Minister of Science, and Meyer's complaint was direct and blunt, so he could not ignore her. The truth is that it wasn't the first time that these two faced each other due to their completely opposite personalities. Therefore, once Meyer had left, he had the Field Maestre come to the Pontiff office to hear his version of events.
The Field Maestre was a tough, career military man, worthy son of the previous Field Maestre of the Church, Juan De Alba. He was about 35 years old, tall and serious, with a tremendously military appearance. His style of dress was quite old-fashioned, although he followed the formal canons of the Church, Renaissance style. His beard and mustache were always impeccably groomed, framing his serious countenance. It was common to see him wearing an ancient black power armor, decorated with damascenes and gold arabesques, which it was said he had inherited from his father, but on that occasion he had gone to meet the Pontiff dressed only in leggings and boots, and a old-fashioned doublet with gold and white trimmings, slashed sleeves and white linen ruff. A heavy high-necked cape, with the same trimmings and ornaments as the doublet, and inner lining of ermine, covered his back from his shoulders.
On that occasion he had come unarmed, as was the protocol to be received by the Pontiff, although he carried his command staff, from which he never separated. It was a simple wooden stick, half a meter long, with two sober bronze ornaments at each end. It was said that that staff had been passed down from generation to generation in the De Alba family, since Earth times, and was precisely made of hazel wood, from an Earth tree. That was something that had never been proven, despite there being means to date the object, but the truth was that the De Alba family was a very ancient family of believers in the Faith of Deux, with a family tree that could be easily tracked to an almost mythical noble family from the Kingdom of Spain, on ancient Earth. So, considering this, no one had ever dared to doubt the authenticity of that family heirloom.
The Pontiff soon realized that the Commander was offended and that felt outraged that Meyer had gone to the Pontiff, after their previous meeting. Gregorius listened in silence for about 15 minutes of anger and grievances, real or imagined, that the Minister of Science had inflicted on the Commander, and then the Pontiff decided that he would resolve that issue on the way to the Palace's private garden. He needed to clear his head, relax for a while and go to sleep, and he didn't feel able to deal with another long string of complaints.
Gregorius stood up from his desk, interrupting Martin De Alba's monologue with a wave of his hand and a friendly smile. "My dear Field Maestre, I hope you can forgive me, but I'm exhausted. I've to get out of this office or I feel like I'm going to end up falling asleep on the table. I need to clear my head a little in the garden, so why don't you come with me and continue telling me along the way?"
The Commander showed a slightly disturbed expression, at what could have been understood as discourtesy, but he immediately bowed his head slightly, gravely. "Of course, Your Holiness, as you wish."
Gregorius turned off his Neural Net terminal, the light on the desk, and headed towards the door. The Field Maestre stepped forward to open it before the Pontiff arrived, and then left behind him, closing it. The two Pontifical Guards in the hallway in front of the office stood at attention and saluted as the two men passed them, and Martin De Alba returned the salute martially.
The Pontiff looked at his interlocutor without stopping walking and made a gesture to encourage him to speak again. "Please, Field Maestre, continue telling me what ails you."
The Commander looked at the Pontiff as he walked beside him, with one hand behind his back and the other holding his baton under his armpit. "Your Holiness, as I have already told you, Monsignora Meyer doesn't cease in her efforts to hinder my work." Martin's frown showed how angry and outraged he felt. "It's my sacred mission to keep this colony safe, and even more so in the situation we find ourselves in, but with that woman constantly coming to me, with absurd demands, it's impossible." The Field Maestre shook his fist in front of his own face. "And this time, Your Holiness, it has been the last straw. She has told me that I've placed too much security on the streets and public buildings, and that my soldiers behave like fascist agents beating innocent people in the streets. She has also demanded me to identify one of my Guards, a military paramedic, so that she can be reprimanded for not providing assistance to an espionage suspect who resisted the Guards who came to arrest him." The Field Maestre's eyes shone with wrath. "How dare she? My men strictly comply with the regulations, we don't beat up innocent people, but rather we protect the innocent from those who want to destroy us!"
Gregorius listened to his Commander attentively, as he walked with his hands behind his back through the corridors, nodding from time to time. When Martin paused in his speech, the Pontiff intervened. "Field Maestre, I completely understand how you feel, but I don't believe that Monsignora Meyer's intention is to challenge your authority. I truly believe that she is just trying to make the Guard's interactions with the population better."
