I: Half-Truths
Princess Aurash gazed out into the neon storm. Helium and methane clouds raged furiously as they were wont to do, great winds whipping the deluge into a frenzy. Somewhere out there was a gigantic maelstrom, twisted about by the moons' influence, pulling large quantities of chemical water and spewing it across the ocean. Such storms threatened the floating worlds Fundament's civilizations lived upon, notably the Court of Osmium, her father's domain.
Ever since she could remember Aurash had been afraid of storms like these. The lightnings would burn out unprotected eyes, the acidic rain melt through unguarded skin; she remembered, barely four days old at the time, seeing a retainer dissolve into a puddle of slush when an unexpected downpour rolled through the Court. Taox had taken her aside and told her the elemental truth of their species: the krill were the weakest and most feeble creatures in existence, and that all they could do was hide until danger passed. There was nothing that could have been done for the retainer, just like nothing could be done about the storm. Taox had then returned her to her numerous studies, of learning how to govern, to manage the people during times of crisis like the storms or invasion. But the memory of that man liquefying remained, even in her dreams.
Since that time she pushed herself, looking to discover ways to protect her people. With the help of Xi Ro and Sathona and Vinri and Betox, young Aurash facilitated the construction of rain-proof umbrella-like coverings for the general populace. Taox initially disapproved until Aurash pointed out that if another sudden storm escaped the weatherwatchers the people should be able to protect themselves until they could reach safety. The King thought it was a wonderful idea and had it implemented immediately.