A new Imperial policy is being enforced. As it’s been several hundred sweeps since adults were allowed on Alternia, the passing-down of information in the Caverns has been gradually and subtly distorted. Cloisters off-planet have been reporting increasing numbers of new jade recruits who lack crucial knowledge for their task, or have been taught something wrong in the first place. To amend this issue, and to ensure the mother grub on Alternia is being properly cared for, a small team of adult jades has been sent back to Alternia, under strict orders, of course. They are to get everything up to standard, ensure the mother grub is healthy, and provide new resources to the younger jades that will ensure correct protocol is followed through in future, at least until those resources are lost or destroyed like the old ones.
It’s quite an ordeal to everyone in the Caverns, of course, as adults are practically mythical beasts of legend. More so for Lanque, as he finds himself forced to confront a familiar face, and a swell of unwanted and frankly unpleasant emotion. That familiar face sends a soft smile his way, and Lanque resents the gentleness of it. “𐑙 Hello, Lanque. I’m delighted to see you again. 𐑙”
For once, Lanque is speechless. A flood of buried memories and emotions hits him like ice water, and he feels so much that he doesn’t feel anything at all. He manages a vague, “Hello again,” before hurrying off. He’s not ready for this. He never thought he would need to be ready for this. Everything he’s rebuilt himself on is crumbling under him, and he feels as if he’s falling into a terrifying, mysterious darkness.
Robora is back.