"Your Holiness!" Martin protested. "The Guard's relations with the population are impeccable! People hold us in high esteem and see us as their protectors, it's precisely the presence of the Guard deployed throughout the settlement that makes citizens feel safe. This makes the settlers know that even if something happens, there are people ready to help them."
"I understand your point of view, but at the same time I understand Meyer's." Gregorius smiled, trying to placate his Minister of Defense, while trying to make him understand. "Monsignora Meyer and you're radically opposite people in the way you act, and I sincerely believe that that's something positive for this Government. Contrasted opinions tend to produce better opinions, as long as they aren't heretical, of course..." The Pontiff gestured with his hand towards the Field Maestre. "The Guard must be present in the settlement, and must investigate cases of possible espionage by the Corsair threat, that's an obvious fact. However, it's true that it's advisable to relax your spirits a little, even if only in appearance. The population is very nervous, and perhaps seeing the Guard act in a friendlier manner can calm them down." Gregorius looked directly at Martin de Alba. "We, the Government, are already nervous enough with all this impending war hovering above us, it isn't necessary to constantly transfer that nervousness to the population. That can only lead to suffering and lack of public order."
The Commander of the Guard remained silent for a few seconds, thoughtful, as they went down the stairs that led to the ground floor. When they reached the bottom and headed down one of the corridors that led to the garden, he addressed the Pontiff again. "Your Holiness, if you consider that I'm doing my job poorly, or if I've done something to lose your trust, then I place my position and my rank at your disposal. But please, with all the respect I can have for you as Chosen of Deux Our Lord, I beg you not to dishonor me by forcing me to submit to Meyer's wishes." Martin gripped his baton tightly, while his lips paled beneath his mustache. "Mosnignora Meyer doesn't understand the seriousness of the situation we live in, nor the efforts that must be made to keep us safe, and she dares to give me orders, to threaten my men in public..."
Gregorius interrupted the Maestre, stopping dead and looking him with a compassionate smile. "Please, Martin... What nonsense is that? How could you have lost my trust?" The Pontiff shook his head as he approached the Minister of Defense putting his hand on his shoulder. "I cannot conceive of anyone in this Holy Church who could do the work you do better than you, and in a more loyal way to me, and to the Sacred Mandate of Our Lord." Gregorius nodded, smiling, and then continued walking towards the garden doors, which were already visible at the end of the corridor. "I simply ask that you make our soldiers more... gentle in their interventions in the streets, and also try to be less visible. Let's try to make Faith Haven not look like a military barracks every day, shall we?" Gregorius remained silent for a few seconds and then added. "As for that military paramedic, I want her to receive a light reprimand and then she will board the Horizon to be sent to the MFE General Academy. There she will receive an update on her knowledge as a combat paramedic in the coming months. Detainees, no matter how suspicious they may be, have the right to be treated. Mainly, in the middle of the street, and when they're visible to the rest of the population." The Pontiff saw out of the corner of his eye how the Minister of Defense was preparing to reply, and raised a hand to prevent it. "And this aren't Meyer's wishes, are mine."
Both men went through the doors that led out to the garden and were hit by the intense aroma of flowers and plants. The light of the stars and some faint lanterns bathed the entire place, revealing the composition of the garden and allowing to be observed the leafy although reduced extension full of fruit trees, plants and flower beds, around and through which tiled paths extended. At some points along the paths, there were stone benches that invited rest and meditation, and in the center of everything, an ornate marble fountain refreshed the atmosphere with its distant water murmur. The sounds of some night crickets and the casual hoot of an owl seemed to make a kind of counterpoint to the sound of the fountain, leaving a final sensation of immeasurable peace. The place was so lush, and so lightly lit that you could barely notice the concrete walls that bounded it, cleverly hidden behind flowering climbing plants.
