The Legacy of Kankro Dira

Talon-Cadet Kankro Dira had no difficulty applying for and receiving a position at the Dira Institute for Biotechnics. It was a part of every Kallimari citizen's life, but the letter of acceptance from the university – and the soldier's rank slides delivered in a manila envelope – had still been a cause for a nice meal out in celebration with his family.

Soldier Kankro Dira got on well at the Institute. They'd always keep with them their fond memories of walking down the Promenade, cafes and corner-shops either side of a street, the center of which was a half-decayed wall built during the war. The city authority let it decay and let plants grow on and around it, a memory of what had happened slowly being subsumed into the future. A nice place to sit with a drink and let an essay idea swim around his subconscious.

Talon Kankro Dira was a post-doc student at a research group for future advances in medicine. Their life was much the same as as a student. The wall on the promenade still stood, maybe one or two bricks fallen into the fenced-off wild lawn that surrounded it.

Flight Commander Kankro Dira had been made the second-in-command of a research group. He was too busy now to enjoy the Promenade, too busy to keep note of its record of the passage of time. When he had time to enjoy a drink, it was enjoyed while speedwalking to his department offices.

Squadron Commander Kankro Dira was given a special appointment to the Cartographers' Guild. They thought it would be a break from the pace of life in the Institute.

As those who have followed the records of the Cartographers know well, it was not.

Wing Commander Kankro Dira was made the military attache to the Cartographers' Guild. They worked hard to rebuild the trust that Velraisil's attack had broken, and his labour bore fruits. The defensive alliance grew stronger, to the point that when he received a letter forewarning his next assignment, one who had not examined the tale of the Founders would believe with good cause that it could never crumble.

Dear Comrade Wing Commander Kankro Dira,

Though I must confess my time in service has left me too worn to keep up with present politics, I do pass my eyes over the weekly assembly minutes just to catch any familiar names on the slate for promotion. I was rather glad to see yours mentioned this morning, alongside the rank of Vice-Marshal and the Secretariat for Healthcare.

Glad, but not surprised. Yours seemed ever the sort of soul to make a good fit for such a position, and I have no doubts that you will do it the justice it deserves. I need not bid you remember that our work is for good of the people of the galaxy, but I shall say the same thing I used to say to secretarial appointments during my time in office: Kallimar is not a planet built by great hands – it was a planet all but destroyed by them. Kallimar is a world built by the labour of the masses. You are not a great individual – there is no such thing – but you will no doubt be well remembered for your great service.

Until the Workers of the Galaxy are Free,

Sky-Marshal Emeritus Lathaleeay Veeris

Have you heard the tale? Of the Unseen Foe?

One who walks in shadows – yet strikes in light? Perhaps – for those who listen do not hear whispers of an individual. They can all be corrupted and destroyed. Those who listen may hear of a symbol – the values it represents everlasting. For symbols are powerful because they are the visible signs of invisible realities.

Have you seen the sword? Of the Unseen Foe?

A reminder for tyrants to be – it precariously looms over those who would think their powers are above all others. Its cut is not lessened whether you can spot it or not. Yet you can always sense its presence, feel its point resting on your shoulders. For the tyrant always fears what cannot be controlled.

Have you listened to the voice? Of the Unseen Foe?

It is soft and benevolent? Or is it cruel and harsh? Perhaps determined and firm? I for one do not know – nor do I need to know. The Unseen Foe may whisper or shout. Yet it is what the Unseen Foe doesn’t say or do – that sends the loudest message. For actions are always louder than words.

Have you seen the face? Of the Unseen Foe?

Of course you have not. One does not perceive the Unseen Foe. That would be foolish and pointless. The best one may hope for – is to understand what the Unseen Foe did. For what is seen is temporary – but what is unseen is eternal.