Progress- Chapter 1

[Wixern]

Progress


Chapter 1: The members of Progress

Prologue

“No civilization can survive if it does not move on. Progress is the foundation of our very existence. It is for Progress, that we exist.”
- Dumen Tyr, founder of Axium’s greatest institutes.


The great continent of Astra is controlled mainly from the Capital of Axium, known to many. It is, therefore, no surprise that the greatest institutes of education are located in this great city. Most of these institutes, such as the Great Library, were found and created by Dymen Tur, architect and philosopher, who lived 200 years ago. He had only one thing in mind when he constructed these buildings: Progress.


Dumen Tyr believed that progress was what made humans stronger than animals. He believed that progress was not just a way of improving, but a way of life. If there was no progress, then we would eventually turn back to our old ways of sitting in trees and eating our dinner while it was still wriggling. He went to great lengths to improve on everything, from buildings to food, from industry to nature. He sought solutions to mankind’s problems. He locked himself up in his laboratory and continued his research for mankind. his only problem was that he did not care for individuals.


Dumen Tyr sought solutions, but he had no way of testing his solutions. He therefore decided that, if he wished to help mankind, mankind should be kind enough to lend their assistance to him as well.
At first, he sought volunteers for his research. He experimented upon the human body and then dumped the volunteer he studied, leaving them either dead or dying.
When volunteers stopped coming in, Dumen started to make people “volunteer”. He would kidnap people who no one would miss, and continued his research.
In the end, Dumen was captured by the guards of Axium, after disposing of some bodies in an abandoned alley.


Dumen Tyr was convicted of murder, kidnapping and illegal research. During his trial, he claimed that all he did was done in the name of “Progress”. Not convincing anyone, he was given the death sentence. He had been a brilliant man, but his ideas drove him insane. His final words were also his final wish.
“I wish for people to continue my research. I want people to continue Progress.’


200 years later

In the Dumen Tyr institute of Scholarship and Research, in the centre of Axium, stood a great statue. It was Dumen Tyr himself, dressed in his research jacket and holding a large skull. Beneath the statue was a large sign, explaining who he was and what he had done.


“Dumen Tyr- Researcher and architect. The creator of the Great Library, The Dumen Tyr institute of Scholarship and Research and the Tyr’s Tower.
“Progress keeps us standing. Progress keeps us alive. We shall never truly die, as long as we Progress.”

Moving past the statue we arrive at a large hallways. Several signs told new students were everything was located. Walking through the large, marble hallways, with its many corridors and sideways, we end up at a large oak door. The sign above the door read “To the Tyr’s Tower.”
Opening the door, we arrive at a spiral staircase. Moving up, we get several glimpses of the great city of Axium, lying at the foot of the tower. After the last step we arrive at another large door. A small sign was placed on the door, made of pure gold. It had no inscriptions, because everyone who went in here knew what was behind it.


The door opens and leads us into a large room. Marble pillars and large statues adorn the sides of the room. In the middle of the room stood a large conference table. A few feet away from the table was another statue of Dumen Tyr, this time holding a sword and a gun. The room was lit by a large chandelier, dangling far above the conference table. The room had a dusty feeling to it, as though it was used only scarcely.


Several men and one woman were seated at the conference table. Only one man was standing; the rest was sitting with their heads turned towards him.
‘Gentleman, I hereby open the meeting of Progress. We are all here, I assume?’
The man spoke with a soft voice, which nonetheless carried through the room perfectly. He sounded like a man who knew he was in charge, and loving every minute of it.


Most people nodded, but one man spoke out loud. He seemed the most relaxed of all the people gathered there. His hair was uncombed and messy and his clothing was torn and worn on all sides. He addressed the speaker with an unconcerned voice.
‘Come on, Hawkey. We all know each other well enough to know that we’re all here. Right, guys?’
‘These meetings would be so much faster if you wouldn’t make comments such as that, Ted. And I told you a million times, my name is Hawke.’


Ted sighed and leaned back in his chair. He’d known Hawke before they’d started studying in the Institute, so he never really feared Hawke in these meetings. Still, Hawke was pretty scary, he had to admit. Hawke’s one grey streak of hair, running so perfectly through the middle of his head, with his black hair kept neat on each side of it. His face, which never really showed any emotion except for anger. His long, black coat that reached to his ankles, his broad shoulders, on which several stars gleamed slightly in the light of the chandelier.


Hawke started his speech. Ted had heard it a million times, so he basically ignored the drawn-out rant on “Progress for the greater good” and focused on other thoughts.
He and Hawke had first met as sparring buddies, 5 years ago. In Axium, every parent with some money to spare sent their kids (16 years or older) to a school where they’d learn all about Swords, Guns and how to use them. After training on dummies and moving targets, they’d started fighting each other. Using wooden sticks and fake guns, they were put in pairs and had been told to use all they’d learned in a real one-on-one.


