Chto Delat
A Thursday Prompt story
© 2021 by Walter Reimer

Prompt:  bishop

One by one, they gathered, the leaders of the Order of Holy Terra.  Only a few of them were physically in the room, all hooded and masked in face, scent, and voice so that no one knew who they were with any certainty.  When the appointed time came, one stepped forward and said, “The Bishops of the Order are gathered.  We serve a holy cause.”
“We serve Holy Terra,” the others intoned.
“The Emperor’s plans are dangerous,” one of the assembly who was there only virtually said.  “There is discontent among the vicars and monsignors that he and the military should have tried harder, to prevail both over the Kashlani and the Colonies.”
Another said, “Is there a schism?”
“No,” a third said flatly.  “Discipline is being maintained.  Could nothing further have been done?”
“The alternative could have cost us Terra, but that is in the past,” the leader said curtly.  “What matters now is to learn what the past teaches us, and use it to shape the future.  The Emperor’s son.”  The Bishop turned to another who, like they were, was present in the flesh.  “Report,” they said as the other bowed slightly.
In the half-light, it looked like this Bishop’s hood was slightly askew.  In profile, they looked possibly canine.  “Half of the Regency Council is composed of members of the Order, and a Vicar is the deciding vote in the Council,” they said, with a hint of satisfaction managing to get past the vocal masking.  “Prince Vladmir will be taught well.”
“We will hope so, and will continue to watch and to influence events so as to give us an advantage,” another said matter-of-factly.  “What of Felix’s plan?”
“It is a good plan,” one of those attending by hologram said.
Another rustled their robes irritably.  “Risky.  Very risky.”
“At this juncture, every plan entails a great deal of risk,” the leader said.  “We will trust that the Emperor has made the best plan possible, and shall do what we can.  You are all dismissed.”  One by one, the holographic images vanished, and the corporeal ones slipped into the shadows, leaving the leader alone.