Ok just get out.

Sara and a few others shook their heads, Sara because she knew what he was trying to get across, the others more in confusion, or disbelief. Another man joined the first one on the screen and said. “Thank you Dr. Norstum. Not for the news, but for sharing it with us. I beg your indulgence. None of us is used to making announcements like this. I fear we are causing confusion, but there is a lot of that to be found. As my college there said we are all in for a lot of bad weather and killing storms. Yes killing storms. There is no longer a doubt among us that some of the storms are out after blood. The one we just had was not but the evidence we have says the next of the big ones will be. From what we can see they will alternate like that this first year, then next year it looks to be two of the killing storms for every one of the non. Not a good pattern, but it is what the data is telling us. We are still working out the timing but we think there will be a week to a week and a half between the big storms. We are hoping that as we get the data processed we can get closer than that. However we do not have the ability to see the storms so we are not going to be ably to give much more than guesses. Once we can get a satellite network going we should be able to have a few hours advance notice, But we are still a two years out from being ready to try getting the first large imagining satellite up. Smaller ones will start being sent into obit latter this year, we hope. How ever they are not going to be of much use to us, until we can get the more powerful really up there. There ability to send data back to us is limited. That and trying to get high powered cameras is what is taking us so long.”

He smiled at something they couldn’t see. “Yes I am going off track. Sorry all, but the satellites are a favorites of mine, bring us another step close to what we had. But none of ours will bare weapons! Back to storms. What we know for sure is that they will be increases in strength over the next four years. Each year will have more storms out to cause deaths. I know that is far fetched and not how a storm should be. Sadly we are positive theses are not normal storms. There is magic involved in them. We cannot say if it is directed by someone or just an accident. We need to find out where they are starting before we can have a way to find out. There is a chance we will have to go to the powers for help, see if they will step in and buy us time to find and fix the problem. We are doing what we can to avoid asking, to keep from reminding them we are here. However it may prove necessary if we cannot do manage to slow things down. No one is happy with the plan we are going to try. Yet it is all we have at this time. I am going to ask that you all remain, or at lest have some members of your town remain. What our next speaker has to say is going to be even harder to hear. But it is important that you all know what we steps we are taking, for we need each town to help. Before I turn over the hot seat I want to say that we need more data. We want all your old records, we will take the oldest content of your recycling plants. Truck it to Ambervil, or any university close to you. You will be paid for fuel. If you have old records in your archives and send us copies, mark them as copies and you will receive a dollar per readable page, as well as the shipping costs. Anything to do with the storms and tagged as such will get you a bonus check latter. Yes I know we will be flooded with papers. But our records are lacking. We have failed to keep them and learned the cost. We just hope it is not to late. The information we have on the storms was found by one smart enough to look at those discards as something other than trash. From her we have learned our mistake and seek to fix it.”

He sat down and apparently the mics came on in other centers for there was a babble of voices. “Why the secret about that person? What haven’t they signed with you guys yet? Don’t want the competition for them? He said five percent die off, what is the cause? Why was there no attempts made to drain the storm? I do not see why they can not be controlled. Killing storms are a fairytale, not something a reasonable adult would believe in. What do you take us for?” Sara was sure her face was red, and just hoped that the screens did not send images as well as voices. “My contactor said he was not allowed to start work on my order because it was placed with in two weeks of the storm. So I would have to place it again next week, but if there is another storm then will I ever get it placed? Wasting mony on trash, what’s next? Well at.”

The sound cut off and a red faced younger man walked into view. “Sorry about that, new system and I hit a wrong button turning the microphones on in the centers. It was not meant to happen without warning. I am sorry. But um you should have seen a green light by the top of the screen that incanted they were on, so now you know how to check if they are. It is not meant to be way to spy. We truly do not mean for it to be turned on unannounced. Just a miss labeling of buttons. I think I have it fixed. If it helps I have no idea what mics were on. Like I said that button was not labeled as turning on any mic. It said it was a volume and we had an echo here I was trying to fix, which I guess I did, but it wasn’t what I thought it was. Again sorry.” He fled.

“Relax Roy, I doubt if any are overly upset. I am sure that it can be expected for there to be a few bugs. All new inventions have bugs to be worked out. I am just glad that we have it to try out. I am sure it is going to prove as useful as the internet of the past. But might need to look into the posabilty of a master off switch on the other end, something to prevent the mic being turned on remotely.”

Roy said, from somewhere out of view. “It is in the works we hope to have that out in the next upgrades, as well as high quality of screens for those not using the magical holograms. The goal is to have screens replace all the holograms, as screens are far easier to maintain. Oh shoot we are broadcasting.”

