Season 03 - Episode 03

‘the process glorious’

Pho sits perfectly still before a mirror, her reflection resplendent in robes of glowing white, patterned intricately with gold. Behind her, a girl in a plain grey robe holds an enormous hat, a huge inverted cone with point cut off, decorated to match Pho's robes.

The young woman trembles visibly as she lowers the hat onto Pho's head. She places the hat and releases it, letting out a little gasp of held breath.

“No,” says Pho.

“My apologies, Holy Mother,” whimpers the girl.

She glances over her shoulder to the statue still, black robed figure in the corner whose face is hidden within an enormous hood. The figure's pitch black robes bear the same patterns as Pho's except in white. The girl gulps and with infinite care, lifts the hat from Pho's head and tries again and then again.

“Go with love, my child,” says Pho eventually, dismissing the girl as she stands.

The girl scurries from the room as a tall, slender woman enters. She is also dressed in white robes but with only a small flash of gold decoration. Her hair is a mess and she looks worried.

“Holy Mother,” says the woman, bowing deeply.

“Ah, Diligence,” says Pho, still inspecting her reflection. “Get rid of her.”

“Holy Mother?” asks Diligence.

“The dresser,” says Pho. “I don't want to see her again. Give her to the Sons. A reward for their recent victories in battle.”

“As you say it, Holy Mother,” says Diligence. “So shall it be.”

“Is it ready?” asks Pho.

“It is, Holy Mother,” says Diligence gravely. “If you would care to come with me?”

Pho plucks a speck of dust from her robes then finally turns from the mirror.

“Will the, erm...” says Diligence, glancing to the figure in the corner.

“The Archangel will remain here,” says Pho.

Diligence walks backwards from the room, talking to Pho all the way, until they move out into the corridor where she falls in line beside and slightly behind her.

“And what of your sister virtues?” asks Pho who appears to float beneath her robes, ignoring everyone else in the corridor who stops to kneel as they pass.

“Patience reports that she is making good progress with her, erm...” says Diligence, before glancing around and lowering her voice. “...task.”

“Excellent,” says Pho.

“And Humility reports further victories over the GovCo heathens,” Diligence continues. “Earlier today we took the Twelfth, a complete rout by all accounts though The Order of The Children of the Future suffered heavy losses in the process.”

“Glorious martyrs all,” says Pho absently.

“Exactly that, Holy Mother,” Diligence agrees. “Exactly that. Ah, now, if I may, Holy Mother. We're here.”

Pho allows Diligence to lead her into a small, bare room. A camera and light rig are set up, framing a simple wooden chair onto which Pho elegantly lowers herself. She closes her eyes and appears to meditate as various people flap around her under Diligence's direction.

“Holy Mother?” asks Diligence nervously.

“Time to sow some doubts and waste some bullets,” says Pho, opening her eyes and smiling very slightly.

“As you say it, Holy Mother,” says Diligence, bowing even more deeply. “So shall it be.”

“Is our star performer ready?” asks Pho.

“Oh yes, Holy Mother,” says Diligence. “Ready and eager to begin.”

“Very well then,” says Pho.

Diligence retreats from the room, backwards and bowing, closing the door as she leaves. For a few seconds nothing happens, then a small red light appears on the camera.

“Good morning,” says Pho to the camera, with a gentle, benevolent smile. “My dear, dear children. I bring to you today a message of hope...”

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