The tribunal court was getting emptied. The recruits also had to leave the court, as the subject that was to follow was far too sensitive for them. The purpose of Nabil's trial in particular was as much an example of justice as it was of pedagogy, so that those who witnessed the events would understand that their choices could lead them to the same situation.
The lawyer and the prosecutor shook hands. The defense lawyer did not seem resentful, one could even say he looked relieved. It is true that his client could have risked worst than a simple disciplinary penalty. After a brief exchange with Captain Touré and Second Lieutenant Ndao, they also headed for the door.
In order and discipline, it took no more than 5 minutes for the well-trained procession to leave the room. Now, on the public side, there were only high-ranking officers from the various army corps of Dakar. Jeanne could see the commander of the Keur Massar Nord battalion, soon to be promoted to the rank of colonel of the Keur Massar brigade. His eyes, small and piercing behind his long eyebrows streaked with gray, met those of Captain Gueye to his right. A tacit agreement seemed to be made as El Hadji subtly nodded.
It seems everything is going according to plans.
Jeanne loved it when everything went according to plans.
Distractedly, she scratched the small scar on her left palm, having lost the habit of feeling the itching sensation left by a closed wound, even a minor one. If everything went wrong, she could always settle for that.
The general cleared his throat after a few more minutes. No one had really moved from their place, as there was no point. However, now, the atmosphere was much more distinguished, solemn, while at the same time flowing into seriousness and familiarity. Like the general's words:
_ Well, it's time to decide what we're going to do with this child.
The declaration, almost said in a light tone, accentuated the surrounding discomfort. After all, none of the people present lacked enough scruples and morality not to feel at least a pang of emotion at the idea of judging a child's life.
_ It's a shame, said the division general, disregarding the effect his words had had on the assembly, I would have liked the interested party to be here, but it seems he is still not awake. Captain Ndour?
_ Yes, General, replied the Loucar captain, who stood up at the call. According to the latest news, Georges Badji is still in a prolonged sleep and does not seem to show any sign of waking up. However, he is closely monitored and his internal organs are functioning normally; his injuries have, for the most part, completely disappeared.
_ Let's talk about these injuries, intervened the commander of the Keur Massar Ngallans, sitting right next to the Ndimbelane commander. I have only heard of such a phenomenon during sembou overwork, when the body is so devoid of energy that it loses self-protection against its own energy. But according to the report, this was not the case, as he managed to move and use his sembou with remarkable ease.
The discussion was almost open, far from the extreme rigidity of the previous military tribunal, as much to facilitate the gathering of information as to make a unanimous decision on this particular case. Captain Bachir answered the question.
_ That's right. Auto-sembonic vulnerability occurs when a diambar suffers from overwork and still tries to use his powers, forcing the body to gather all its last internal energy resources, even the thin layer naturally supposed to protect the user. This is an exceptional case, requiring from the diambar an unwavering determination often leading to death. But after several examinations, it seems that this is not what happened to Georges Badji.
_ How did you conclude that? asked General Traoré.
_ Well, Georges Badji's body is naturally reinforced, and still was during his hospitalization, Bachir replied. This is proof that his body is not only used to his powers, but also that during his fight, the auto-sembonic protection was still active, but without effect for some reason.
_ Wait, how could such a thing happen? asked one of the military judges on the right.
Bachir Ndour took a slight breath before answering.
_ At this stage, I only have theories. If you allow me…
_ Go ahead, the general cut in, don't hold back and say what you think, Bachir.
_ Thank you, General, the captain said, slightly bowing his head towards him as a sign of respect. I think that the result of Georges Badji's injuries is not due to any direct physical failure. After all, even if his body seems far from being trained to sustain this kind of performance for a long time, it seems at least ready to hold for several minutes – and I would like to add that the entire duel did not last more than 3 minutes. However, the burns visibly started as soon as he used his powers, so the hypothesis of a physical anomaly does not sit right.
Captain Ndour left a few seconds to catch his breath and wait for a possible intervention. Seeing that no one spoke, he simply concluded:
_ I think the problem is psychological, gentlemen.