The man laughed. “Don’t worry, I am sure you made more happy than upset with your news. Better then we are. Now then let me do what I can to answer your questions, even if we weren’t meant to hear them. Fist off the one who sent s the information asked not to be identified, and so we are doing our best not to. We do not make public who is start at the twins so I can not say if they are or not. All contracts made within two weeks of the first storm are invalid, that is only for the first storm. There was a lot of stuff sired up by the first storm that may have caused people to do things they wouldn’t have. Therefore it was deemed only fair to give them a way out. Those that have expinces because of this need to go to there county office for information on recovering the loss. The contracts include collage intents to attend, and scholarship offers. The twins will be standing by all offers they made and will be resending all papers received in the four weeks around the storm. All so any incoming students who need help moving should let us know. In light of the storm damage we are extending the offers to cover any student, no matter the distance. We do not want the roads to keep anyone away. The storms are going to be disruptive enough.”

“We have asked the woken ones for their help, and they have agreed. They are troubled by the storms as well. Their records do not cover things as ours do and so are not much help, but they are giving us what there is in them. They will help with roads, seeing goods can get around as much as is possible. They have all so said they are more than willing to carry messages. Not just about the storms, but letters in general. So if you need one delivered just leave it out where they can see it. It seems they have been asking to carry mail for years, but couldn’t get anyone to believe they meant it. For which we apologize to them. I am sorry they found us to deaf to hear them. I hope that to will change, and that we have not done to much harm by not being willing to hear before now.”

“The death will be from the storms. Those not seeking to kill people will still do so by the destruction they cause. I know it is hard to believe the storms are out to kill, but that is what the numbers show, and the records seem to back it up. There are reports of violent storms that suddenly stop after an hour when a person dies, when other like it lasted for days. I didn’t want to believe it, but can not find a better answer. Plus there are mages that can hear the storms. Those of you that have seen weather works can understand that. Well they to say there are storms that sing of blood, that crave it. They tell me that those storms are the hardest to stop, for the storms will attack them if it can. I want to call it nonsense, but I have heard it to often repeated since I started asking to be able to do so. I am sorry. I know this is a touchy subject. But I do not know how to talk of the storms without bring it in. See we want to minimize the deaths, but to do that we had to find out what was causing them. And well, that led us to being forced to admit some storms were hunting people. Once you do that the old rule of hiding from the storm, staying indoors and out of sight of windows, makes since. That is what we are recommending happen. That every area establish a bunkers, if they can. It would be best if to was a strongly built bulling or and underground shelter with nothing above it that could cause it to collapse. Because hiding form the storms effectively means they will linger and do more damage then if you didn’t hide, but if we do it right there should be less deaths. Still it is going to be to many, and to much lost. No matter what we do. This next part is really going to make you mad. We have no idea if it will work, but we are going to give it a try. Going over the records we noticed something big and troubling. Well for us, it might just be vindication for some. We can not be certain at this point, for there is a marked imbalance in the records, but there is a pattern that is showing. We have, at this time, more records of storms from the non magic using communities than we do form others. Not to surprising as they have been more diligent at preserving records of the past as they try harder to get back the good things that were lost with the bad that no one wants back. Yet the thing we noticed is that wail they had the same number of storms, the deaths there were less than our records showed for the same years. We are still combing censes records, but so far the death totals match what was reported in the records. And we have the same pattern to deaths that was found, but our numbers were higher. So therefore for the rest of the year weather magic will be kept to the minimum. Just what that means will be explained latter, but in short they will be doing nothing not demand by the storm. The only reason any will be done is because there are times it must be done for the health of the mage. Now before we go into the magic of it are there any questions?”

The green light came on and a man said. “Do not take this the wrong way, but is the gal that first saw this still involved in examining the records with you all? I mean if she saw this there could be more you miss that she sees. Not that you all aren’t good, but seems as though there are a good man mysteries in this world and not enough folks to look at them all.”

The man said. “That there are and res assured we are doing everything we can to see she stays involved, and that she gets the education needed to full use her remarkable mind. We are very grateful to her for finding this and she sends us updates or new reports daily, thanks to the woken ones. She is the one that pointed out that we were missing out on some potentially vital records by not asking the recycling centers. It is also from her that we learned that the separatist had archives they might be willing to dive into for more data. Records are needed not only of the storms but of what was done to survive them. We have had a long spell without storms to big for the weather works to tame. I fear those of us used to magic and weather work have forgotten what we knew of storm survive. So those not working on trying to predict the storms are putting together lists of tips.”

