He took another long pull of the hookah.
“Nor will I let it pass me by if there is a situation that seems amiss, that may need my interference.”
Regan wasn’t quite sure what Korshani was saying, but he was growing increasingly nervous with each passing word.
Korshani took another pull, another sip, and then smiled at his rigid guests.
“You are familiar with Councilman Rubicio,” he said.
Regan tightened.
He felt Calico stir beside him.
Neither of them replied. Not even a head nod was offered as a response. They just looked at Korshani and waited for him to finish his thought.
“He brags and boasts about the peace consuming this universe,” Korshani continued. “He makes speeches and holds rallies trying to stop terrorists who would destroy the growing truces that are making this universe stronger and keeping it together. He has a plan, with much support, to put an end to terrorist activity all over the universe. There are many who think he will be successful in this crusade.”
Regan wanted out of this room. He wanted out of this chair, and though he wanted this to be a stealth operation, he realized it might not be possible any longer. He felt exposed, and that Rubicio had the entire council tightly in his grip.
Korshani smiled widely.
“What much of the public doesn’t know…” he continued, “…is that Councilman Rubicio is a lying bastard.”
Hold up…
Korshani leaned back into his chair again, and took a large sip from his glass, finishing the drink then refilling it from a golden jar next to the desk.
“He’s up to no good,” Korshani continued. “His policies are inadequate and self-serving to begin with, but there are larger and more sinister rumors floating about. There are some who believe he is the head of the Flavatto mob, an illegal yet powerful enterprise that has its fingers, tentacles, and claws in too many parts of the universe as it is. And they say it’s growing. More bosses are being made under him every day.”
Regan wasn’t sure what to think. This could easily be bait. He wanted to chime in and tell Korshani of his distaste for Rubicio, but he didn’t want to play into his hand if this was a set up.
“I have been compiling a list of disappearances,” Korshani continued. “People, either powerful or not, who have mysteriously disappeared or died of curious circumstances, all whom somehow had a connection to Rubicio. There are many witnesses that secret agents within this council have been pursuing for testimonials, but they all seem to vanish at the right time.”
He leaned forward. “This means two things: First, that these witnesses were legitimate and knew something useful. Second, that even the council’s own secret service is corrupted. And when things are that bad… Well, there is little room for trust.”
Korshani went silent and looked at them. His shadowed eyes went back and forth between them.
Then he said something that nearly made Regan jump.
“What do you know about the death of Salvato?”
His tone was direct, as if he already knew everything and had been baiting Regan and Calico for this confession. This confrontation. They were locked in this room and who knew what would happen based on their response to this question. For all he knew, there could be security forces lining up behind the office door.
But maybe it was worth taking the chance. Maybe Korshani truly would sympathize with their cause. Maybe he did want to restore peace in the galaxy, and if the council’s secret service couldn’t get answers, maybe Korshani was trying a new tactic.
Screw it. I made it this far, anyway.
If I have to bring down two crooked council members as opposed to just one, then so be it.
Regan was tired of this whole thing. He wanted to stop running and have time to enjoy his girls. He had gone through much and wouldn’t trade any of it, but that goal was still the one that mattered most.
“I do know about the death,” Regan spoke to Korshani for the first time, and he did so with smooth confidence. “We killed him.”
Korshani leveled a stare at Regan. He lifted the hookah hose again and took another long pull. When he exhaled, as before, he started laughing.
“I appreciate your honesty,” Korshani said. “I’m delighted you did.”
Regan exhaled heavily.
Korshani then removed a card from the desk. It was similar to the one the king gave Regan, and he realized what was happening. He was getting a council member to help. A council member’s access, which he would need to get into the communications room. The plan was going to work.
“I think I know your plan, as I like to focus on the finer details of any evolving situation,” Korshani continued. “I think you have a data cube. I think you want to exploit it. And I think it’s a good idea. Bold and risky, but I cannot think of a better one.” He slid the card to Regan across the desk. “You will need this. And you will only have one shot to get it right.”
“Thank you, councilman,” Calico said, speaking for the first time.
“No need to thank me,” Korshani replied. “I meant what I said about your people. You come from a noble race. The universe could learn a great deal from creatures like you.”
He then turned to Regan. “And you, the unpredictable human who has caused so much trouble. I welcome it. I look forward to more of your kind taking to space and upsetting the status quo. The corruption ravaging these skies has been dealt a wake up call. One that was much needed.”
He paused for a moment in thought, then spoke again. “I wish I could come with you, but I can’t risk my position. I’m no good in this fight without this seat. If things go wrong, I will have to claim you stole my card. I hope you understand.”
Sounds about right.
But Regan did understand. The situation was bigger than all of them, and Korshani planned on seeing this fight to the end, with or without Regan and Calico. He couldn’t argue with that. Regan then thought quickly about the secret service and wondered how long Korshani had been fighting this fight from the shadows.
