From the Journal of Space Captain Arnold Bessinger, from the former U

From the Journal of Space Captain Arnold Bessinger, from the former U.K. Dated October of 2016:

“First there was Earth, in the Solaris system. Our planet became too crowded, and settlers went to new lands. This was 2012. It’s been 4 years, and we have finally landed in the Taila system. The blasted French landed first, so they’re calling it Terre Novelle. I wouldn’t mind, but it’s so damn unoriginal. The planet itself is pretty nice. A lot like Earth, but pretty nice…”

The Terre Novelle History Book, entitled “20 years on Terre Novelle”:

“On Terre Novelle, there are three class systems. The First, and most important, are the Hunters. They are fast, strong, and tall. They have an unknown connection to the earth, and therefore have some control over Humans, the second class.

You, if you are reading this, are Human. You are shorter than both Hunters and the Gifted, but of average height and intelligence.

The Gifted are to be feared and respected. They have one or more powers, ones that used to be called ESP when we couldn’t explain the phenomenon through science.

They are usually born to Gifted parents, although there are sometimes exceptions. Gifted are only allowed to breed with other Gifted. Hunters and Humans can mix, but never with Gifted.

The most important thing to know about Gifted, beyond their strict social customs, are the variety of gifts they can possess. Most of these are mental capabilities, although some can come through other senses. One Gifted of exceptional note is the one called Corwynne. She was found as an adopted girl in a family of Humans in Kewanbatana. Her powers include but are not limited to precognition, accelerated healing, biological manipulation, and the ability to create illusions. She is the reason for our Golden Age, because without her very accurate visions, we would be nothing.

Their social customs include their dress, their rights of passage, and their ability to communicate with outsiders. Sometimes to keep their gifts, they must separate themselves from the rest of the world for a long period of time….”

An order from Alara to Narak of the Cesaran:

“The Gifted named Corwynne is too powerful to be allowed to breed. Her many powers aren’t something we can fully recognize, much less control. Her nature is that of a wild card, and we cannot allow that personality trait to spread. We will allow her to live out the rest of her usefulness in the company of the Human, Annakiya. They will live in the town of Ceyran, and dwell in a small house where she can keep her powers to the fullest. We will keep her alive until she becomes of no use to us, or until we have found a more suitable replacement.”

Note from Kiya to Corwynne on November 19th, 2036:

“Cori,

I have some bad news. Attached is an order from the Cesaran, which has come to me. I’m afraid we’ll have to move closer to the capitol, and, well, you’ll want to see the rest…you’d have to see it to believe it.

Kiya”

An excerpt from the pamphlet “27 Major Tips for Being a Sociable Gifted”:

“ Gifted are always supposed to be the best dressed at parties in their finest robes. Robes and various forms of formal dress are to be worn at all times. Gifted are not to speak unless necessary, and are to remain mysterious to everyone as much as possible…When a Gifted turns 12, they are matched to a Gifted with similar powers, and the two are wedded. These matches are picked by the best of the Cesaran, and are to be carried out as if orders from the leader himself… Gifted are to always have an assistant, especially the more important Gifted. These can be either poor Hunters or Humans, but should be of a low social class, so as to make assistance services an important task.”

An excerpt of the Book of the Cesaran:

“ It is important that all Humans, Hunters and Gifted be recorded under their true nature and that the Gifted are separated from the rest of the world. These creatures are dangerous, some more than others, and although they do not have a long lifespan, they can do considerable damage to our nation. Therefore it is of absolute necessity that we track and find all of the Gifted.

“If at all possible, they should be segregated from the entire population, so as to be easily exterminated as necessary. No Gifted shall be allowed to undermine the authority of our government, nor shall they be allowed to believe that they have anything other than what we provide. The Gifted must be controlled.”