“So they are to be allowed to keep hording records we need! Even this kid that supposedly found this and in the mean time we are to sit and suffer like a bunch of savages. All because it might help. You know what would help? If you all did your Jobs. My mages will!”

The man said. “I hope you do not think you somehow can own someone. We will not be taking records from anyone, we just want copies. They are to valuable to all be kept in the same place, and are well cared for where they are. Yes, part of the agreement we have extended to the young lady says that her records are hers, and she has full rights to her work. We know it will be hard for some of you to have to deal with unplanned weather, but it might just weaken the storms that are coming. That is more important than a bit of unplanned rain when you want to hunt. The king is in agreement and will be issuing a royal order to that affect latter today. Should any mage change the weather more than necessary for the storm they will be outcaste. It is harsh yes, but so is the danger we are facing.”

“I gather that the lass is a separatist. I thought they forbid their girls an education.”

He said. “Yes she is a separatist, and I can not speak fully to their beliefs. However I do know that there children go to schools that are fully complainant to the education standers. In fact teams will be visiting a few of there schools do to how well their schools are doing. They had a large number in the top fifteen percent in the tests.”

“But they don’t let the girls study the advanced stuff, they are to be homemakers only. Bet that is why she hides.”

Another voice said. “I see we have held our self’s to far apart. We value education for all. There are two branches in our church,, and yes one of them feels that it is better for the ladies if they do not try the more advanced technical studies. However all must know the basics of them, for it is a Mothers job to see her children are set on the path, and part of the tenements is to pursue knowable. I understand that the pattern comes from a study of old records, so it makes more since that it was a female that found it, for the teachings charge them with the keeping of the past, as men look to add to what is known. I am proud in so many ways of this latest class. I am glad that they had the courage to force us out into the world more. We have been to far removed. I wanted it said clearly and publicly that we will not harm any child ever for seeking knowable. However the teachings tell us clearly that it is not who made the discovery that matters but the discovery. That is likely why she asked not to be identified. For fear there would be more attention put on who she is and where she was raised then on what was found. She didn’t want to be used as a way to hide from the truth of the danger we are all in. A noble effort that I applaud. That said, we will see what we can do about being more open about what we believe. That said it is clear to me you need to go more into the magic, something we do not care to know, and we need time to go over what was said. Our community, that is the leaders of the separatist, will be meeting on Tuesday and might have questions for you after that. To that end the only question we will raise before leavening you is where can we send to for answers?”

The man on the screen said. “Send any suggestions you are willing to share with us and any questions you have to Dr. Ryrn at Amberviel. If you just put that on the envelope and leave it on by a window it will get to me, now if you put where it is from on the outside as well it will help, as I expect I will be getting a lot of letters for the next few weeks.”

“Very well then, and thank you for keeping it so light on the technical and magical items. We will leave you know so you may talk with out fear we would take offence, not that we are so easily offended as that.” His words were a signal for the screens promptly went off.

Leader Water stood up and said. “Well it is bad, but we have heard worse and managed. We are better prepared then a lot of others and will make it though. Storm rules will be reviewed and voted on at the meeting on Monday. As for now, we have supper waiting for us.” He led the way out to the loaded tables. Zac, Abiram and Tom kept Sara from leaving before she ate, but she left as soon as she could. Nothing was said to her but the whispers and looks had started before she left.

Sunday was hard. Sara got up at the normal time and went to dress then froze as she touched the dress. The one she had worn on Sundays since her last growth spurt had her out of the one before it. It was what a lady wore on Sundays, shoes might very, but dress and head covering didn’t. However she was not going to church, would not be putting on the baptism gown and full veil, would not be taking knee before the alter. Therefore she could no longer ware the dress of the church. To do so would be a mockery. It ws so hard not to put on the dress and head to the door. Those taking the vows did not eat but instead went to pray and dress in the full robs. For they would be fully covered this day, for they were to be unknown to their indented until after both had pledged their commitment to wed as commanded. Only then would the male raise the vial and see his bride to be, and she see him, for the veil limited vision and she would have no idea until it was lifted.

Sara took her hand off the dress and reached instead for the closet door and closed it firmly. Then turned to the second closet in the room, the one she had placed the city clothes in. She had kept it shut, but it was now time to open it. To stop hiding from it. Trembling a bit she took out one of the dresses and put it on, then went to see what she could find to keep her busy. Think that Sundays might just be a good time to get the weeks baking done. That would give her something easy to do as she adjusted to not being in the church, and would make the choice clear. As backing was not done on Sunday in a members house. Not that any should have doubts, but then her father might still think she intended to go to the sister church and she could not yet were the clothes that disprove it. But maybe the baking would. Hopefully they would not wait long to take him the letter. It must have been found by now if they had redone the room.

