Rethais and Vaksavar pressed the side of their heads to the door, hoping to better hear what was happening on the other side. Normally, the two Rethan Generals would be working very separate duties, but something weird was going on with their boss and they were curious. After a couple of moments, they were joined by Orthomen, the Rethan General of Agriculture, and Relkai, a very young Rethan General who had been abruptly put in charge of “youth engagement” not too long ago.
“Have they been in there long?” Orthomen, a perhaps too muscular being, grunted. Slithers of green, natural plating could be seen under his heavy silver and brown armour and black sash. “I had a meeting with the High General and he has not appeared.”
Rethais shrugged, but Vaksavar looked somewhat concerned. Not only was the oldest Rethan here, but he was also the one who had served the High General the longest. He’d also been the first to arrive at the door.
“It is a scenario of godly matters, I am afraid…” Vaksavar whispered. “All three of them entered in the forms of Rethavok, wanting to speak to High General Kenon. Somewhat unannounced and clearly concerned.”
“Did he take any staff in there?” Relkai asked, looking very confused. “Normally he has got some guards with him or something!”
Vaksavar frowned “No, he is completely without Rethan aid…”
“You say that as if he needs or cares about us,” Rethais tutted. “But you believe the three were the other deities, yes?”
“I cannot-”
A faint coughing sound made all four Rethavok pause. They turned to the source of the sound, a small, black-skinned, yellow-armoured Rethan with starry gold eyes. Deep down, they all somewhat knew who this being was, but none of of them wanted to say it out loud.
“You shouldn’t try and listen in…” the not-quite-a-Rethan sighed as he sat down on a nearby chair with a glass of water in his hands. “Godly stuff. You don’t need to know. Not yet, anyway.”
“Can you tell us what is going on at least, little one?” Orthomen grumbled, stomping towards the small, yellow being. “Because High General Kenon has mortal duties as well as godly ones. We need to speak to him on various issues.”
Before Orthomen could rant further, both Vaksavar and Rethais pulled him to one side, both of them scowling.
“Keep your mouth shut. That is Arkadin, the Thantophor.”
“He was supposed to be dead.”
“Well clearly he is not dead, so be respectful.”
“It’s fine, I understand…” Arkadin interrupted. “I disappeared. I came back. Turns out I never left. It’s all a big massive mess, and I get that you’re all confused. It’s all just… so hard to explain.”
“Then why not explain as best you can?” Relkai suggested. “We will not judge. Oh, uh, well, I will not judge.”
The other Rethan Generals all tutted in vague agreement. Arkadin eyed them all wearily, took a sip of his drink, then began to speak.
“Simply put, we’re having a messy divorce, and squabbles over who’s allowed in this universe and who isn’t. After the… incident, Kinisis was supposed to leave, Kenon was supposed to have been de-powered and I was supposed to be dead. None of that happened. And now everyone is arguing about what to do with what’s left.”
“And you are not joining in?” Rethais asked curiously.
“I just want them to come to a decision…” Arkay sighed. “I’m pretty tired of all of this these days… If you guys want, I can let you know when they’re all done?”
“What do you think they will do?” Vaksavar asked, ignoring the Thantophor’s request. “Will they split the universe? What?”
Arkay shook his head. “I have no idea. I’m sorry.”
Unsatisfied with the yellow Rethan’s response, Orthomen grunted, muttered a goodbye, then headed off, realising he had other work he needed to do. Vaksavar, Rethais and Relkai though all hesitated, before grabbing chairs and sitting down alongside Arkadin.
“It is fine,” Rethais smiled. “We will wait and find out together…”