Free Arguing the Basics by Viola Grace Page A

sighed. “I am guessing I have more work ahead than I thought.”
    He was walking through the halls with her in his arms, and she was getting the idea that she was being taken to her home.
    He asked her where she lived, and when she answered, he took to the skies. Koara waved at her teacher and looked at the city around them.
    “Why did you set up the ruling class?”
    He shrugged. “Originally, it was a meritocracy, but a few folks kept their riches instead of investing it in the future of those they cared for. The rich got richer and the number of those in charge dwindled. I hadn’t realised how bad it had gotten until your lovely dissertation.”
    Koara smiled. “My mom always said I had a talent for arguing. I tried to treat the master councillor with respect, but it was very difficult.”
    “You did very well. That vid is being broadcast over the globe right now. There will be an uprising, and I am thinking it is about time. Changes need to happen.”
    They cleared the wealthy district, and the poverty of the basic housing surrounded them.
    Koara showed the Avatar into her home and introduced him to her parents. Her school project had taken an odd turn, but she was kind of happy with the way things had turned out.
    Avatar Trimel-Kadoth stayed for dinner and took in the entire expanse of their home, their food and the clothing that they had access to.
    As he rose to leave with a copy of her report in his hand, he asked her parents, “May I come back and speak to Koara again? She seems to have an excellent mastery of what is necessary to make our world whole again.”
    Her parents agreed, and Koara bowed her head as the Avatar ruffled her hair.
    When he left, she turned to her parents. “I think I won the debate.”
    Her mother hugged her. “Good girl. Now, go and do your homework. Something tells me that you are going to be consulted on a fairly regular basis.”
    Wrinkling her nose, Koara did as she was told. There would be time for arguing later. There always was.
     
    * * * *
     
    Over the next decade, Trimel-Kadoth was a regular visitor to her house. The Ulings enjoyed a certain cachet in the area because of the visits of the Avatar, but they certainly earned it.
    Koara sat at the table and went over the projected admittance for the next class of students at Trimel University.
    Trimel-Kadoth smiled. “So, what do you think of my choices?”
    “You have a few too many theorists, and there are two unfocused inventors that need to be included, but otherwise, I think it is a nice selection.” Koara brought up the files and attached them to the initial report.
    “Why the unfocused?”
    “You never know what they can come up with. Think of them as meteors with no fixed trajectory. They could go anywhere or nowhere, but they need the chance to try.”
    The Avatar grinned. “You have not steered me wrong so far.”
    She snorted. “I do try. The steady annual five percent increase in trade and gross planetary product is a nice sign of progress. Trimel, what do you think about it?”
    The planet took over and nodded. “I believe that the people are happier and we are nearing the first vote. It should occur right after you leave for the Citadel.”
    Koara blinked in shock. “What?”
    Kadoth took over. “Ah, he wasn’t supposed to tell you that yet. We have arranged for you to gain an exclusive education at the Citadel Training Centre Thoola. Your talent for organisation is an actual talent. It can be focused and directed in myriad directions. You leave next week.”
    Koara knew it made sense, but she was still surprised. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
    “We didn’t want you upset. Trimel is currently hiding from that possibility. He is very attached to you.”
    “So he made you break the news.”
    “I am much more excited about the possibilities in your life that have opened up. I want you to keep seeking the new and exciting. Help others get on their feet as you have us. We will be fine in your