2023-09-26: ...my callers, i come to you humblE
- Cutscene: ...my callers, i come to you humblE
- Cast: Yuliana Kafim
- Where: The Silent Castle, distributed throughout the internet
- Date: 2023-09-26
- Summary: Yuliana explains her terrorist actions to her people, expressing her regret and her grief for what she has done -- whilst blaming the Federation's provocation.
Yuliana's study is a comfortable place, sunlight filtering through the window. A fireplace crackles, in the background. There are books on the shelves, and figurines on the desk, stylised metallic dragons. The camera is angled close to her; it's a matter of parasocial engagement, of course.
And she is mournful, in her black robes and winged headdress, all laden with her ceremonial jewels. "You may have heard a tragedy occurred in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte," she starts, spreading her hands. "And this, I say, is true. It is with deep regret that I confirm I headed this attack. I know you may be feeling hurt -- confused. I see that some of you may have family from Colombo... perhaps there are even devotees living in the city itself. My Callers, I come to you, humble, to explain that day."
She folds her hands on her desk, delicately, one hand upon the other. "I have told you of the crisis at Denver Colony," she starts, solemn. "The lengths I was forced to go to, assisted by the RX-0 Phenex, to save our Earth. As you know, I claimed the Psychoframe cluster from the Colony, having Seen that the Federation could no longer be trusted with such artifacts." She takes in a deep breath, and sighs, a moment's pause.
"What followed was nothing less than a fortnight of interrogation. Not only was our High Priestess demanded day in and day out to explain what moved us -- to men who could never understand what I See -- but our private communications were bombarded by their spies and technicians seeking to gain access to our systems. You will remember, I am sure, how infrequent my communications were. I could not speak."
She closes her eyes, and pulls her hands up, clasped together. "I admit to you," she says, saddened, "I was moved to rage by these men. The same changeability which inspires Power to speak through me may be stirred by Earthly creatures. I fell to a rage, and saw only that I should exact a blood price from the people who tortured me. I thought to move with sacred retribution..." And this, as well, is a precept they preach, that the self is inviolate and any who violate it may be justly punished.
"... but... I say to you, now, my rage blinded me," she says, all downcast, as she clasps her hands to her heart. "I acted carelessly -- with no regard for the lives of the innocent -- and though my targets were not those people in their homes, there are mothers now without sons, children without mothers, sisters bereft of brother. I should not have acted in such haste! I allowed the Federation to provoke me to anger, and it is not Chairman Jie and his men who paid the price. I mourn for this senseless violence, unjust and unsanctioned. I promise you, my people, that I have taken action to ensure I am not so easily tricked again!"
She sighs, again, her hands lowering. "I extend my regret to all those trapped on the Republic's soil, now suffering under the Chairman's Martial Law. I say to you, I meant not to facilitate them. I say as well that when we are able to make contact, all victims of our attack on Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte are welcomed to contact the Silent Calling to receive their just reparations for what they have suffered. I ask, as well, that you extend your mercy to the Hua Lian rebels, unjustly targeted by the Chairmen's men by Martial Law."
Yuliana takes a moment, before she spreads her hands again. "I hope that you will accept my heartfelt regrets for that day, which should not have happened. I pray you will continue with us, in this uncertain world, towards a future which I promise will soon come. The Federation's trickery has not dissuaded me from delivering your salvation! With mercy and compassion, I move forward."
The message ends, posted to the various Silent Calling mailing lists to their growing followers -- and online, to various video sites, reuploaded when they're taken down.