Between Darkness and Light Read Online Free PDF Page B

Isolationists?”
    â€œThey not our equals,” said Zaimiss, getting up. “Are mere workers. You do not notice insects that pollinate flowers, why notice them?”
    â€œWithout insects, no crops,” snarled Shvosi, rising again. “You made Children, but we saved them from solar flare when Isolationists in majority and too busy causing friction in Camarilla for disaster to be noticed! I say Children give more to us than you!”
    â€œPhratry Leader Shvosi!” rebuked Khassiss. “Insults not allowed here.”
    Shvosi dipped her head in contrition to the female TeLaxaudin, but remained unrepentant. She turned to look at the whole gathering, throwing her forelimbs wide in appeal. “See what Isolationists do? They divide us! They offer nothing but criticisms of any but their own kind, and mad schemes to destroy the sun and us in attempt to move Ghioass!”
    Hkairass looked at Khassiss for support but none was forthcoming. “Skepp Lady,” he appealed.
    She stirred and looked up at him. “Sadly, Phratry Leader Shvosi is correct. Cannot remember your last positive input to Camarilla sessions, Hkairass.”
    Watch Isolationists all crawl to bushes now, Azwokkuss sent to Shvosi.
    â€œWhat of Reformers?” Hkairass countered. “Always they apologize for agents’ misdemeanors. Reality is agents go native. Working with other species corrupts them, makes them put others before us! The younger species drag us down to their level by contamination!”
    â€œYou discredit agents and younger species,” said Azwokkuss. “Forget they live in situations we only see through watching potentialities. They actually influence and change situations so best possible future can evolve. Forget historically that we protect younger species!”
    â€œCamarilla started to protect us!” said Shumass, standing briefly.
    â€œWas it?” asked Aizshuss gently. “I ask Unity to provide the answer from our records.”
    â€œDo it,” ordered Khassiss. “We will hold this discussion for answer.”
    Hkairass began to hum angrily.
    â€œWill have you removed if continue,” Khassiss warned him.
    He stopped abruptly and folded himself into a sitting position on the floor, obviously in a huff at her censure.
    Unity records the first meeting of Camarilla held because of concern at destruction of three younger worlds in war over misunderstanding. Conflict avoidable if neutral party had arbitrated. Decision made unilaterally to see this not happen again.
    Khassiss stood and addressed the gathering. “Unity cannot lie. Is clear what original purpose of Camarilla was—to protect younger species from themselves.”
    â€œHkairass has had his say,” said Azwokkuss, standing up. “I wish to Speak now.”
    Khassiss looked at Hkairass. “Step down, Skepp Lord,” she said in a tone that brooked no argument.
    Hkairass rose to his feet and stalked back to his place. As he passed Azwokkuss, he pointedly ignored him.
    â€œI Speak for the younger races and our agents,” said Azwokkuss when he was standing on the Speaker’s dais. “Have two choices before us. We ignore them and isolate ourselves—I not advocate trying to move Ghioass through gateway to another part of galaxy. Erecting a stronger energy nimbus than currently used is enough to conceal this world. Other choice is admit we belong to same space as younger races and work to avert disasters affecting us all—like current one involving possible reunification of remaining three sand-dweller worlds.”
    â€œAre risks,” said Htomshu, one of the moderate TeLaxaudin females, getting to her feet. “Discovery of what we are and do not wanted by any of us. Are vulnerable if attacked. Have technology to defend ourselves, but not physical form.” She sat down again.
    Azwokkuss nodded. “True. But we have our Children. We have the Prime sand-dwellers.