The Field Maestre stopped before moving further inland. "I don't wish to bother you more than necessary, Your Holiness, and is not my wish to spoil the calm of this place with my complaints, so I will leave you here so that you can meditate in peace. I will obey your designs as I have always done, because they are the designs of Our Lord." The Commander hesitated a little, doubting whether to add anything more, but finally he did, with a look full of determination. "However, I must ask you to speak to Monsignora Meyer and make her see reason, today's situation in the street cannot be repeated. Having Guard soldiers be reprimanded in public in the way Meyer has done is terribly damaging to the morale of both the troops and the population. Especially in a critical circumstance like the one we're experiencing, when the unity and cohesion of all the settlers is essential to maintain order and security, Your Holiness." The Field Maestre shook his head stubbornly, indicating that this seemed to him an untransferable red line. "I can understand... although I certainly don't share... but I can understand that the Minister of Science doesn't agree with some of the actions that the Guard carries out under my command. However, what is unacceptable is that she takes the freedom to reprimand my men's behavior in public, and even threaten them, calling into question their authority." Martin de Alba pointed to himself lightly touching his chest. "The chain of command exists for a reason, if Monsignora Meyer has any complaints about my men she must refrain from intervening personally, and must address it with me and only me. I don't go to her scientists, or to her doctors, and I tell them how they have to do her job, bypassing her." The Minister of Defense made an involuntary gesture of exasperation, which he quickly repressed when he remembered who he was in front of. "I think what I am asking is sensible, Your Holiness, and if you truly say that I have not lost your trust, then trust me and my judgment to handle Faith Haven's internal security in this situation. I will order my men to act in a less direct and brutal manner, but I beg you to give directions to Meyer to stay away from my soldiers."
Gregorius looked at the Guard Commander and he responded with a serious voice. "I remind you that the Guard is due to the Government of this Holy Church, Field Maestre, and Monsignora Meyer is the Minister of Science, and therefore part of such Government. Although you're their commander-in-chief, your soldiers owe obedience to her, just as they owe it to the rest of the members of the ministerial rank. You must never forget that, Maestre, because holding ministerial rank means much more than a position of command. It means a tight connection with Our Lord and a direct responsibility for the fulfillment of His Sacred Mandate." The Pontiff looked up for a few moments, enjoying the starry sky through the glass of Biodome 1, and then continued. "However, as I've told you, I trust you and your judgment. If you consider that reprimanding soldiers in public is detrimental to the morale of the settlement, then I agree with you. Tomorrow I will talk to Meyer and ask her not to do something like that again." Gregorius smiled peacefully and raised his hands. "But then you will have to behave better with her the next time she comes to express her complaints to you. It isn't the first time that it has come to my ears that you practically ignore her when she comes to you, and today you've been directly dismissive of her. That can't keep happening."
The Minister of Defense looked down, uncomfortable. "It's... probably true, Your Holiness, but she drives me crazy. I can't stand her childish and... excessively pacifistic view of everything. If it were up to her, my soldiers would dress as clowns and carry colorful balloons and flowers instead of weapons."
"I understand, and that's why you're the Minister of Defense, and she's the Minister of Science, and not the other way around." Gregorius scolded the Commander with a serious look, but still smiling. "But that's no justification for being unpleasant to a fellow Minister, Martin. None of you got to where you got by chance, and you're all here to accomplish the same goal."
The Field Master nodded respectfully. "So it will be done according to your wish." Martin stood firm. "Your Holiness, I request your blessing, and the permission to withdraw from your presence."
"Permission granted, Maestre." The Pontiff extended his right hand, on whose ring finger he carried the Sacred Gear Ring. The Commander put one knee on the ground to respectfully kiss the jewel that represented the category of Deux's Chosen One of its wearer, and then Gregorius made the Sacred Gear sign above his head. "I bless you, Martin, my son, in the name of Deux. Go in peace." The Maestre stood up again, saluted militarily, clicked a martial heel strike on the ground, and walked away from Gregorius at a brisk pace.
The Pontiff watched him go. He really appreciated Martín de Alba, he was a good person and an excellent military commander, skilled, professional and loyal to the core, but he was sometimes difficult to deal with. Since childhood he had been educated very strictly according to military values, which had made him appreciate the importance of honor and obedience, but at the same time it made him see reality through a prism that was too closed, focused mainly on security and order. That's why he constantly clashed with people like Meyer, scientific and more in favor of prioritizing the quality of life and freedom of citizens over anything else. However, their Ministers were all very valid, and each one stood out in their functions and abilities. Yes, sometimes Meyer was excessively positive and didn't see the seriousness and danger of some situations, and yes, sometimes the Pontiff believed that Martin de Alba would be better off locked in a glass case with a sign that said 'break only in case of war', but the reality is that they were all necessary so that the settlement and the Church itself could continue to function correctly. And well, even if they clashed, his role as a leader was to ensure that despite this they could continue working together. Until now he had achieved it.
