25th of Marsie, 0000 AC

Morning

The Ravissant Parliament, Peacock Road, Ravissant Brotherhood.

Pierre stormed in before any of the other nobles, confronting the president. “They are out for my head!” he yelled. Without even flinching, Roi Knox answered, “Yes… that was inevitable. We will increase your security ASAP.”

“I don’t want security!” Pierre spoke with an edge in his voice. “I want to be liked by the people again, to be the one they look up to for help.”

Roi was about to answer, but quickly looked away when the other nobles entered the room…

28th of Marsie, 0000 A.C.

Morning

Warriors Mess Hall, Kingfisher Avenue, Ravissant Brotherhood

Jacques hung up his Warrior jacket in the changing room; walked through rows of warriors eating lunch or playing cards; and exited the building. Having worked almost non-stop for about three months, he was finally getting a vacation.

He was still covered in scars from various battles: with Vedhas, Mhayas, Sudras and other types of clans, tribes or cults that were present in the barbarian regions of Ravissant. It was a difficult task to unite the entire continent, but they were nearing their goal day by day.

Jacques was now proficient in different martial arts styles, and had picked up a few languages during his travels to the ends of Ravissant. He had risen among the ranks and is the second highest ranking Elite in the Warrior Category.

He hadn’t seen his father for almost a month, after he’d made a startling statement regarding taxes on national television. He had not been seen in public for weeks, which is a good thing, considering how many people are hunting for him to take revenge for messing up their livelihoods.

Jacques knew the location of Pierre’s safe house, so he made his way over to spend some quality time with his father.

“Jacques!” a voice called. He turned to see Jeanne striding towards him, a big smile on her face.

“Guess what?” she grinned. “I got promoted to Deputy-General of the Armie!”

“Wow!” Jacques exclaimed. “We should go and celebrate!”

“My treat,” Jeanne flashed her newly acquired credit card and pulled him towards the restaurant region.

28th of Marsie, 0000 A.C.

Noon

Vice President Safe House, Barnes Road, Ravissant Brotherhood.

Pierre Rachine was sitting at his table, reading a novel, when the door opened and Jacques entered.

“Hey dad! Sorry I’m late,” Jacques hugged him, and recounted various details about his adventures over the past few months. In turn, Pierre informed him about the Brotherhood’s status quo, and the worrying change in the society’s mood.

Many people had lost their jobs, being unable to pay the large tax, and had to settle for non-taxable jobs, like tuition classes, or to work under large companies. All the citizens were unhappy with the current conditions, and death threats were received by all the nobles every day.

Now they only left their safe houses for the monthly report, until the commotion died down, though Pierre suspected it wouldn’t, unless they at least halved the tax rate.

“What a sad state of affairs,” Jacques reflected…