A slight murmur was heard as the commanders on one side discussed the news among themselves.
_ Psychological, you say? asked the general, slightly narrowing his eyes in discomfiture. Why do you say that?
_ Well, the affinity between the sembou and its bearer is not limited to the physical, explained the Loucar captain. Sembonic study has advanced enough over time to provide a certain knowledge on the subject, mainly on the link that means the understanding of the spirit that each diambar seems to have, and the rise in power at best or the decline of personality, also called the torokh, at worst. However, the case of Georges Badji seems to be a much more advanced study in psychology, because his body seems to react with its own flames like an allergy, as if internally, the body repelled it.
_ That's an interesting theory, the Loucar commander cut in from his seat in the audience. But don't forget, Bachir, that a theory is just a theory. I told you and taught you, only tangible evidence deserves to be taken into consideration.
_ I know, General. I haven't forgotten your lessons.
_ However, your theory deserves to be explored more deeply.
_ That will remain impossible as long as Georges remains asleep, Bachir explained. If this presumption proves correct, the child forced his body to use sembou despite the mental block. We must extract information from him to understand the origin of all this.
In the new silence that settled, Bachir sat back, smoothing his uniform. General Traoré seemed thoughtful, almost worried.
_ If we are to base ourselves on this theory, we are dealing with a potentially mentally unstable individual.
There was no need to answer in the affirmative. Everyone already had the same idea in mind.
_ General, let's not forget that this is just a theory, Bachir intervened again. As stated previously, sembou studies have never seen such a case.
_ I know, but a risk is a risk. And we have the difficult task to deal with it.
A new silence followed.
_ I would like to add, the civilian judge suddenly spoke aloud, his voice authoritative, that there is no question of getting rid of this child in any way. The negative public opinion after the Rag has already been far too significant for us to add the execution of a child after a duel, regardless of his dangerousness.
There was a slight shocked silence before General Traoré burst into overjoyed laughter. His hilarity seemed to reveal a certain form of relief.
_ You reassure me, Judge Fofana, he said with a smile. Even if this type of measure seemed, basically, a very bad idea, it is always good to have the State's opinion on it. However, we cannot release him so simply into nature.
_ We don't have to release him either.
The voice of a man in a black uniform, accompanied by the commanders in the audience, was heard. The head of the Top units of Dakar. His complexion was light brown, similar to a cream coffee, probably the only remarkable thing about him; he showed no other remarkable features, but his attitude clearly denoted his high rank.
Looking at him, Jeanne felt a surge of resentment take hold of her before disappearing as it had come; this kind of emotion was of no help to her, far from it. The general pointed to the Top leader with a nod.
_ Head of the Dakar unit, do you have a recommendation on behalf of the SSS?
_ Yes, General, the unit head affirmed. As an exceptional representative of the SSS, I dare to speak on their behalf and request the exclusive requisition of the boy named Georges Badji for the purpose of a top-secret state program. It is true that this child is considered a potential danger, but we hope that we can make him an exceptional agent, a pillar protecting the security of the country.
New silence. Jeanne did not need to wonder why everyone, even the general, seemed both tempted and reluctant to make such an exchange. When a person joined the Tops, they might as well be considered dead. They no longer had identities, they were nothing more than shadows that blended into everyday life, embarked on obscure missions unknown to all, except a specific branch of the General Staff. Nothing was known about them, not even their numbers.
Captain Gueye raised his hand to speak.
_ Excuse me, head of the Top unit of Dakar, he said with a slight grimace, but I doubt that's a good idea.
All attention turned to the Thiongane captain. The chief slightly arched an eyebrow at the intervention.
_ Why this doubt, Captain Gueye? It seems to me that this initiative is perfect for both monitoring him and guaranteeing him a safe life.
Oh, you know damn well where's the problem, you cunning bastard, Jeanne thought fiercely.
Captain Gueye smiled politely, which could be translated as a mocking and annoying grimace.
