Israfel was slightly taken aback by the number of people they had to help but quickly reminded himself of the Church's former numbers. Yes, there was no alternative to Bretonia in this case, unless they were allowed to stay in stasis until further notice. Let them disperse and be forgotten by the world.
The phased out Zoner ships sparked Israfel's curiosity. Those were mostly gone when Israfel started his journey into space, he never even encountered one save for a couple wrecks deep in Omicrons.
"Cardamine problem could be solved with cash or with Vagrants' aid," Israfel shrugged. "I'm more worried about the risks we'll have to take settling those people somewhere."
When Saturnia mentioned Fae's unusual traits, the Exarch nodded. He was also curious to learn more about them. The church, however... No, it was better to let her finish her thoughts. At least the thought of letting them become free from Nomad worship was agreeable.
And things went in the wrong direction. She blamed Thomas. She blamed herself.
"Please, don't apologise to someone who was too paranoid and delusional to take matters into his own hands when opportunity presented itself," Israfel smiled without a hint of mirth in his eyes. "I could take Sajuuk's place as soon as he was gone. I could get rid of Charon, if needed, and force the events in a different direction. I did none of that. Everyone and no one is to blame here."
He raised his hands slightly.
"We will return to that later and discuss all we need to discuss, alright? Let's go back to topic. To reform the Oracles we could use Christianity as a foundation or try to create a syncretic religion similar to..." he paused, as if going through a list in his memory. "Manichaeism, yes. I never intended to continue in this venue, however. I'd rather create a secular organisation that can utilise their talent for the betterment of humanity. Something that can provide disaster management, relief, healthcare and security on a commercial basis. It could become a very flexible tool independent from House governments. Besides, we need to hide our past as the Oracles."
He then put an emphasis on each word.
"Order. Core. Maltese government."
"All the wonderful people who want us not gone but erased." Israfel made a pause. "Of course, we don't need to prohibit religion. So many Outcasts out of Malta and Cardamine addicts in the new church, though, will raise all the eyebrows. Let's make ourselves disappear first, shall we? A growing enterprise won't be nearly as revealing, after all. Those people will either have to stay asleep until we have solid ground for them or settle somewhere covertly."
