The Role of the Council

“So what do I do now?” Aurora asked. “Are we some sort of government? Are we superheroes, solving all the worlds' worst problems? Ooh, is there some ancient adversary we need to constantly be on guard against?”

As usual, Raeth didn't seem to fully appreciate her form of humor.

“What we do is nothing so grandiose,” Raeth replied. “We maintain a balance. We prevent disruption to the system. We study the source and the Builders' legacy in order to perform both more effectively.” They checked the small device again at the next branch in the way, this time heading down the left route.

“Oh,” Aurora said. “So like, the boring sort of government.”

“Ha! I would hardly call it boring. It's a very careful balancing act we perform. The Council maintains a relationship with hundreds of different civilizations on worlds with completely divergent versions of life and physics. Keeping them in check, controlling the flow of information and material... it's all quite complex.”

“If you're into that sort of thing,” Aurora mumbled. In a louder voice, she added, “So what will my role in all this be?”

“That remains to be seen,” Raeth said. “It will depend in part on what you can do. Enta viyane are very much a product of their worlds. In all previous cases, a world has been studied thoroughly to determine the effects that might become present. Earth wasn't to be on the list for some time yet. The anomaly... warrants investigation.”

“So you've said,” Aurora said. “Does that mean we have no idea what I can do?”

“My observations are a start, as will be your testimony.”

Testimony. That would mean... God, she did not want to talk about that. Not to anyone. What if they decided she was dangerous? Did the Council have some sort of jail? Could she be... de-powered somehow? Questions she could ask Raeth. They might be understanding.

“How much longer are we walking?” Aurora asked instead.