_ Unit chief, he said softly, the problem with your proposal is that Georges Badji will completely disappear after that, even his family will no longer hear of him. However, you didn't have the chance to talk to this child's mother, who did not fail to tell me that if her son was taken away from her, she would not hesitate to spread the news as far as she could. And she also has the fortune of being supported by the entire neighborhood. A beautiful proof of solidarity.
_ Captain Gueye, you had nevertheless indicated to me that everything concerning this Rag had been reduced to nothing but vague rumors.
_ That's right, General, affirmed the Thiongane captain, still smiling. It was quite complicated, but one of the reasons for the silence of the inhabitants of MTOA comes mainly from this agreement I made with the mother, to do everything to ensure that nothing too serious happens to her child. The mere fact of convincing her that we would discuss Georges Badji's case without her would have been more than complicated without her husband's intervention.
_ … I see, the captain agreed. We haven't thanked you enough for having reduced the scope of this story so much. It would be very inappropriate to destroy all your work with a bad choice.
_ Thank you for your appreciation, General.
_ However, it is not a civilian who will condition our choices, retorted the Ngallan commander, his tone slightly irritated. I mean, if the child is really unstable, we must either restrain him in one way or another, or get rid of him.
_ Or, the Thiongane commander intervened for the first time, we can simply choose to… tame him. Make him a weapon for Senegal given the extraordinary potential he possesses. I mean, this is not the first time such a case has presented itself to us, is it?
At these words, all attention turned to Jeanne. The young girl gave him a slight grateful look, for subtly leading the debate towards her.
_ … Paddaan Neew…
The general's tone was dreamy as he evaluated Jeanne.
_ Yes, I can never forget, it was I who made the choice to make you a Paddaan, at least when the General Staff deems it appropriate to make you a member of the 10. But you still haven't proven yourself to fully exercise your functions, have you?
_ It's simply that I didn't want to be a Paddaan until I felt ready, Jeanne replied.
The general arched an eyebrow.
_ Yet, you are already starting to act like a full-fledged Paddaan.
_ I didn't really have a choice, it's more your men's incompetence that should be blamed.
_ You also support the promotion of Captain El Hadji Gueye here, is that also due to lack of choice?
_ No, far from it. There's nothing wrong with supporting a friend, is there?
_ No, none, replied the general with a smile, visibly amused by the quick-witted exchange. Apart from that, what do you think of this situation? Is it similar to yours?
Jeanne took a slight breath.
_ I can at least attest that this kid's strong, Jeanne replied. He's not at the same level as me 2 years ago, it's true, but with a little discipline and training, I'm sure he'll have his place among the Paddaans.
A slight silence was felt before the Top unit chief intervened, his tone doubtful.
_ You want an individual like him to be part of the most prestigious diambars in the country?
_ By Atemit, no, Jeanne burst out laughing, he would have to prove himself first.
_ You're really talking about proof when that's the reason why you don't clearly exercise your functions, replied the unit chef.
_ I would like to remind you that I refused to take my place among the Paddaans, by rejecting the requirement of having my own unit, Jeanne retorted. But what if I decided to do it, you dare tell me that someone, apart from perhaps Paddaan Effos, has a greater accomplishment than me during these 3 last years. I think that if it's only about power, I have all the prerequisites, I'm even already subject to the oath of the Ndaananes.
No one answered. Jeanne continued her momentum.
_ Unit chief, I remind you that this boy is like me in one point. He is a genius of the sembou, almost naturally disposed to this force. And you haven't forgotten what happened the last time you tried to… "recruit" me, have you?
The unit chief said nothing; he simply looked at Jeanne, which was for her a sign that she had silenced him… for now. It was necessary to capitalize on this to quickly finish.
_ The Tops will not make his potential shine as much as the Paddaans. The only problem is knowing how he will prove himself.
Now El Hadji, it's your turn.
As expected, Captain Gueye raised his hand.
_ If you wish, I have another proposal in the same feature.
_ Go ahead, Captain Gueye, we are listening, the general said.
_ I propose to recruit Georges Badji among the Thionganes.