Gregorius massaged his temples to clear the brain of everyday problems, and set about trying to relax. He breathed in the floral aroma with satisfaction. The Pontiff loved that garden, it was his favorite place in the entire universe. It was just a small cluster of plants together, he knew, but there was no other place where he could feel so at peace with himself and with Deux. After all, this was a lush, green garden built on the surface of a planet where lichens and mosses could barely grow. What greater expression than that garden of a good use of the Sacred Gift of the Machine, and of the technology derived from the Gift?
Gregorius closed his eyes and listened to the silence of the night, punctuated by the sounds of the nocturnal insects and birds that lived among the trees. However, a strange noise disturbed him slightly, and he opened his eyes again, focusing his gaze towards the interior of the garden. There was someone else there with him. It didn't take him long to identify the figure sitting on one of the benches near the central fountain. He immediately remembered that Monsignora Meyer had told him that it was likely that the guest of the MFE who was in the settlement, Dr. Isabella Saito, would come down to the garden for a night walk. Gregorius smiled curiously, and was glad that Saito had dared to come down, but then he wondered how much she had heard of the conversation she had had with the Field Maestre.
The PSI reports that he had read about the MFE members classified them as neutral and deeply pacifist, rejecting all types of violence, and from what Meyer had told him, Dr. Saito had been present at the time when the Monsignora had had the confrontation with the Pontifical Guards in the underground colony, so she probably would have been horrified. Gregorius began to walk into the garden towards the Psycologist figure, saying a brief prayer to himself to Deux, that this unfortunate incident had not jeopardized diplomatic relations with the MFE. Now more than ever the Church needed allies.
Gregorius approached the woman sitting by the fountain, and soon discovered that a small cat was lying on her lap. The Doctor was petting the animal on its belly while she purred, and they both looked at it as he took the last steps before approaching. The Pontiff stopped a couple of meters from the bench and offered a warm smile at the woman, while giving a slight bow of his head. "Good evening, you must be Doctor Isabella Saito, if I haven't been incorrectly informed. It's a pleasure to have you here, and I'm glad that you finally decided to come down and share the garden with me tonight." Gregorius looked up at the starry sky through the gaps left in the treetops. "It has been many, many months since I've seen such a clear night here in Pygar. It's a very strange thing to witness, you know?" He pointed towards the dome. "There isn't a cloud, and there isn't a storm front in sight. Actually, right now, we could perfectly be on the surface of the planet enjoying the night without needing the biodome, and without even wearing an environmental suit." The Pontiff looked back at the Doctor. "And all this precisely the night you're here, and decide to go down to my beautiful garden. A Deux sign perhaps?" He laughed softly. "There are those who would say yes, but it may just be a simple coincidence. It's not like Deux spends His Eternal Existence giving us signs every 5 minutes, although from time to time... if you look closely, you can see the face of Our Lord in the most everyday things..."
Gregorius approached the fountain and placed his hand in the water, enjoying the touch of the cool current, and then turned back to Isabella, resting his back on the marble. He looked with curiosity at the Doctor and the cat for a few seconds, and then addressed Saito again. "I've already been informed that your visit today has been full of surprises, some less pleasant than others, and I hope that the unpleasant ones were not unbearable. Unfortunately, as you know, we're in a very tense situation right now, and nerves are on edge. We live on the brink of a war with the Corsair Empire, and honestly, we're quite worried about the consequences it may have for our settlement and our people. I'm very sorry that your visit had to happen precisely now, with all this trouble, but I hope that this will be just the first of many more visits to Faith Haven, and that you can get to know us better."
Isa hadn't heard much about the Conversation between De Alba and the Pontify, she had been a bit too distracted by her Cat and the way that Niki Purred. She would also not really want to be drawn in to deep into the Internal Politics of the Church. She knew she was a Neutral Ambassador of MFE so she would not try to involve herself in the Church's Internal Politics. But Isa could hear the Fire in the Voice of De Alba and she had to hold back a Chuckle as he Reminded her of one of the Male Nurses and that Security Officer on the Healing Heart. They were at each other's throats all the time and told everyone they knew how Stupid they thought the other was. Well, at least they did till that one Night where the others had enough of the Constant Quarrels had Locked them in the Supply Closet. They thought they would Solve their Problems with each other, but instead, they Came out as a couple. That was 3 years ago and now they Were Married and had 2 Children Together. Isa felt that Meyer and De Alba would be a Similar Case. But she would keep this to herself and simply see what happens.