As hard as Sunday had been, leaving the house Monday afternoon to go to the library porved far harder. It was one thing to not ware the habit in her house, but she found it was different to go out in the dress. Even though it was a simply made dress, and no more reviling than the habit, something that even the other branch of the Church would find a tad to conservative, still it felt wrong. The whole of the walk to town she kept waiting to be yelled at for being so indecently dressed.

When she walked into the library one of the others looked at her and shook her head. “I should have known you would mange to find the one dress that was plain enough to be a habit. Here I was expecting to see you in something with some color to it. I mean even May put on a green one. The other two even had prints.”

Sara said. “Well I felt odd enough walking in this one, I do not know how they managed it. I keep waiting for someone to yell at me. It is going to take some adjusting. I didn’t realize how strange it would feel.”

She nodded. “I expect the others feel just as uncomfortable, they are just better at pretending they don’t. There is a book on top of the stack on your table with a red sticker, I am to make sure you look at it right away. However I have no idea why, but the one who brought it looked very troubled.”

Sara said. “I thought the books with the red stickers were thing I. Oh that’s right it wouldn’t matter now. All right I will go look at it, then I want to get back to the archives. The ones I see now keep referring to a book or list of storm practices that I can’t find. Sorry, you must get tired of all the talk.”

She said. “It is nice to see more interest in the archives. Two of the girls are talking about delaying their vows and going to university for a year or two to learn how to care for the old records better.”

Sara said. “There might be a few more ladies who take classes in the years to come. The programs are getting longer and so it will mean the boys get marred and start a family at University or delay the wedding a few years. Either way it makes since that those that wish to take classes would use that time to do so. It might mean a few changes here, but I think those will be in line with the teachings. After all there are things that women are to know, and it is perhaps time that more went into doing so.”

The lady nodded. “Indeed child and that is one of the things that will be brought up at the meet tonight. You have fun with those books, and I will see someone lets you know when it gets close to closing time. And as you said, the tags no longer need to stop you from looking at anything. I am glad to say that the others are taking advantage of it. Though they might be a bit disappointed depending on what they are thinking they will find.”

Sara laughed. “Yes, I imagining they might be. But if I have time I will have to go look on those books on the woken ones that were carefully kept away from me.” She went to her table and found the book waiting. There was nothing on the cover to say what it was. She opened it and read the first page then jumped up and almost ran to the desk.

“I am sorry, but I need two copies made of this book as fast as you can. One mine and one billed to the fund, and put down that it was a rush copy. I will see to the mailing.”

“So it is good then?”

Sara nodded. “It is better than good. I didn’t read past the first page, but it seems that a research hired by King Fderic the Great had found evidence of supper storms and this is his recommendations and theory of the storms. It is the first evidence we have that anyone saw what I did in the storms. I mean this might just help prove what the numbers are saying. I don’t know much about the first kings outside of the fact that they pored a lot of money into magical researches.”

She said. “I will make a copy for the leaders as well. If there are sugestiong about dealing with the storms there might be something usable. I will get yours done forst though. I should have them done in a bit if the power stays on.”

Sara said. “We should be good today, but I think there will be a small storm in about nightfall. There is just a bit of rain fill to the air, but it is still to far away to know for sure where it is. And I just spooked you.”

She said. “I didn’t know you could fill the storms that far away, is all.”

Sara said. “I try not to let on how early I know something is coming, but I thought it help to know I will know a few hours ahead, and so will the woken ones. If someone is willing to hear them they will give warning as soon as they feel a big storm building. The storms are going to be as hard on them as they are on us.”

She said. “Thank you that dose help. As fast as that last one hit, it had me worried. Now though I see the time storm drill was a bit more than that.”

Sara nodded. “It will be rough, but in a lot of ways folks here are more ready to face the storms. A lot of places outside have come to relay on magic and shipped goods. They go not have the green houses they need, nor lanterns, and I fear a lot of their builds will be damaged easily by the storms. Here though we have forgotten some things we remember enough of the past that we built with the strong storms in mind.”

“I bet their will be less complaints about the building code after this. I wonder if we shouldn’t include some storm dairies in the history classes after this. It is not good that so many forgot how bad the storms could really be. Those that lived though them didn’t want to remember and the young ones couldn’t believe. But we will have better ways of recording it than we did have.”

Sara nodded. “I see there are others waiting, I will let you get back to work, and I hope I didn’t alarm any of you.” She left and headed to the archives.