Chapter Ten
“Sisters.” Suh-Joh felt a pang of fear as she stared out at the arrayed rows of bulky and bloated Hive-Mothers, each draped across ancient resting rocks, polished from generations of use, each separated from the next by at least two body-lengths to prevent accidents from happening.
The Shrine lay in a steep-walled valley into which rivulets of crystal-clear water tinkled. The meeting area was in a bowl-like depression, lush with red vegetation. In the center, the ground underfoot had a thick mat of soft, almost springy ground cover as rich as any fine weaving. Insects twittered and sang among the carefully trimmed vegetation at the base of the cliffs. The entire Shrine was a monument to the Hool that existed prior to the great wars. The lush richness of that small valley inspired awe in all who came to visit.
“I stand before you,” Suh-Joh said. “To seek your acceptance. I am but a child of Lok-Nih and Zak-Joh, thrust into the role of Hive-Mother as a tool of their desires. As you well remember, Zak-Joh spoke of the need for unity; first to combat the ways of the Disobedient and then as a means to save Hool. His vision of salvation did not come to fruition in his short but glorious lifetime. Little did I know he had chosen me to fulfill that role.”
The Hive-Mothers’ breathing flaps moved in unison to release a collective grunt. For a moment, aromas of anger, fear, and disbelief filled the air. Zak-Joh’s role in beating back the movement of the Disobedient was history.
“His concern, no, his fear,” Suh-Joh said before any could issue a call for action. “Was the Way-of-the-Mother and peace on Hool would disappear.”
There was another sound. Some was agreement, perhaps even approval. More pleasant aromas mingled with the earlier emissions of suspicion and anger.
“It was his belief the way we chose to preserve genetic diversity increased conflict between the Hives. To test this belief, he and Lok-Nih have thrust me into this role. A role I did not take on willingly.” She paused to rise to her full height on her hind limbs.
She gestured toward the assembled priests. “A role which I am willing to give up should it be a violation of the Way-of-the-Mother.” She paused. “Yet recognize I carry a full complement of the genes of Zak-Joh, one of our greatest warriors in recent memory,” she said. “This means I can and will fight to preserve both the Way-of-the-Mother and my Hive, once recognized as the legitimate heir.”
The Shrine grew still. Even the insects seemed quiet. Perhaps they too, sensed the aromas of tension filling the air. Or perhaps it was because the Hive-Mothers were focused on Suh-Joh’s words.
“I did not come to this place of peace to threaten war.” Suh-Joh lowered herself. “I came in humility to be judged by those responsible for the purity of the Way-of-the-Mother, ready to accept whatever they decide.”
A rustle of movement swept the Hive-Mothers as their heads swiveled collectively toward the priests. None wished to be first and none wished to speak words the priests would refute.
The priests remained still and quiet. None issued any aromas.
“It is my desire, no, my commitment to work with the Council of Hive-Mothers to strengthen the Way-of-the-Mother and spread its truth to those who do not know its purity and truth.” She had deliberately made an oblique reference to the Disobedient. “To do that, I urge the Hive-Mothers, no, I beg them, to meet in council, at regular intervals, to resolve conflicts and find ways to promulgate the faith. As for my role in this experiment of Zak-Joh, I can only ask the guardians of the Way to examine the facts before they judge me.” She turned toward the priests and slowly lowered herself into the position of complete abasement. “I will accede to their judgment.”
Time ticked by. The vale remained silent.
She held the position.
A mournful wail of a solitary go-lik insect broke the silence.
The senior priest rattled his armored exoskeleton briefly. “Arise, it is time.”
Suh-Joh rose onto her hind limbs with her mid-limbs clasped in earnest supplication and head held high. “May the Spirit-of-the-Mother preserve Hool, my Hive, and least of all, may she grant mercy to this unfortunate child.”
A rustle of comments rolled across the Hive-Mothers, heads twisting every which way.
The senior priest of the Shrine rattled his exoskeleton plates against his resting-rock and raised himself up to his full height. He rattled again until the assemblage was silent.
“I have but few words, offered in humility.” The senior priest bent low. “The faith of Zak-Joh is without question,” the senior priest said. “The dedication of Lok-Nih to the Way-of-the-Mother was strong, unselfish, and will be long remembered. The history posted by Suh-Joh is accurate.” He paused and straightened. “After much deliberation, the Shrine believes her selection as Hive-Mother does not violate the Way-of-the-Mother.” His whispery words barely carried to the most distant Hive-Mother. The aroma of his approval was strong. “May the Spirit-of-the-Mother preserve us.” He turned toward Suh-Joh. “You may leave us while the Council discusses your fate.”
Suh-Joh bowed and retreated.
For several moments it was quiet. Conversation broke out among the Council. Strong voices rose to dominate the discussion. Powerful Hive-Mothers had interpreted her words as a sign of weakness. Others, neighbors to Suh-Joh, knew of her strength and understood her implied threat. Many secretly hoped for the restoration of peace between the Hives they enjoyed during the time of Zak-Joh. Constant preparation for attacks had for too long diverted resources needed to raise food. The constant struggle sapped the energy of the Hives, pushing them closer and closer to the edge. Suh-Joh’s call for peace sent a secret ripple of hope throughout the Council.
As the Mother-of-the-Sky touched the purple mountains in the distance, the Council voted to admit Suh-Joh as a member. The senior priest of the Shrine sent word to Suh-Joh she now had a resting-rock among the Hive-Mothers.
When Suh-Joh heard the Hives had listened to the priests, her fear of being destroyed as an abomination was over. She knew she owed her life to the priests.
I am forever in their debt. I must obey them in all things, she vowed. I must be a good child.