She would Smile at the Pontify and make a Respectful Bow like it was a tradition in Kusari. She had imagined him a bit differently but she could see why he was so popular within the Church. And not only the Church Members like him, but Niki seemed to be interested in him as well. Her little cat would jump off her Leggs and would go over to the Fountain, she would jump on the Edge of the fountain and walk closer to him with the grace and grace that only a cat could possess. Her little Furrball Companion would greet the Pontify with a Happy Meow and would Rub her head on his hand.
Isabella: Good Evening your Holyness. I am Isabella Saito, but please you don't have to be too Formal with me, call me Isa. I am also happy that I could come down to this Magical Place and see the Beauty of Pygar with my own eyes. She chuckles. As a Doctor who has traveled the Universe and has seen many things I have learned that there are bigger things out there that my Mind can Understand. And that sometimes a Sign of God is indeed a sign of God. And even when I am an Atheist I am Taking every Advantage that I can have even a Godly one, when it helps to save a life.
She Said with a smile as she saw how Niki would begin to beg the Pontify for some pets and cuddles while she looked up at him. Isa knew that it was super hard to Resist Niki and her Cuteness. Isa knew that this was one of her Superpowers to make any Human fall in love with her and to find her Cute and Adorable. This was one of the things that made her great as a Therapy Cat and her General Friendliness towards Humans was another Factor in that success recipe. Isabella: oh my visit wasn't Unpleasant at all your Holyness. I am a Doctor and I am Bound by the Oath of Hippocrates, to help people will never be Unpleasant for me. Of course, I thought my visit would be a bit more Relaxed but I have had many new Experiences today that I wouldn't have made if I hadn't Visited Faith Haven. I had Tasted the Food of Creat for the very first time in my life and now have some Clothes from the Home of my Biological Father. And I have met great Friends in Doctor Wilson and Minister Meyer. You have really good people here and I am more than happy to have Mac as my Student.
I also Organized that your People get help from one of our Mobile Psychological Teams will be stationed here till you have Enough Psychologists of your own. I think you have many people here who require psychological Help. They have experienced many things that would make even the Strongest among us break apart. I am sure Doctor Wilson alone would never be enough to handle all the work. But your People are really Friendly and Warm, I felt right at home as I was in the "The Hispanic Spoon" for the Lunch with Meyer and Mac.
But I also hope that Peace will Return to Omicron Theta. There were too many bloodsheds and too many wounds both bodily and mental, that were made by this War. And yes I will come and Visit Faith Haven in the Future Again, I really like this Place And if you want to know something about me or MFE then please Free to ask me whatever you want. But I wanted to ask you something too, I promised Mac that I would look in our Databases for Signs of what happened to her parents. MFE was on Gran Canaria during the Time of the Evacuation from the Planet, and knowing as much as I can about it may make the Search in our Databases a bit easier.
She said smiling as she could see how Niki would make some more demands of Attention from the Holy man and would try to look as cute and pretty as she could. Isa would simply shake her head lightly as she would see this Behaviour by her Cat, but she would let her do it and didn't intervene.
Gregorius smiled at Dr. Saito's open-mindedness. Normally people used to look at him with alertness and distrust as soon as he pronounced the name of Deux, or worse still, they showed a disdainful smile. However, the psychologist had not done so. In the eyes of the Pontiff, the acceptance that there were things greater or more complex than the human mind could explain was in itself a sign of wisdom.
"I'm glad you think that way, Doctor. You can't imagine how many times we're practically required to apologize for believing in an entity greater than ourselves." The Pontiff looked back at the twinkling stars that appeared between the treetops, towards the immense space. "Curiously, at the moment in history in which we live, with the things we witness almost daily, it seems somewhat difficult to me not to believe in something greater than ourselves. There are so many inexplicable things in the void... "
The Pontiff reached into one of the pockets of his white clothing and took out a silver cigarette case. He took out a cigarette and lit it with a lighter, taking a few deep drags to get it to catch on. Then he looked at Isabella and took a few steps back, to prevent the smoke from reaching her. "Oh, I hope you don't mind my smoking. This is a bad vice, I admit it, but it's one of the few that I allow myself, and helps me to relax." Gregorius took another drag on the cigarette and blew a puff of smoke backwards, trying to make it go in the opposite direction from which the doctor was sitting. "As I told you, it's curious that people have so much rejection towards those of us who believe in a god. After all, what is a god? By definition, he's just a suprahuman entity whose power we cannot explain, but today anyone should know that the fact that a power cannot be explained doesn't expressly mean that it's produced by... magic. A superior and unknown technology may well seem like a magical power to those who don't understand it. Let us keep in mind that several thousand years ago the very creation of fire was something inexplicable to our ancestors."
