We cannot forget the work done by those on the Prometheus mission, how they struggled to bring our work out of the darkness of what was and into the light of what could be. The circumstances of their efforts were difficult, and one of their number gave his life to bring us into a better world, and it is thanks to his efforts that we are here today.
In his life, Cyprian exemplified all the virtues of a champion. In a world far darker than our own he served active combat and was, by the accounts we have recovered, a strong and talented fighter. Once he was no longer able to work in the field he proved his skills as a medic and tech specialist. However, more than his abilities it was the qualities of his soul that made Cyprian a true Champion. Courage, compassion and a willingness to fight to protect others. But not only that, he showed a wisdom and foresight that would shine among any Visionary. For these reasons, we honour him today…
– From a speech given by Ordained Eusenia at the opening of the Champion Cyprian Memorial Hospital
Potential Dionyza twitched the sleeves of her new iridescent robes, looking around nervously. Beside her, her partner walked with the calm gait of someone used to doing what she wanted.
'Adela,' Dionyza said, unable to keep the nervous tremor out of her voice. 'I'm not sure this is a good idea, even here, I-'
Adela quieted her with an arm on her shoulder and a sympathetic smile. It's alright for you, Dionyza thought, slightly bitterly. You're a Visionary. Well, not that either of them were technically anything now. But Adela didn't grow up as a Realiser, with the watchful eyes of overseers ready to correct anything seen as inappropriate behaviour, or deviation from the Eternal Order. Aggressively.
'It's alright,' her partner said, smiling softly. Despite everything, Adela felt her anxiety melt awaya little 'No-one's going to judge us here. Look.'
She nodded in the direction of a bench on the other side of the square they turned into. Dionyza followed her gaze to where it landed on two masculine figures, holding hands and talking with the casual intimacy of people who have been close for a very long time. There was something familiar about their faces, and she squinted at them, trying to place their faces until it clicked: Visionary Augustine and Champion Cyprian. Adela had only been 15 when their confession was broadcast, young and awkward and not understanding what was so shocking about intercaste relationships.
That had been before Adela, of course.
Now she watched Champion Cyprian Say something, and Visionary Augustine's face light up with laughter in response. They looked happy. No, more than that, they looked comfortable. There was no anxiety, no worry in their body language, no concern about what other people might think.
She felt a brush against her fingertips an looked over to see Adela holding her hand out hopefully. Smiling shyly, she took it, feeling the warmth of her girlfriend's fingers interlacing in her own.
Things would be ok.