“I have been in communication with
a source that has provided me with detailed information on the Afoixox. We have
a way to incite them into showing their true colours to the government. We have
a few days in which to prepare for the implementation of this plan. I would
like for us to use this time to gather as much information as possible about
what the government actually does know about not only the Afoixox, but the Shai
Halad as well.
“As for the opportunity that
presents its self to us at this time has to do with the video message that will
be overriding the video feed that is being streamed to all of the United
Worlds. We can put our logo on it and let them know that we are involved in
showing revealing this information or we can stay silent. This is not my
decision to make – it is yours.”
“It would boost recruitment if it
goes right, but it will also make us more visible to the government as a
target. And if things go wrong…” A woman spoke up from the corner of the room
where she had been standing with her arms crossed.
“It’s not a matter of whether or
not it works out in our favour Khalli. It’s more of a matter of whether or not
we are willing to take that chance. I’m all for it.” The man who had spoken to
Eve earlier said. He turned attention to Hans. “I’m sorry we haven’t been
introduced. I’m Leighton and I’m more or less the public relations person for A
Bloc.”
Hans nodded as a way of
acknowledgement. He really had nothing to say in this situation. Although he
had been there in the beginning when Alfie had started the organization, it was
never anything he had ever wanted to be deeply involved in, but here he was in
the thick of things now.
“This is Khalli and that is Amit.”
Leighton continued, introducing the other two people that had come into the
room with them. “And I’m sure we’d all like to hear what you have to say on
this.”
“Excuse me?” Hans stood up a little
straighter. “I don’t understand.”
“You’re going to be the face of this. Do you want to be
associated with us?” Amit spoke up for the first time and Hans was shocked that
he recognized the voice. He had never know his name or face, but the voice he
knew really well.
“Since I refused so vehemently the last time you asked?”
Hans now understood their hesitation. He remembered when he had first been
invited to join A Bloc and he had refused in such a way that no one had ever
asked him again. Although he had always supported Alfie in whatever he did, he
also was not the kind of person to get involved back then. All that had
mattered was his career.
“I’m surprised you recognized my voice, but, yes, I did
share with my colleagues your reluctance to be associated with this
organization.” Amit shrugged and glanced over at Duke and Honora. “Your friends
seem to think that you’d have a different opinion now.”
Hans considered his position carefully before answering the
lingering question. “I can be the face if you’re willing to take the risk.”
“Then I think we will take the risk. You know, he always did
believe that you’d come around some day. I never believed it.” Amit stepped
forward and took Hans’ hand. “It is good to finally meet you in person though.”
“Is there agreement?” Eve interrupted her gaze fixed on
Khalli and Leighton. When neither spoke up she continued speaking. “Then this
is settled. Until Altheia says otherwise, this is priority one. Get it out to
all members that for the next few days we need as much data as possible to work
with. Even if it’s only peripherally related, I would like that information
gathered as well.
“In the meanwhile, we will finish the process already begun
for the inciting incident as well as the video afterwards. Also, we need to get
a good prediction on how the public in general is going to react. You three,
I’ll meet you in the media room shortly. I have one last thing to take care
of.”
Eve waited until Amit, Leighton and Khalli had left and
closed the door. She motioned to the chairs that none of them had been using.
Duke and Honora sat on one side and Hans and Eve sat across from them.
“You three will need to keep a low profile in the coming
days. However, I would like to include both of you, Duke and Honora, in the
video Hans and I have already started. You are not required to participate, but
it would be useful.” Eve said.
“I’m all for it.” Duke nodded.
“Never been pro-government, but are you sure you want me in
it? I mean, my past is a little…well…” Honora blushed and looked at the table.
“Your personal histories were researched prior to my asking
the question. I will consider that a yes then. Good. If I need any of you I
will send someone to bring you to me otherwise, please stay in the suite
provided. There is no need for too much advanced word to get out. That will be
all. Thank you.” Eve stood up, nodded her head at the three of them and quickly
exited the room.
“So what were you two up to?” Duke asked as he stood up from
his chair.
“Believe it or not, talking Ohaehim.” Hans said.
“How?” Honora asked leaning over the table towards Hans. “I
thought that wasn’t possible.”
“I didn’t think so either, but she has this incredible way
of communicating. It was, it was something else entirely. It was very similar
to the way the interface on Cantun communicated with me, but this was far more
interactive.” Hans grinned. “I swear you guys need to take more risks because
this has been quite the journey for me.”
“Kinda just happy both my hands as my own human hands,
thanks though. I’m not that adventurous.” Duke wandered towards the door and
Honora scrambled out of her seat to follow him. Hans stood up at a more
leisurely pace.
“You’re really missing out. I mean, I can have as many
fingers as I like with this hand. Way more useful than just being stuck with
the typical five.” Hans sauntered after them, not caring that Duke was
purposefully ignoring him.
No comments:
Post a Comment