The Pontiff rested his arm on the fountain, and observed the swirls that the current of the water produced on the surface as it fell. "We venerate Deux because we believe that He's the Great Benefactor of Mankind by giving us the Gift of the Machine, which allowed humans to evolve and be able to defend themselves from the Great Enemy. We firmly believe that the Gift He gave us has allowed us to survive until now and, in exchange for His favor, we fulfill His desire to work so that Mankind continues to exist." Gregorius turned his gaze towards Saito. "But who is Deux?" The clergyman shrugged his shoulders. "We really have no idea. He could be either a magical entity or a member of an alien society technologically far superior to us. The truth is that we don't know, and we don't care. We believe in Him because He has shown us that He desires our good, and that is enough. And that's Faith, as I understand it. The ability to believe in something I don't understand or comprehend, just because I know it's a good thing."
Gregorius finished his cigarette, walked over to a wrought-iron trash can on the side of the tiled path, and stubbed it out against the edge and then threw it inside. As he approached Isabella again, he found that the doctor's cat had gotten off her lap and had walked towards him. The Pontiff smiled and bent down to pet the kitten between the ears, while she purred, and then she climbed onto his shoulders and jumped into the fountain. The cat played a little, even soaked her head slightly in the stream of water, and then returned to request pampering from the clergyman.
Gregorius laughed heartily, as he caressed her again, this time on the back and belly. "Curious, it's not usually very common for these animals to like water, but it seems that she loves it." He spent a few more seconds surrendering to the cat's charms and fulfilling her wishes, and then he laughed again, suddenly feeling much happier and freed from his worries. "She's really lovely. There are still very few pets here in Faith Haven, although some settlers have some. The truth is that they bring a joy that is very necessary here, especially in times like this."
The Pontiff listened to Saito as she reassured him about the inconveniences in her visit. It seemed like she was happy with most of what she had seen, and it was evident that Meyer and Wilson had been good hosts, from what the psychologist was saying about them. He congratulated himself for having heeded Magister Orlov's recommendation that Meyer should be in charge of leading the visit. It had undoubtedly been the right choice.
Gregorius nodded gratefully as the Doctor explained the steps she had taken to help improve the mental health of the colony. "You don't know how much I appreciate the work you're taking, Dr. Saito. We really need help so that our people can receive mental health care, that's a subject we certainly have pending here. Until recently, the Church wasn't aware of how necessary good medical care can be in this field." The Pontiff took out another cigarette and lit it, without stopping talking. "It's true that when we're settled in Gran Canaria everything was easier. The planet was a paradise, safe and peaceful, and generally the situation was less prone to people developing mental illnesses. Those who suffered from them were mainly due to purely physical origins, which Neurology used to treat." The clergyman automatically took a few steps back to prevent the near cat from breathing the tobacco smoke. "However here... We've managed to turn Faith Haven into a very habitable place, but life underground, and the difficulties of keeping the settlement running takes its toll on our people. Fortunately, Dr. Wilson was quickly aware of this and was very insistent to take action, and for her part, Monsignora Meyer had enough sense to listen to her and bring the problem to the Concilium." Gregorius made a concessive gesture towards Saito with his free hand. "Now, with the support of MFE, we'll certainly be able to deal with the problem properly."
The clergyman took a few more drags on the cigarette and then disposed of the butt again after extinguishing it. He spent some time reflecting on what was on his mind, and on what he wanted to ask the doctor. He wanted to express it in a way that didn't seem impolite, or too direct. Ultimately he didn't want Isabella to feel obligated to give him an answer, but at the same time he wanted to take advantage of having her there.