As expected, the proposal caused a shock.
_ Among the Thionganes? the general asked, carefully observing Captain Gueye, can you elaborate a little?
_ I think it's the best method to both prove himself to see if he is worthy or not of the rank of Paddaan while restricting him with the "oath of the way of the heavens". He will in no way be a threat to the population, at least as long as he is not directly endangered by a third party, and will never unleash his full potential except against djinns.
_ That's a good idea, the Loucar commander objected, but with the… high mortality rate in your ranks, for the child's parents it should not be different from a death sentence.
_ If the child dies, then it will mean that he probably didn't have what it takes to be a Paddaan, Captain Gueye simply replied with a grimace. And we would get rid of a potentially dangerous individual in the end.
The blunt, almost cold declaration seemed to resonate in everyone's soul with its apathy. Captain Gueye only accentuated his smile.
_ Let's not play the morality card, gentlemen. Isn't that our goal from the beginning? To find out if this child is beneficial to us or not? Here's our chance.
New silence. Jeanne raised her hand.
_ I support this idea.
All the commanders – except the Thiongane commander – showed expressions of surprise to varying degrees.
_ I think this is the most reliable way to see if he will be a good Paddaan.
_ I… support this idea too.
The surprise seemed greater when Captain Ndour raised a hesitant hand. The Loucar commander, in particular, could not help but intervene.
_ Bachir, are you sure…?
_ Yes, General, the Loucar cut in, gritting his teeth as if he already regretted his words. I cannot guarantee the child's mental stability, nor can I deny the fact that he could be an important element for the country. The Thionganes seem to indicate everything to have answers to this question.
_ And your theories?
_They are just theories as you say, Captain Bachir replied. In any case, I believe that subjecting the child to abrupt questions could be even more dangerous. It is better to follow up from a distance and gently.
_ And what prevents him from proving himself among the Ndimbelanes? asked the Ndimbelane commander.
_ Are you kidding? Jeanne said coldly. After what happened at the ceremony, he'll want to join you as much as he wants to fill his underwear with needles. Other than that, what alternatives do we have? The Loucars, the Ngallans? Let me laugh, do you really think he has an intellectual's head? And I think we all agree that between the Tops and the Thionganes, the choice is obvious even if it's the equivalent of choosing between the plague and cholera.
Jeanne's words, which had slightly regained a hint of youth that reminded everyone she was just a teenager, seemed to infiltrate everyone's minds, slowly and surely convincing them. The Top unit chief, for his part, did not seem to give up.
_ I find, Paddaan Neew, that you are taking this matter too much to heart, which is a first.
Jeanne smiled without saying more. The unit chef couldn't say another word without compromising himself, and the young girl understood that very well.
And now to drive the point home…
The Thiongane commander also raised his hand.
_ I also approve of this decision.
The general raised his eyebrows.
_ Commander, are you therefore taking responsibility for this matter?
_ Yes, General. I believe that Captain Gueye has proven himself enough for us to entrust him with something like this.
The general leaned back in his seat and slowly looked around, his face showing no reluctance to this idea.
_ No objection? he asked.
It was clearly not for lack of desire, but no one spoke. With a slight sigh of relief, the division general struck a sharp blow with his gavel.
_ That's done. Georges Badji is now a new Thiongane recruit until he proves his worth to join the Paddaans. However, I insist that he follow the same curriculum as the other recruits, the 3-year training with perhaps more specific activities at his level. It is important to forge his spirit and his mind.
_ Very well, General.
_ The session is adjourned, the general announced wearily. Let's hope that we will all still be alive when we discuss the boy's admission to the rank of Paddaan again.
That's what you think, Jeanne thought. But if all goes well, maybe I will finally achieve my goal.
Three years… Three years in the shadows… pondering with this parasite deep inside her that she felt every minute and every moment. Three years searching for a flaw…
She found an chance to win, without knowing which path to take to get to it. And just like that, overnight, she found it. A path the size of a grain of rice on the palm of her hand.
Georges Badji was undoubtedly the key to her revenge.