Ted had been a natural gunfighter because of his relaxed attitude. He could think about where he placed his shots and where his opponent would move to next. He never bragged of such things, of course, since bragging meant challenges, and he didn’t like to start any fights.
Hawke, however, was an all-round fighter. His prowess in air-to-air and air-to-ground battles earned him several medals and his current nickname. The battle between them had been one full of action. Ted mainly sought cover to fire from, but Hawke moved through the air at high speed, making it hard to aim. Eventually, the time ran out. They spoke to each other afterwards, and became friends.


‘… and if we are to fulfill our leader’s wish, then we must continue research in every way possible. Do not forget what we stand for. Do not forget Progress.’ Hawke ended his speech, slamming his hands on the table to call everyone to attention.
Ted looked around the table. He’d never really cared for Progress, but Hawke had wanted him to join, so he did. He knew little of the other people, except that they were all into the whole “Progress” thing. He tried to remember their names.

[Wixern]

First was a small man, slightly balding. His short posture made him look like a dwarf of some kind. He was always looking up to Hawke for everything he did. Ted wasn’t sure, but he thought the little man was called Maury.
Next was a tall, dark man. He always wore a white suit which mismatched his black skin. Still, he was supposed to be an extraordinary researcher and, the rumors said, a great fighter as well. His name, Ted was sure, was Turan.
Beside Turan sat Alice, the only woman in Progress. Her brown hair enlisted her face, which radiated kindness, somehow. All a deceiving act, however. Ted knew her to be a strong fighter, who was exceptionally ruthless in sword battles. She’d once gotten expelled from the Institute for killing another student by “Accident”.
And last was Mr. Howardsen. No one knew his first name, so everyone called him Howard. He was an old man, in his 60’s, who’d been with Progress since the club was first founded. He was a researcher who studied humans on every aspect, psychological and physical. He was said to have been quite the gunslinger in his days, but he was an old man now.


‘So, Mr. Howardsen. What can you tell us about the latest study results?’ Hawke asked, his eyes piercing Mr. Howardsen like an arrow.
‘We have had no significant breakthroughs as of late. My monthly report will be finished two days from now, after which you will receive it.’
‘Thank you, Mr. Howardsen. Now then, Alice. What can you tell us about the latest recruits for Progress?’
‘They are ready and willing, Hawke. Progress is growing by the day, and I’m glad to see it. Of course, what else could be expected, with such a great leader as yourself?’
‘No need to flatter me, Alice. I am glad to hear that you, at least, are making Progress.’
Hawke’s eyes shifted towards Mr. Howardsen after he finished his sentence, before returning to Turan.
‘Turan. How is the weapon research going? Any new technologic miracles?’
‘We are currently experimenting with the design of the Avenger model shotguns. We believe that, with some changes, they can be made to fire up to eight shots, rather than the measly two they can fire now.’
‘That’s good to hear. How long will this take to complete?’
‘We are unsure. But you can be certain that we will be done within a month, at most.’


Hawke stopped questioning and turned to the statue, instead. He slid open a small panel and pressed some buttons. A small drawer slid open, squeaking slightly. Hawke pulled out a piece of paper and closed the drawer again. He turned to the table once more.
‘Before I forget: Maury, I want you to deliver this message to Professor Humenburg. Tell him it’s about PFA, he’ll understand.’
Maury practically jumped from his chair, though the effect was barely noticeable; he remained small.
‘Yes, sir! Right away, Mr. Hawke, Sir!’


Maury took the message and ran out of the room, knocking over one of the chairs on the way out. Hawke let out a sigh of despair.
‘Ted. How are your training sessions with the elite members of Progress? Can they keep up?’
‘What? Oh, sorry, Hawkey. I fell asleep there. Y’know, we should have music at these meetings, to liven things up.’
‘Ted, we’re not here to rave out to music. We’re here to make Progress. Are the elite members doing a satisfactory job?’
‘Don’t worry, Hawkey. I’ll have those guys trained before you can spread your wings.’
‘I’m glad to hear that. Now then, Lady and Gentlemen. I hereby declare this meeting officially over. Kindly continue your good work and, Mr. Howardsen?’ Hawke turned to the old man.
‘Yes?’
‘I want you to stay for a while. There is something we need to discuss. A sensitive manner of which you need to be aware.’


Hawke turned, once again, to the others.
‘You are to leave now. I shall meet you in four days, same spot, same time. Until then, I bid you adieu.’
The members of Progress left the room, except for Mr. Howardsen and Hawke. Their meeting would take only slightly longer, but have a great effect for mankind.

[Sarcor]

OOOOoOOOOooooOOOooOOOooooO Kewl. Makes me wanna read the next chapterz.