D.I.E. Training

".... So, let it be known that our commitment to D.I.E. principles is firm. As absolute as the right of the Mighty to the galaxy! Under Khorne, most mighty of all, of course! And if any doubt our commitment here at Ninurta-Diš Sub-Regional Department Zeta Divisional Branch of the Office of Ceremonial Calculations (outer-wing)? Report them to me, and I shall take their skull myself! For we are servants of the Rage Lord's most mighty Sanguinary Utnapishtim, and we shall brook no insult to our commitment to...."

Urnunam zoned out. Nuhul considered himself an inspiring speaker, despite substantial evidence to the contrary, and had decided today's ceremony was yet another chance to bless his underlings with his eloquence. Khorne take vengeance but Urnunam didn't need this; the Gesherite report was due tomorrow and he hadn't even anointed the parchment with ritual vitae yet!

And it's not like Urnunam was opposed to the spirit of the D.I.E. trainings! Far from it. Urnunam, unlike others he could name, held no prejudice in his heart. "Khorne cares not from whence the blood flows, so why should we?", that's what Urnunam always said. And these weren't just hollow words to him! The genuine spirit of omnicide, not just pieties without application, animated his actions. So why should he have to be here? Urnunam was one of the good ones!

"... So, yes, of course, let it be said, in line with our commitments, here at Ninurta-Diš Sub-Regional Department Zeta Divisional Branch of the Office of Ceremonial Calculations (outer-wing), we don't just say we'll Deliver Inclusive Evisceration - we Deliver Inclusive Evisceration!"

The logisticians of Ninurta-Diš, etc, were familiar with Nuhul's inimitable (on pain of death) rhetorical style, so they knew what he considered an applause line. This was hence met with half-hearted clapping. Nuhul now just had to make the appropriate ritual offering for a Mandatory Office Away Day, by cutting the throat of the prisoner chained at his feet, and they could finally begin today's lesson on "Appropriate ways of referring to Wardum in the sacrificial chamber". But, instead, something shocking happened. Nuhul made a great show of handing his management machete to Gibilmu, who made the cut herself. Wardum Gibilmu.

A faint gasp went up from the audience; even Urnunam grimaced in disgust. Now Gibilmu was a fine logistician, Urnunam would be the first to tell you that. You could ask anyone in Ninurta-Diš, etc, and they'd tell you Urnunam said as much. But there are limits. Gibilmu is wardum - a slave - and her being allowed to handle a weapon? Unacceptable. Disgusting, even. Fine, Urnunam could see how it was symbolic of the D.I.E. agenda they were here to learn about; in the end, was she not a versatile tool of their team, quite capable of being used to spill blood when the occasion called for it? Sure. But there are limits.

Rather than just focusing on the most egregious anti-wardum prejudices of actual bigots, Nuhul had made it political.