“I want you to bury him,” Korshani finally said, before bringing the hookah hose back to his beak-like mouth.
Regan nodded at the councilman. “You can count on us.”
He and Calico stood, and the door unlocked on its own, opening before them.
Chapter Eighteen
Regan and Calico walked down the long hallway of offices and entered a main area. It was circular with five large doors surrounding its perimeter. Like other places in this building, art and sculptures of a heroic past decorated it. Regan saw it as a demonstration of the current establishment trying to dictate history.
A handful of people idled around this area. Some worked quietly on their devices, while others were on calls conveying information. Others simply waited, doing nothing.
Then Regan realized why.
One of the sets of doors opened and a large group of people came flooding out. Cameras flashed and microphones lifted. The once quiet setting now had the air of a busy red carpet.
Regan realized that these people waiting were members of the press. They all jumped up and joined the crowd composed of councilmen and staff members of all different species. They moved like teams leaving from one battlefield and heading to the next.
Regan didn’t want to walk through the chaos. Calico had already been recognized before, so walking right through this mess of people would not be beneficial to their plan. If anything, it would introduce another distraction that would keep them further away from the communications room.
“I think we should find a new route,” Regan said to Calico.
They walked arm-in-arm and kept their chins up. They needed to play the part like they belonged here. It was more difficult here than it was in the casino, but his Bond-like tuxedo did help him a little in the confidence department.
Calico assured him they should stay their course. She said that a redirection with all these people around would raise suspicions. While
many of them were press people or councilmen, he had to remember that others were security. Any sudden detour like that would surely pique someone’s interest.
Regan agreed. He didn’t like it, but he knew she was right. And so once again, Regan found himself in a situation of walking right into the shark pit. Or rather, this time, having to walk right through it and come out on the other end alive.
The surrounding crowd began to tighten. Calico and Regan broke off their arm lock and weaved through groups of people forming around the councilmen. All sorts of questions were being asked, but there was a theme that Regan kept latching onto.
Much discussion revolved around the upcoming vote. While Regan didn’t know what vote it was, he had a strong fear that it was the vote. The vote that would decide whether to eradicate the Earth from this universe. It was a vote he couldn’t let happen.
Keep it cool. That’s all they talk about around here are votes. It’s their job.
While Regan wanted to believe that thought, it didn’t matter. He needed to move his ass. Whether it was this vote or the next one, it was coming and the reality was that unless he got into that communications room, he would be witnessing the extinction of the human race.
Then they were stopped.
“Calico!” a voice shouted at them. It was high-pitched and even had a whistle-like quality to it. “My dear! How are you?” the voice continued. It was friendly and surprised.
Regan and Calico both turned toward the voice, seeing that it belonged to a short man. Very short. Almost comically so. He was dressed incredibly well in a shiny suit and slicked back hair. Though his greasy hair was black, he had white wings on either side that passed by his ears. In a way he resembled Salvato, the way he had pinstripes in his hair, and how he wore a tailor-made suit that looked incredibly expensive.
Regan couldn’t help but notice the gold pocket watch chain sticking out of his vest, as he couldn’t remember another time he had seen a traditional clock like those on Earth. Something about it felt out of place, and yet strangely comfortable on this person, whoever he was.
And whoever he was, one thing was for sure—he was important. He was surrounded by a team of people. Some of them security, but mostly it seemed like staff. Some held files or small electronic devices. Some of them were whispering into their communication links or listening to their ear pieces. One creature in particular, who reminded Regan of a skinny and proper Squit, was carrying a tray with empty glasses and a drink pitcher. Though this creature only had a few tentacles, it allowed for a perfect balance of the beverage tray.
Regan assumed it was fancy booze. It was clear that this was the type of guy who could get whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, and just how he liked it.
The man smiled widely at seeing Calico, his mouth was full of gold teeth. They sparkled when he smiled. Regan couldn’t deny that he was a bit impressed by this guy’s willingness to be so bold.
“Councilman Rubicio!” Calico said with a hint of pleasant surprise in her voice. She stepped closer to him. “Have you gotten taller?”
Rubicio laughed heavily and waved his hand at Calico.
Holy shit. They know each other?
Regan couldn’t believe that Calico was joking around—and even teasing—the councilman, mob boss, or whatever he thought of himself.
And because Rubicio was so infatuated with Calico, he didn’t even notice Regan standing there watching, with his jaw hanging down, or his hands clenching.
Even though Rubicio hadn’t noticed him yet, security and staff were no doubt peering all over the place for potential trouble or opportunities.
Regan kept tight-lipped and stiffened his stance, but loosened his fists. He stood by while Calico did what she did best: playing the part.
“I don’t think I’ve gotten taller!” Rubicio shouted back at her, laughing the whole time. “If anything, I might’ve shrunk another inch. Arthritis and all that!” He rested his hand on his slightly bulging belly and laughed again. “I haven’t seen you in such a long time, Calico.” He was full of surprise, but also joy. His voice was squeaky and while it was clear that this was how he spoke, Regan assumed there was some additional squeaking happening due to the surprise and laughter of seeing Calico all grown up.
