5.2

“Considering that it’s a normal factory that had a release of toxic fumes and liquids and not a nuclear power plant that had a melt-down, it’s not the highest level of hazards. I agree that thirty or more seems like too much for this kind of incident.
      If you take into account that our last visit was only four months ago, and the next one will now be ten months away approximately, I think twenty-four would be a good number. We will be taking up more people than we normally would have this year.
      We could also decide to reset the seven month count after this Rite, in addition to taking up more people. That would give people a bit more hope perhaps, but that would mean diverting from the traditions. In any case, doubling the amount of people we bring up seems like a fair deal to me after killing hundreds again,” Aidan quickly argued.
      “That seems like a valid point. Good reasoning. If we reset the counter, we will be taking triple the amount of workers we would have taken this year. Can we handle that? Because I feel like starting the seven month count anew after the Rite would give the little lambs more hope and it might prevent discontent. In any case, we should announce we’ll be taking double the people soon and that we’re moving the Rite up,” Plinius followed.
      “I think resetting the month counter for the next Rite is a good addition. It doesn’t make sense to move this one up without adjusting the schedule of the next ones as well,” spoke Father Xavierno. “If we don’t adjust the schedule, it only adds three more months of risk for a revolt if the lambs aren’t satisfied.”
      Aidan saw Jura looked at him with aversion, disgust even. He definitely did not expect Aidan to come up with a proper solution.
      “I say we mention it at the morning mass tomorrow. The people of Underconqueron always listen to that, because we livestream it across the entirety of the underground and the working places always make them listen to it before starting the work. Make it a show, make them pay attention to the radio first so that we’re sure they’ll hear the announcement,” Aidan continued after his father’s interruption.
      “Splendid idea!” Kley exclaimed, almost knocking over his cup of tea in excitement. “I’ll start preparing the text for tomorrow’s service right away!”
      Without further ado, he left the council hall. He didn’t even finish the tea that was prepared specifically for him.
      Aidan quickly glanced Jura’s way. The council elder was fuming, trying to keep calm and collected. But Aidan could see it in his eyes. The anger, but also envy and even a tiny bit of resentment. All because a mere nineteen-year-old with no life experience or political background just took over his role. Gave the solution the council was eager for. Pleased the ruler of the city.
      Xavierno didn’t notice, or at least pretended he didn’t notice, the jealousy of his council elder and kept the discussion going.
      “We will be taking twenty-four people this time. Vitar, prepare the right amount of drugs for the ritual. Plinius, I want you on the security this time. Last time we had one of the other council members do it – Polites was it? – and he handled it well, but can definitely not handle double the amount. Especially not with a festival added on top of the Rite.” Xavierno swiftly gave his commands and then turned to Aidan and Jura. “Aidan, I want you to go with Vitar this time. Learn about the drug. Jura, you will welcome the workers up here as usual. Read to them from the book to tell them how generous we are that we safe them from their miserable lives in Underconqueron and how grateful they should be.
      And Aidan, don’t forget to look for a personal servant when we descend.”
      The message was clear. He wasn’t coming back up without picking someone on the day of the Ascension Rite.