Note: This is set on the 4th of February 2016
“Deep breath, ser.”
“I know, Teekay, I know…” Elkay sucked in air through his nostrils, before slowly expelling it through his mouth. He hated press conferences with other-racial media. They were ravenous monsters. Gnashing and clawing at every little word one said. At least the Rethan media, although no longer controlled by the Stratos, politely put up their hands and waited their turn.
Today’s conference was not a fun one. With the appearance of the ‘Veth’ and Deitics breaking the Treaty of the Four, not to mention what had happened with the High General, Elkay had to calm the masses on his own. Would be far easier without the stupid Cassid media, but that was one of the downsides of being a member of the Maza.
Two of Elkay’s Ksa guards opened the doors ahead, revealing the press room. Many of the beings sitting there leaped up to ask questions, only to be pushed down telekinetically. Elkay nodded a thank you towards Teekay for his over-protectiveness, but it was required today. The media was ravenous.
Elkay floated towards the podium, wings wide open, with two guards, Veekay and Geekay, standing behind him. Teekay remained by the doors, and three other Ksa guarded the other exits.
Normally Elkay would have had a speech prepared, but with the suddenness of recent events, he’d had no time to do so. All he had were sparse notes. He took a final deep breath, before starting to speak.
“Good day, fellow vok. Before I start, I would like to inform you that I will not answer any questions until the end of my statement, and you are to remain silent until then.”
His eyes scanned the room. It was ordered racially. The Rethan media stood to the right, Cassids and Vreka jostled in the middle and Vohran, Thanatian and Bayvak reporters flanked the left. At the back was a single lone Lanex, who had attended every press conference he had been able to.
“Information is still coming in. From what we have discovered, a group of Deitics, consisting of members of the Anexartitaic, Kronospasmic and Allagonic races, has managed to break the barriers between life and death, the main side effect of this being that no one currently alive as of 2:02am on February 2nd is capable of dying. This appears to only apply to beings who are conscious of their existence, mindless zoa will still die as normal. How they have actually accomplished this is still under investigation, but given how little time has passed…”
Elkay paused and glanced at his wristband. Was it only the 4th? It felt like weeks had been and gone.
“… and how this Soul Rupture has not affected the general populace, all the members of the Maza must work together and gain definitive information on what is truly going on. While the majority are simply immune to death, some have been subject to horrific transformations, which Lanex experts have told us are called Veth. Veth are dangerous beings, and we have sent out details on how individuals and groups alive can protect themselves from Veth. It is important to remember that these beings are a. as immune to death as we are and b. are fellow vok like you and I, they appear to be under the influence of some external force. Rethan, Vohran and Cassid scientists are currently working on a way to return victims back to their normal forms. Until then, we have set up facilities to capture and hold Veth.”
Another pause. The Cassids were desperate to leap up and ask questions. He took another breath, wondering what questions they had in mind. He knew right away what would be their first.
“Currently, most of our information has come from the Lanex, our newest Maza members. Because of their former Deitic nature, they have been targeted by the Veth, and, as always, the Retha will protect those who require it. This Soul Rupture though has brought with it other, less desirable guests. The other Deitic races have attempted to infiltrate and live among us. I wish to ask these Deitics to reveal themselves and not hide in the shadows. If you had nothing to do with the Soul Rupture, then we will offer our protection, as we would to anyvok else. But keep in mind that while you live among us, you are bound by Rethan laws, and the laws of any other vok you happen to settle with.
“That covers most of what is going on currently. While I understand that many of you are worried or scared, we must remain strong and, more importantly, we must carry on with our lives, as if we were still susceptible to death. The Veth will be treated like any other illness, and the Deitics responsible for this mess will be punished. Until then, continue as normal, and look after yourselves.”
Elkay mentally patted himself on the back, then took a few more deep breathes. It was question time.
“Thank you for listening. I will now answer a few questions. Please try and remain civil.” The Vice General scanned the crowd. Unable to put up with their stupid bouncing, he picked out a young Cassid from the middle of the room. “You there.”
“Mister Vice General, I’m Cassius Julianos. Can you confirm rumours that the Veth are attacking anything that moves?”
“I cannot confirm anything currently, but most of our reports state that the Veth only appear to accidentally harm us formerly mortal beings. They are more interested in hunting down Deitics. Next question please, you there, Vohra.”
A blue and red Vohra stood up, realised he couldn’t be seen then stood on his chair. “Vice General Elkay, what is being done about vok who are being experimental with our non-death-ness?”
Elkay sighed. “Any Rethan who harms another Rethan will be subject to Rethan laws as always. How other races will deal with the issue is up to them!” Elkay was surprised at the questions so far. The next one though had to be it. Time for a Rethan question, he wanted to soften the blow for the big one. “Essenay, your question please.”
Essenay, a gold and green Rethan, stood up, his face etched with feelings similar to Elkay’s. “Vice General, there are rumours of the appearance of other beings, winged creatures connected to the Veth. Do you have any more information?”
“Yes, we do have a few reports of winged creatures, but we do not have enough information to give an accurate statement. I will release a statement when our reports have concluded, which should be tomorrow morning. Next question please.”
Another Cassid, this one older, spoke. “My name is Ptolmeus Dionus. General Elkay…”
“… Vice General…” Elkay interrupted. Stupid thing should respect Elkay’s rank.
“Vice General Elkay, where is the leader of the Retha? Why is High General Photeianos not here making this speech?”
That was the question Elkay was not looking forward to answering. But he answered it anyway. “Unfortunately, High General Photeianos is one of the tiny minority of beings who has become a Veth. We apprehended him at 7am on the 2nd and he is currently under house arrest, patiently awaiting a cure to his condition.”
As Elkay spoke, he could feel the Cassids’ desires to shout out questions, but knew better than to feed their addiction.
“So who is in charge of the Retha?” Ptolmeus asked.
The Vice General hid his smile. “As proclaimed in the Constitution of the Rethavok, I am, until the High General can return, or until the next general election. I will not be answering any more questions, thank you.”
The Ksa started guiding the reporters out of the exits, as Elkay drifted out of the room, flanked by Teekay, Veekay and Geekay. Teekay closed the door behind them, then turned to the Vice General.
“Difficult times lay ahead, ser.”
Elkay nodded. “Indeed, Teekay. But we will prevail. We always do.”