“Even before your father retired,” Rubicio continued. “He hadn’t brought you here for a few good years. I remember you being so little then. Where have you been?”
Calico smirked and rolled her feline eyes.
“Oh you know,” she said coyly. “Just the typical rebellious princess stuff. Mischief and secrets. Causing trouble. You know how it is.”
Rubicio laughed and clapped his hands in approval.
“I do indeed,” he said with a raised eyebrow. “Good for you. But what brings you here today? Tell me, are you here representing your father?”
His eyes lit up when he asked this question, and Regan could see for the first time that his eyes had golden flecks in them. Perhaps it was a trick of the light, but Regan wouldn’t be surprised if Rubicio had gold injected into his eyes.
Calico shook her head and gave a slightly pouty face. She knew when to not overplay her hand, and this was definitely one of those times.
“No,” she said. “I’m not an advisor. This however,” she motioned to Regan as she said this, “is my father’s advisor.”
Rubicio looked at Regan as if he was noticing him for the first time. Regan watched as the councilman’s face developed a red hue. Rage began to build up behind his eyes and jaw. His cheeks clenched a bit tighter as he stared at Regan hard. He then blinked and adjusted his posture, as if he didn’t want to be caught on camera or by the press in a fit of rage, which Regan was sure was about to erupt out of him.
The bottom line: Rubicio recognized Regan, and he knew now the game was on.
“I see,” Rubicio said. The wispiness of his voice collected a bit more, so he sounded more direct and less playful. Regan thought he must have several voices he relied on depending on the situation.
“And what is your name?” Rubicio asked.
“Regan,” he replied.
He didn’t hold out his hand to shake Rubicio’s.
Nor did Rubicio offer the gesture.
“And tell me, Regan,” he started. He wore a fake smile, but Regan saw right through it. “Did you happen to arrive in a craft that was once owned by a collector of rare items?”
“Indeed, Councilor, I did.” He said it proudly as he looked down upon this powerful being.
Rubicio’s face was full of pure hatred. Regan knew he was masking it the best he could, but he felt the facade might be cracking. Rubicio realized the full situation, that Regan was on his turf now, and he was unafraid.
The two of them continued to lock gazes, but they were surrounded by people. There was no action that either of them could really take, and while Regan appreciated this advantage, Rubicio was clearly furious about it.
A staff member from Rubicio’s team pushed through everyone and whispered something in Rubicio’s ear. His face changed only slightly, but it was clear that there was an important matter at hand. Something that needed Rubicio’s attention.
There was a moment when Rubicio’s eyes looked away as he began answering, in whispers, questions that were being asked of him by his staff. Regan took the opportunity to make eye contact with Calico, hoping she knew they needed to leave now. As fun as it was catching Rubicio off guard like this, Regan knew he was pressing his luck.
But Calico’s returned look said they should stay put and finish this, whatever it was. She was probably right. If they started to leave quickly, Rubicio would have someone stop them. They needn’t set off any unnecessary alarms. Regan stood patiently and waited for the quick whispered huddle to wrap up.
Eventually Rubicio turned his gaze back to Regan, then to Calico. He looked at Calico a bit differently this time, as if he was putting it together that she was the Pershan with the human this whole time. He perhaps knew of Arkei and Straya, but Cali
co had done a good job keeping herself a secret within Mephistopheles’s compound. Rubicio looked slightly betrayed, but in a way that demonstrated he had a new angle to consider.
“And what brings you both here today?” Rubicio asked again, shaking his head, coming out of whatever angry trance he had fallen into. They were still surrounded by people. Regan had to hand it to him, he was good at keeping his composure.
It’s how he lives his life, the crooked bastard. Just lying to people’s faces all day.
Even so. He knew if Rubicio could, he would kill Regan right there. Calico too it seemed, regardless of any history they shared. Rubicio’s twitching eye suggested as much.
“Administrative duties,” Calico said. “Just boring stuff.”
Another staff member came forward. This one was in a bigger hurry. She was speaking urgently about how Rubicio’s presence was needed right away. They were going to be holding the vote in a few moments.
Again, Regan wondered if this was the vote that decided the fate of his planet, but he had a feeling that it wasn’t. Rubicio’s face was still filled with anger, and Regan knew that if he was about to vote on destroying Earth, he would give Regan some sort of smile or subtle gut punch. He wouldn’t be able to help himself. He might have even invited him to come and watch.
This made Regan smile. He had some time still.
Rubicio looked at Regan and Calico for a few moments in silence while his staff urged him to join the vote. It was clear he was considering not attending, instead trying to stop whatever it was that these two were up to. But there were too many people and too many cameras. He had to play the role of a legitimate council member. One with nothing to hide. He couldn’t do anything suspicious.
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