by Brian Cain
CHAPTER NINE
Albert Hollis was crumpled up in his chair, his breathing had become laboured, the smallest of chores was an effort, fighting off the effects of a chest infection during a bout of the flu he soldiered on. He had just finished a phone conversation with the minister for defence, his chair turned toward the wall troubled by the news he received, he thought hard and could just hear the wall panel open and close behind him. He swivelled his chair back around to look over his desk, wasn't quite what he expected to find, he looked inquisitively but stern at the intruder. "Greywolf I presume."
"Yes Mr Hollis."
"At least you have the manners of your father."
"You know why I came."
"Not really, have something to do with a drone flying over Paternoster Square minutes ago and gunning down the top man of the stock exchange." Hollis fumbled with his pipe, loading it with tobacco.
"This person has been spoken to on many occasions about redefining the system."
"He is but a pawn on a very large chess board."
"Remove the pawns and the king and queen are exposed."
"You may also bring out the bishops and knights."
Greywolf nodded with stern resolve. "Indeed, once exposed I can shot at them."
Hollis lit his pipe and blew smoke into the air. "Smoking offends you."
"No, foolish habit, nor do I drink, yet this place stinks of cigars and brandy."
"An aroma held dear by your father."
"I'm not my father, I merely bear his name."
"Indeed." Hollis coughed profusely.
"Your habit creeps up on you."
"Things are not as they sometimes seem, my chest infection from the dam flu does not like the smoke, tell me something, was the drone sent by the elite."
"Yes it was."
"Then it is you whom have control."
"Father has returned home, he retired."
"I am aware of your father's current status. Over the last few days, on two occasions, control of our nuclear arsenal was transferred then returned, do you know anything about that."
"Yes, and don't bother telling me about the Russians, I know they've been in contact with you this morning."
"And what do you plan to do, with this ultimate power, something your father was opposed to."
"Become the law."
"Good god man, are you insane."
"You can look at it several ways; no one nation has a nuclear power any more. They have to negotiate, work out ways to make things work without threat, death and war."
Hollis smirked. "You believe aristocracy and the wealthy are capable of achieving such a thing."
"By this time tomorrow the stock market would have crashed, numbers on big boards will be worth nothing."
"Have you not forgotten the planet is at war in several spots?"
"The elite are withdrawing from these places, when clear they will be eradicated."
"The world runs on the resources of these places, there will be anarchy beyond your wildest dreams."
"My father and I have vehicles that run without oil or the need for constant refuelling of an ever depleting resource, these things were developed long ago. Who is to blame for their neglect, purchased by the powerful the ideas still remain hidden from the public."
"I am old and frail, I still have no answer for you, we are in the midst of change."
"People don't like change."
"Indeed, change sometimes needs to be pushed. I recall Lord Nelson changing battle tactics at the Battle of Trafalgar, his superiors were opposed to the move. Had he not acted as he did, we may not be talking to each other now, but we are."
"Then you approve."
"No, I am without opinion."
"People with no opinion fear making decisive moves, their lack of faith is worthless."
"Humph, and you are the most dangerous person on the planet, to some degree a godsend, depending on what you do with this power your father has handed you."
"I once saved you from the jaws of death, the obvious about Polaris was not..."
"I am aware of your involvement on the bridge and you are right, I had and still have no idea what happened to the Polaris plans."
"They were merely a diversion, obsolete before they went missing."
"Mmm, not to the radical religious people of the Middle East. Had they developed the plans they are mad enough to use such a weapon."
"Believe me it was all with purpose, a purpose at this time you need not know, so you think I'm mad."
"In comparison to the years of my time yes, but the world has gone mad, may take a madman to recognise the problems and act on them."
"I'm not mad, but I have become very angry."
"The words of your father, and when you pass your legacy will die with you, I will be long gone and change will again grip the planet."
"I must leave you sir."
"And may god help you, words I have said in this very room for your father, because I cannot."
"I made my presence here known to the right people."
Hollis nodded with a smile. "They fear you, and fear is all they understand, give them the reigns and the horse will bolt, you hold the horse firmly between your legs, and ride it with pride. Do you understand what I have said?"
"Yes sir I do Mr Hollis."
"Go boy, and thank you for giving me the honour of your presence."
Greywolf bowed his head, walked backwards to the wall panel and vanished.
Albert put his pipe down and folded his arms, he coughed a little, then muttered to himself. "My god, what a mess we have made, I can't say I would relish that boys job."