Chapter one
This is a translation of a story written in French of which I myself am the author
I fell to my knees, my eyes completely appalled. What the hell had I done? What demon escaped from the depths of the tartare had taken possession of my body? I lamented as before me the beautiful Solaria vanished into the flames. Generations of history were extinguished by my fault ... The equivalent of several lives ..
Suddenly I heard a cry. There were still people inside. They were trapped in this glowing blaze and struggled to survive. This simple observation terrified me. I wanted to help them but She prevented me. I didn't even know She was around.
- Where are you going ? She asked me with all the coolness and detachment that were proper to her.
- There are people inside you have to save them, I answered panicked.
She stared at me as if I had just announced that I wanted a glass of water.
- No you will do nothing because you will not put yourself in danger for them.
- But it's my fault ...
- Precisely nobody knows. Better that nobody knows that you were present, she said, staring at me.
- What about these people?
- Let's go, she ordered, pulling me away from this macabre scene.
- But there are people inside. They are going to die, I told her, opposing her gesture.
- And although they die, she said coldly. You have the choice: them or you. Up to you.
Like a rag doll, I let it go. I let her get away from this blaze for which I was solely responsible. I didn't even try to resist her, condemning the fate of these innocent people.
"Coward," my subconscious screamed at me.
"I couldn't have saved everyone anyway," I tried to convince myself.
- Cowardly ! The voice persisted in my head.
- Someone else will help them.
- Sissy!
- I would have left my skin and my reputation there unnecessarily, I growled inwardly.
- Bastard !! My guilt screamed at me.
- You could not have done much anyway, she told me, opening the door of a van parked near a hedge.
As always, she had known how to detect the internal fight I was leading with disconcerting ease. So it was without hesitation that I climbed into the vehicle, quickly followed by her.
The driver drove off. From the window where I was, the spectacle was magnificent. There was something poetic about it. Solaria stood proudly in the midst of the flames which engulfed her almost entirely. Despite the resistance she had shown for minutes now, Solaria finally collapsed in the flames, in a bloodcurdling noise.
...............
The smell of coffee had invaded the room as a jazz tune floated. Past served a cup to everyone in the room, eleven people. She did not ask them any questions about their coffee preference because here the coffee was taken the same way: black and with a lump of sugar.
- I hope this time this little comedy will not go on forever because I have to do, said a slender young man and very pleasant to watch.
He was dressed in a monochrome navy blue shirt and white pants. His milk-coffee-colored skin was therefore perfectly highlighted.
"Perfect, always wanting to get attention," Empress scolded him, sitting on a sofa in the corner of the room. You always behave like you're the only one in this family with a job.
- I don't have to worry more than that to do it my dear. I'm not like you who's always looking for a way to lick the witch's ass, the guy replied immediately.
- Perfect! Both Emperor and Present let go in shock.
- I just say out loud what people think whispered
- Who in this room except Past needs your help to formulate their thoughts loud and clear? Century replied without even denying looking up from his cell phone.
.- So it's bad for Past, said Time.
- Bad ? I can't find it, Gift replied to her binocular. Century has only stated a fact, and he is right. Past is the only one who doesn't know how to use her mouth properly.
- Gift! Present and Emperor reprimanded her.
- What ? It's the truth. In addition, since she does not defend herself, it is because she must basically recognize that what I am saying is true. Isn't it true Past?
Gift's insolence tried to get Present to retaliate, but Past beat him:
- You're right, Gift. Talking is not my strong suit.
Perfect chuckled then let out a "Pathetic".
- The coffee is delicious as usual. Thanks Past. It really is the best coffee I've ever tasted, Future said.
- Thanks Future. Please let me know if you want another cup.
.- You made the same comment about the coffee we drank in this Cuban restaurant, said Empress.
- Truly ? Future exclaimed.
- Is it surprising coming from a glutton? He could swallow cow dung that he would find delicious, Eternal said.
- Hey! Future took offense. I am not a glutton.
- Yeah that's it, said to hearts the people present except Past who remained motionless near the coffee maker.
Shocked, Future sulked.
- Come on, don't sulk my heart, Eternal said.
- Never call me "my heart" again. Even as a joke. And then insult me? Me the cutest of this snake family? Future said theatrically.
"I'm not insulting you my heart," Eternal replied, emphasizing the last two words. You see, you are a glutton and it is a fact known to all. Even your teammates can attest to that.
- Stop with that nickname. It makes me nauseous.
- Would you prefer that I call you my son?
- You are certainly a priest, but you and I were carried by the same uterus. So your Father-Son Stories don't work on me.
- Are you sure my son? Eternal blurted out mockingly.
The others burst out laughing, which greatly annoyed Future who was about to pounce on his brother when the door opened on an elderly lady in a black velvet wrap dress. A mortuary silence followed his entry. .and like one man, the twelve people present rose to greet silently this arrival. The newcomer joined the others on the long table where everyone was seated except two people.
- Past comes to take place let's see. you are ridiculous to stand there like a vulgar servant.
- I was waiting to be able to serve you myself mother.
- You are adorable sweetie but it is not necessary. Perfect will. Isn't that Perfect?
The man almost jumped up from his chair to serve a cup of coffee.
- And you Empress? What the hell are you doing in this corner like a bedside lamp?
- I wanted to get away from the noise to finish the file of the town hall.
- You are very hardworking. That's what I like about you. But this file won't fly off if you let go for ten minutes, the woman said gently.
- You are right mother, said Empress, joining the table.
But to get to the only unoccupied place, she had to pass by Perfect, who was stirring their mother's cup with a spoon.
"Always playing fayottes," he whispered to his sister.
She glared at him before taking her place. Their mother was the only one seated at one end of the table. She did not take place unlike her children. Melingui Clarence, her maiden name, was still very beautiful for her age. she had an average build and her outfit brought out the curves nicely. Her braids had been gathered in a bun at the top of her head, bringing out the slanted look of her eyes. A rosy lipstick was her only trace of makeup.
- My loves, if I have reunited you on this day, it is because the investigation on Solaria has been reopened.
- What do you mean ? Are you sure? Far asked.
"Of course she is certain," said Empress. Do you think she would have called such a meeting based on mere guesswork?
- Who informed you? Emperor asked.
- The governor ... he's not good at holding his tongue. This time they are inspectors from the capital who will lead the investigation.
- But why ? This is absolutely absurd, Immortal first says. .the case was closed five years ago and it was concluded that it was a simple accident. A logistical problem.
"So something serious had to happen for him to reopen the investigation," Time said. In addition, they are sending people from the city this time.
"It doesn't matter," said Melingui. .As long as you don't answer any of their questions without my presence or that of the Empress, all will be well.
- But we don't have to worry since neither of us did? Time asked.
He exchanged glances but no word was said. .Melingui therefore approached his youngest son and took his hand.
- Yes my angel. What an idea ! None of us could have done it. But in this kind of situation it is always better to be on guard. If they send inspectors it is to find a person in charge. .and they won't hesitate to create one.
Then turning to the rest of her children she said:
- We are a family. This sentence really takes on its meaning today. So I'm counting on you to prove to me that you know what this means. .and I did not tolerate any regard for behavior. But that is not likely to happen, true my loves?