Finally Gregorius decided to address the issue, although not without some concern about how the psychologist might take it. "As I imagine it has already been explained to you, doctor, one of the most important current objectives of the Church is to preserve the Mankind, or as much of it as we can, from the threats posed by the Nomads." The Pontiff gestured with his hands, trying to explain. "Well, the truth is that actually our Sacred Codex, wich are the scriptures written by our ancestors who directly interacted with Deux thousands of years ago, don't specify that the Great Enemy of Mankind is the Nomads, but they do say that this Great Enemy is a very dangeours threat that would come from the depths of space." Gregorius leaned on the fountain again and he put his hands together. "Anyway, due to the terrible experiences that Mankind has had with this... race of entities, for us there is no room for doubt that the Sacred Codex refers to them."
The Pontiff scratched his chin thoughtfully, and continued. "All of our experiences with the Nomad have been truly terrifying, here on the Omicrons. We've suffered indiscriminate and unprovoked attacks by them on our unarmed commercial vessels, to such an extent that we've been forced to establish constant patrols in Omicron Delta with the largest warships available to our Pontifical Navy. Unfortunately, they aren't even close to being able to provide enough security to our transports." A gesture of frustration was reflected on the clergyman's face. "Despite what you may have seen here at Faith Haven due to the special situation we find ourselves in, because the Zoner-Corsair conflict, we aren't a violent or militaristic faction, nor do we've great capabilities to have a large defensive army. Our resources to protect ourselves, or to protect others, are very limited. Still, we do everything we can."
Gregorius paused briefly so Isabella could calmly process what he was saying, and then he went on. "Violent Nomad activity has been increasing lately in both Omicron Delta and Omicron Theta, and from what we have heard, also in the surrounding systems. We're very concerned because if this continues, we'll most likely be facing a major attack very soon. One the likes of which haven't been seen since the Great Nomad War, and given the dissension and lack of unity that currently exists among human factions and powers, this wave could drive the humans of the Omicrons to extermination." The Pontiff stood up and took a few steps, near the bench where Saito was sitting, with his hands behind his back. "You'll wonder why I'm telling you all this, doctor. Well, I'm certainly not trying to scare you, but rather I'm asking for your help." The clergyman stopped and looked to the ground, looking carefully at the blades of grass that peeked out between the flagstones of the path. "The idea we had of the Nomad, until now, and from what we've personally seen, is that they're biomechanical entities created by the Dom'Kavash, programmed to exterminate humans. You can't reason with them, you can't dialogue to them, and all that can be understood from what they say are those telepathic messages full of hate and anger that their victims usually hear before being attacked." He turned around and looked directly at Isa, seriously. "However, Monsignora Meyer said me that you told her that the MFE, and well, you yourself, had had some experiences in space with Nomads, which didn't end in violence. It's clear that you have much more experience dealing with them than us, and I would like to know more about it."
Gregorius walked back to the fountain, where he caressed the cat again, now under the chin. "MFE is beyond any doubt about its objectives of protecting and helping the Mankind, and in that we're quite similar. Of course I don't dare to compare something as enormous and efficient as your organization with our insignificant Church, but we both fulfill Deux's plan, if you allow me to express myself this way. For this reason, and at the risk of asking too much of someone who is already doing a lot for us, I would like to start some kind of mutual relationship with MFE to share some information about the behavior of the Nomads." The Pontiff opened his hands towards Saito with a reassuring gesture. "I know that it's probably not a decision that you can make right now, nor on your own, but I would like to ask you to evaluate it and discuss it with whoever is appropriate. I think it's a good idea for people who seek common goals to share information that can facilitate their achievement, and..." The Pontiff shook his head and looked at Saito smiling. "...the truth is that although we consider the Nomads as deadly enemies, we practically know nothing about them. What I'm going to say could be considered heretical according to the teachings of the Church that I lead but, I think that learning more about them might make us better able to defend ourselves, and maybe even understand why they do what they do."
She smiled at the Pontify and nodded as she listened to his words. Isa liked the man and his way of speaking, she had the impression that he was really a servant of his people and had always their best interest in mind. She admired people like him who were true leaders and didn't put themself on a high pedestal. She smirks as she sees how Niki would play around in the Fountain and enjoy the games she played with the holy man.
Isabella: oh I don't mind at all if you smoke. But I hope you will get Regular Checkups, Cancer might not be as Deadly as it was in the 20th century but it can still Kill. And yes Niki is a friendly cat and she loves the Water a lot. Its sometimes even a bit hard to keep her away from it, I always joke that she has the soul of a Dog when it comes to water. She is also a Certified Therapy Cat and helps me in my work. She is a Great Helper, it is just sad how she became my companion, you know she was originally owned by my Predecessor. But Doctor Wilke Died on Planet Pygar, Unfortunately, the ex-husband of a woman whom Dr. Wilke saved a while ago ran into her. The guy Was a Drunk and Drug Addict and Blamed Dr. Wilke for his Wife leaving him. And as he Ran into her after all these years and all these Drugs and Alcohol that Night, he did something truly monstrous.
