Hideout : somewhere under a city

[Jain Zar]

Restoring


“For a long time we have been shattered, but as of today I will not reform but restore the Circle again, back to its original state. To accomplish this, we must know what the original looked like and the only way that we can see this picture is to view the Circle in the light of the Code.
Yes, my fellow assassins and thieves, you heard me. The Code will give us the true picture of what the Circle must look like. The Code and only the Code alone can do this. Once we have seen the original, we will know what has been added and what was taken away. Once we see what the original looks like, we will not want anything else. I here, hold in my hand that Code. The True Manuscript written by the first Him and Her.
Removing what was added will be the easy part. You, we, just stop practicing anything that cannot be found in the picture of the original. We will strip the old paint and reveal the beauty of the wood underneath. We will remove the rust from the metal by soaking it in everything it takes in order to dissolve the unworthiness off it.
If it appears to be sick, if it remains marred by imperfections, then it will be up to us, the Center, to see that the Circle is freed from it. Anything differing from the Code, must be removed to reveal the true beauty of our Circle. Don’t get me wrong, I would never impede progress as that would lead to brain drain. The Code as we know it, has also grown and evolved during the first days of our original leaders. And true, no one ever said things cannot be added, yet any character added to it would have been examined critically.
Therefore, any aberrant activities will be before being performed, brought under the attention of the Center, looked into and laid next to the True Manuscript.
At the request of the Artist, I have returned to ensure the Code is respected and things are done according to it. At the same time I will see to it that our main hideout, Undertown, will be restored… which will be a long-term operation. I’m not a fool and will never claim I can do this alone. How credible would I then appear to you?”



The five people present nodded approvingly, one of them was Meg who was just smiling. The female elf was pleased and listened to that so familiar person. She was so glad everything was alright again. She smiled at the words spoken. And even though she was only a big year part of this organisation, she could feel that they were true and that the Code was needed.
Her eyes were on the speaker and the moment the Artist was mentioned, her smile widened. She, next to one other, was the only one who knew the true identity of the Artist.



“Now, I will start quoting those rules that constitute the core of our Code, and therefore our organisation.
Rule number one : it is expressly prohibited for Members to harm or take the life of another Member, on pain of death.
Rule number two : be loyal to Members, and do not be an informer, on pain of death.
Rule number three : be a Member of honor, respect any assignment that had the approval of the Circle and do not be tempted to secondary activities violating the Code. For instance, women will never be sexually assaulted or forced into sex against their will, children are not to be harmed in any way… ever, on pain of death.
Rule number four : be a stand-up person. Keep eyes and ears open and your mouth shut. Do not sell out, do not surrender during any interrogation. Do not whine or complain in the face of adversity, including any possible punishments… don’t play if you cannot pay.
Rule number five : have class……..”


Meg closed her eyes as she continued to listen, nodding like all the others after each rule spoken.