Printed Post Issue 25 | Page 31

plans on hold. All of you know that Cyan is trying to simplify the department. You make it very difficult,” he sighed, shaking his head. sun the earth started to cool. Millions of years of predictable weather conditions hadn’t prepared anyone for the catastrophe that was to come.” “Why won’t you give us a chance to explain? You rant and rave about what we’ve done wrong and you don’t let any of us speak. It wasn’t deliberate. You take all the enjoyment out of it.” Wehttam cried helplessly. “The ice and snow leaders decided this was their chance to rule over everything. Snow accumulated on the ground and without heat to melt it, it slowly turned into ice sheets and glaciers. The little sun light that did get through the clouds was reflected back upwards and rendered useless in melting what was becoming an ice problem.” “Enjoyment!” Cyan screamed, his eyes popping and the veins at his temples throbbing alarmingly. “It took millennia for the dust to settle. The winds had become so cold that they were weakened and ineffective, unable to blow holes in the cover. There were still rain storms for a few centuries, which cleared small pockets of the ice, but the weather elements decided that as the rain froze, it was only making the ice leaders’ job easier to take over. Eventually the whole planet was covered in ice. How anything survived is still a mystery to most of us.” He spun and faced the group, sweeping his hand in their general direction, “Get out! All of you just get out of my sight,” Cyan barked. He couldn't believe how much anger he felt towards the people sitting in front of him. They left quietly, no one wanting to do or say anything in case Cyan started again. “Genetics and evolution,” mumbled Cyan. He called to Atteir, who was the last to walk through the door. “The point is these four ruffians of ours are not the only ones to have caused destruction by negligent actions. At least this damage was isolated. We all make mistakes when we’re young, Cyan.” “Atteir, come see me in a couple of days. I need to talk to you, but now is not the right time.” Atteir gave a snuffled acknowledgement and Cyan felt sorry that she had been in the room during his tirade. He understood that she wasn’t part of this business and had been dragged into it unwillingly. He also understood that without her, things would have been a lot worse. It was unfortunate he had been so enraged when they all arrived; he hadn’t thought to send her out to Maude. “Not me! I can’t afford to make mistakes. As a half caste here in Naturalis I have to be perfect. I never been allowed to draw attention to myself. I studied hard and tried to fit in as best I could. Earth means more to me than most people in Naturalis. I have the history of both places in my heart,” C 典