She looked a bit sad at Niki, but then she had to laugh as the Kity Emerged from the Water and looked like a giant wet rat. The Cat would begin to clean herself immediately and looked absolutely adorable. Isa would look up into the night sky and enjoy the peace that this night gave her. Pygar could be really beautiful and Peaceful at times like these, it was almost as if the planet would want to Apologize for its earlier Bad Weather. She would look up to the stars that were like a thousand little Diamonds that were thrown up in the air. Nature was an inspiration and Calming influence for her, even after a long and exhausting day like this. She smiled as she would
Isabella: well I think that someone or something Godly Exists in each and every one of us. I never understood why some people would be hostile towards Religious beliefs. I mean sure there are some Fanatics and some that give Religion a bad name, but if you ask me then you should never judge someone if you don't know them. I mean I had everyone as my patient so far, from the Respected Navy Capitan all the way to the Dubious Rouge Pirate. I always treat the people that I meet like Blak Pages, I never Judge anyone by things that I have heard about the Groupe that they are affiliated with. I mean all I knew about the church and its people before was that you live on Pygar and that you believe in a God that I have never heard from before. I could have assumed the Worst about you by all the Negative and Bad things that you can hear about Small Religions and Cults that live far away from Houses. But the Oath of Hippocrates asks us Doctors to Treat everyone the same and to help those who need us. In a way you could say that the Oath is my Religion, it is my Guiding Principle and the Star that leads me through my Life.
Isa would enjoy it to talk with him about these things,
he was a great conversationalist and she felt Relaxed and happy in his presence. Even when she just had met him for the very first time she had a feeling that she could trust him and that he would try to help her. Of course only with the Problems of her Human side.
Isabella: if I learned one thing as a psychologist then that the environment can be a Factor, but never the only cause of Mental Illness. I had Patients who Lived in the world that would be considered a Paradise and still, they had the same problems as patients who lived in Places Like Pittsburg or Pygar. As a Doctor you should never trust the environment, you should always dig deeper and try to look behind the facade of a Problem. And you don't have to thank me for doing my job. to help your people is the most natural thing in the world to me. I am happy to help you, but if you want my advice, even when things look good and everything sense fine you should look for Cracks in the Surface, It's the Little things that we tend to overlook in our Hectic Daily lives that are the First Indicators of Future Troubles.
She said with a smile as she took a small box from her pocket and began to rustle with it. Niki heard the familiar Noise and jumped out of the Basin shook herself a bit to lose some of the water and walked over to Isabella. The cat would jump on the bench next to her and sit there as she looked at her with big eyes. Isabella would take some Cat Treats out of the Box and give it to the Kitty. Niki would Devour the Treats with great joy and happiness, she would Purr and wagg her tail.
Isabella: well it is true that I have had some encounters with the Nomads, but to be honest I still can't understand them. I can't find an approach to them that makes any sense. I mean sometimes They are like wild Animals and attack without a Warning or Restraint, and on other occasions, they are like Curious Little children who want to learn and experiment with the world and the beings around them. I don't think it is Heresy that you want to know about those that you consider your Enemy. The thirst for knowledge is what separates a Wise Religious Leader from a Fanatic zealot, at least in my eyes. You are Right that I can't make such decisions on my own and that I can't promise you anything, but I will talk with John Holiday about it. I don't even know if we are doing Medical Research in that Direction. I mean I have some Patients who suffer from PTSD after they survived an encounter with the Nomads. But I fear they would be a little helpful if you want to learn from them about the Nomads. But I ask around and if we have something that might help you I will send it to you with the highest Encryption. But this will of course depend on my Superiours permission for this.
She blushed deeply as she realized that he asked her to be some sort of Mediator between the Church and MFE. She didn't know what she should say about this proposal. It would be a Lie that she wasn't flattered by this. She Liked the People of Faith Haven and wanted to help them understand the Nomads better. Maybe this could lead to them evading the Nomads better so that the Suffer could be reduced then it would be even better.