Ep 198 Script

(everyone in new outfits)

S: is this…right? (has arm cuff half done)

K: here. (does cuff up)

R: lookin’ good fellas.man, it’s been forever since I haven’t worn synthetic fabric workout gear.

F: no one made you do that.

R: it was the style on Kooup, I was blending in, ok? i will miss the leggings, though (they were so breathable)

S: how come the clothes here are so…old-fashioned? theyre like something you’d see in a history book.

K: there was a movement towards clothes made with cheaper, more readily-available fabric that could be mass-produced at a faster rate, but the Council ruled that the environmental impact of it wasn’t worth the convenience. the old styles have been optimised for comfort and manoeuvrability when flying, so most regions just keep to whatever has always worked best for them.there’ve been some changes over the decades obviously, but jeans haven't quite made it here, yet.

F: why fix what isn’t broken.

R: when Kooup split they basically went buckwild with the fast fashion and technology over there which is why they have…cars.

S: they dont have cars here??

R: you’ll see.

C: the High Crow will see you now.

R: let’s get this over with.

(outside, going to temple at top of island)

S: ive never…seen so many Crows in one place.

C: we are 346 strong here. Purtch is where recruits are trained, and functions as our homeroost.

S: there are…more Crows than this on Avarie?

C: (smiles) oh, yes. many, many more. only a miniscule fraction chose to defer to Kooup, you will find. if the High Crow allows you to continue your journey, that is.

C: High Crow, I have brought the guests as directed.

HC: ah, the latest of those who deign to disturb me.

S: (a dove?! no…the wings are still crow wings. so he’s…a Crow with albinism?)

HC: welcome back, Lady and Lady Vermillioss. we won’t be yelling today, i trust?

R: (to scra and ky: i may have gotten a bit excited yesterday)

K/S: excited??????

F: i apologise for the theatrics yesterday, we had come a long way and were distraught after our discovery on Duune. there will be no more outbursts.

S: (Duune?)

K: looks at floor (Crow Island).

HC: let us hope not, i still have yet to decide whether to believe your tales or escort you to The Council for trial. you, Crow. where do you hail from?

S: H-hail?

HC: what is your flock name? (Ree panicking in bg)

S: Frax - …(No, im not a part of the BlackAsh Murder anymore) Eldwode.

HC: Eldwode?! now that’s a name I haven’t heard in many years, it’s rare for you to leave your homeroost nowadays, is it not?

S: (this is…working? What Cyras said back then, about all the Corvid groups on Kooup being named after old-world factions (ep 161) must’ve been more on the nose than i thought_

S: y-yes, we mostly only leave for special circumstances, such as this mission we were tasked with (looks at ree who nods small).

HC: the secret and very important mission drafted by The Council for information gathering on Kooup, yes yes I heard all about it yesterday. i am more interested in your side of the tale, as you have a more intimate understanding of the goings-on of the Corvids on Kooup, i believe?

S: I-i went through a traditional initiation into a Murder, yes.

HC: Traditional, as if the mutilation of our young has any bearing on any of our traditions.

S: T-they seem to be…very set in their ways, there. (subconsciously holds tattoo. ky sees)

HC: and the Ashguard Cyras is heading it all, so i hear. (looks at C who nods)

S: He’s…there leading the Corvid meetings, and Boss of the most notorious Crow Murder, yes. (Cyras really did come from here?)

HC: he pleaded with me to be sent over to evacuate our elderly, but his overambition to rule led to the decimation of Duune’s population as they awaited rescue by us back to Avarie. he will be punished accordingly when he returns.

K: actually, it was -

S: Cyras is dead. he was killed during a rescue mission to save a Hybrid. it was during the days after that Duune was attacked, i estimate. the Dole had discovered the general location of Duune, so it was only a matter of time before they found it. (C looks shocked)

HC:...that is sorrowful news. Cyras was one of the most passionate in preserving our ways, despite his flaws.  i still find it hard to believe Doves are responsible for the massacre on Duune.

F: The Dole are an entity entirely separate to believers on Avarie. they preach purity above all else, and act as divine justice to deal punishments to those who commit acts of indiscretion against nature, or society, as they see it.

Hc: so you have said. as you have also mentioned that your purpose on Kooup was information-gathering. (rolls up paper he had been writing on) as specific as that is, i suspect the four of you wouldn’t be at the top of the list of agents sent to conduct such an important mission. so tell me, (stretches out hand to window) will you give me the truth, this time, or shall i write to The Council and ask them their thoughts on the matter?

(white crow lands on arm)

Crow: CAW!