Trust Material in The Void Between | World Anvil

Trust

Miranda Thrace eyed the soldiers as they patrolled the bridge. She was livid. The audacity of the elders left her with a mind to level the government complex from orbit, herself. To remove the powers associated with her rank was one thing. To do so with the army is quite another. No one likes a gun pointed at their head.   She took a deep breath. The cogs were already turning. This setback was easy to overcome, provided she maintained the element of surprise.   The soldiers' presence brought up many questions. They took control of the navy for a reason. Baker claimed it was "to ensure her compliance," but this implies there was reason to doubt her loyalty in the first place.   How could they know? She was careful never to openly question, or go against them. She proved herself an ally many times over. Why was it that without provocation and when it mattered most, they would act in this way.   She eyed everyone on the bridge, walking from station to station on a patrol of her own. Perhaps one was a spy, but no one save for Oliver knew of her plans, and the thought Oli turning against her was laughable, at best. How then could they know?   Miranda noticed the communications officer eyeing her as she passed. It was blatant, the kind of look that sends a message. Miranda nodded and stepped forward, eyeing the screen in front of her. Someone was trying to communicate with them, asking for Miranda specifically.   Miranda reached over, sent the communication to her quarters, and deleted every trace of its existence. She nodded to the officer and casually left the bridge.   When she reached her quarters, she locked the door behind her. She inspected every square inch of her quarters for any sign of surveillance. When she was confident she could take the message in private, she opened the file.   Mouse's face appeared on the screen, "Admiral Thrace, we want to ask for help in overthrowing the elders of Safeharbor. We have a secure channel set up to discuss our plan, and it simply won't work without you. We aim to succeed without a single life lost. We eagerly await your reply. We plan to move first thing tomorrow."
 
Good people of Safeharbor, this is Elder Kiernan, speaking for the Council of Elders. We have unfortunate and disturbing news to report, but we felt it best to engage you, the people, in a dialogue concerning recent events.   These are troubling times. It seems that every passing year gets worse for us, both as a society, and as a species. Were fewer now than we have ever been. I understand it can bring thoughts of fear, of anxiety, but we must remain United. We must remain strong.   Worry not, good people. Our species will be whole again, in time. It seems ironic to speak of salvation, given our history, but rest assured. Salvation is at hand. Trust in us, and we shall not disappoint.
   

Let's talk about Trust...

Trust is a valuable resource, and one in frighteningly short supply. You must be careful who you trust. Trusting the wrong people, the wrong environment, can lead to one's undoing, as the enemies of the state are soon to learn.   To our friends, our families, our people. Do you trust us? Do you trust our allies? We have kept you safe for so long, it is only right to do so. We have tended to this world, shepherding our flock to the point of greatness.   Trust is our most precious commodity. The trust we share with you, good people, is one cultivated with care and love. Our enemies failed to do the same.
 
Miranda and Mouse discussed the plan for some time. Miranda went over the plan a final time. "So, I will take the Colossus of Rhodes and position it above the complex, weapons primed to fire."   Mouse nodded. "Exactly, but don't fire. Me and a small team of wayfarers will enter the complex and offer an ultimatum. The elders must step down, or be forcefully removed, even if we need to use The Glass Garden to do it."   "Have you taken control of the garden?"   "No, we don't need to. The fact I know about it should be enough. It's their best kept secret."   "And the outcasts?"   "They will be waiting to enter the fray if we encounter resistance. Homebound has secure an underground route directly under the colony of Autumn."   Miranda smiled and clapped her hands slowly. "Well done. The army wouldn't be able to mobilize by the time you get to them. Baker shouldn't be an issue."   "Good," Mouse replied, breathing a sigh of relief. "We begin tomorrow then."
     

To our enemies

Tell us, traitors, Do you trust your own homes? Do you trust that bunker, that symbol of false promises, rebellion, and pride? How dare you oppose your own blood.   The unfortunate few you call allies were made by spreading anger and fear. You've driven your families from their homes, forced them into your bunker with no regard for their wellbeing.   Half of your entire force is lost out among the stars, unaware of just how much they are needed, and unaware of the death that awaits them when the return to answer for their treason.
 

To the outlaw, Rhey Thakur

You've corrupted members of our military, our government, and even our beloved archivist. You've doomed us all by taking our heroes away from us. You will all suffer the same fate.   By the time this broadcast airs, your rebellion will have already failed. Your body will be swinging from gallows built on the tallest building we can find.   We will not rest until you answer for your crimes. These crimes include treason, corruption, bribery, theft of government property, collusion with foreign powers, hoarding of advanced technology, inciting a riot, intended use of weapons of mass destruction, and murder.
   

In conclusion...

It seems that you and your ilk have taken to an ancient adage of our species. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," they said. Unseen and unheard, you failed to realize the position you were in. You failed to realize just how close your enemies could get.
     
Miranda stood and made a beeline for the bridge. A soldier raised a hand to stop her, saying "Admiral, where were you?"   She ignored him, pushing past him to reach the captain's chair. She brought the microphone up and broadcast a message to her entire fleet. "This is Admiral Miranda Thrace to all ships. It's time to take out the trash. No deaths."   Oliver nodded and in seconds, the crew on the bridge flew from their seats and overpowered the soldiers. They tore their rifles away, some taking three or four crewmen to hold the soldiers down. Within minutes, every soldier stationed in the fleet was bound and confined to cells on their respective ships.   As confirmations came in over the comms, Miranda's smile only got wider. "Regain control of the fleet, done. Now we wait."   Oliver laughed. "It's kind of scary how poorly trained our army is."   "What do you mean?" Miranda asked.   He sat in his chair and stroked his chin. "Half of the reports coming in claim the soldiers surrendered. Not a shot was fired. They didn't even try to fight, nor did they try to send out a call for help."   "I see."   Oliver sighed. "That's weird, right? I'm not just imagining it?"   "Yes and no," Miranda replied. She sat in the captain's chair and pondered the problem. "If I didn't know better, I'd say it was exactly what they were told to do." He nodded and she shook her head.   "They must have a serious spy network. I can't risk another communication. This knowledge gives us the advantage. We can only prepare. What happens, happens."


Cover image: Daniel Sandvik by

Comments

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Aug 15, 2021 02:58 by Stormbril

Trust as a valuable resource is a *fantastic* twist on the prompt haha, I love it. It's interesting to think of it in terms of a resource -- what actions produce trust, and what ones consume it?   That spy network mentioned in the prose undoubtedly consumes trust from one party, but produces it for another.   Also, I'm interested to see how this whole thing goes down. Does the spy network know of the plans? Is this all a set up? :O

Aug 20, 2021 06:45 by R. Dylon Elder

Mayyyybe...

Aug 15, 2021 08:47 by TC

First of all that is a genius answer to this prompt! And second of all, all that talk about spies... I mean they are invisible, aren't they? So they are literally everywhere? God the lack of reaction from the soldiers is making me panic, I was so confident this was gonna work but now you have doubt seep in like that how rude ;-; anyway. gosh. I'm so excited

Creator of Arda Almayed
Aug 20, 2021 06:47 by R. Dylon Elder

A nice little rule of fiction I learned a while back that will either blow your mind or make you hate me cause you will never see it the same way again: if they tell you what the plan is... its not gonna work out. Wheres the tension in that? Lol   In all seriousness though you hit right on the money. I'm glad it had the desired effect. Thanks so much!

Aug 15, 2021 20:09 by Time Bender

Oh, oh no. This is about to go downhill real fast, I can feel it! This would have been an excellent prompt answer though. :D

Aug 16, 2021 06:56

No problems YET... this makes me nervous. This is about as good of a supervillain speech as I have ever read; Taking the high ground while obviously having no scruples of their own. It's all just a big PR stunt to them.

Aug 20, 2021 06:49 by R. Dylon Elder

Exactly. I am dipping a little too far into Saturday morning cartoon villain here but I felt it worked out The confidence needed to record a victory speech before the fight is just... oof. Thanks so much my friend.

Aug 22, 2021 02:13 by Avalon Arcana

The way you wrote the letter section....man, I could feel myself getting hyped up in prep for all this is leading to finally come crashing together in something undeniably epic. Wonderful :D

You should check out the The 5 Shudake, if you want of course.
Aug 23, 2021 07:00 by Wendy Vlemings (Rynn19)

I would have never thought of trust as a resource. But it truly is. Such a great idea. Also, why do I have the feeling a trap has been sprung? Things are not looking good for our hero's.

Author of Ealdwyll, a fantasy world full of mystery.
Aug 23, 2021 15:15 by R. Dylon Elder

Oooo yeah Not good at all. It shall be a wild ride! Thanks so much!

Aug 24, 2021 19:28 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Oh no. Oh no. Oh no.

Emy x   Etrea | Vazdimet
Nov 5, 2021 21:57 by Grace Gittel Lewis

God things are about to go south aren't they. You're too good at suspense!

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