“Hans, you need to look good when you go to see Admiral
Falun and Admiral Georgio. You cannot go in the same rags you’ve been wearing
for the last while.” Honora was shouting through the door at Hans who didn’t
bother to answer her. She smoothed down the dress shirt she was wearing,
uncomfortable outside of her usual jumpsuit.
“He’s not going to listen. You know he wants nothing to do
with either of those people. He still blames them for Alfie’s death.” Duke
leaned against the wall his hand feeling the smoothness of his chin. It was
strange for him not to have his usual stubble.
“That is irrelevant. Feelings should have no part in this.
Alfie did what he needed to do knowing the risk and the officials responded in
a way they felt fit. It is a non-issue at this point. This is a meeting that
needs to happen.” Eve spoke from the doorway, but it was loud enough that even
Hans had been able to hear what she was saying.
Hans opened the door, standing in a replica of his old dress
uniform. “Let them try and talk down to me in this.”
“That was not the outfit that we gave you to wear. I will
not ask where it came from, but I do approve of the change. Please try to keep
your emotions under control during this meeting.” Eve said she turned and was
met face to face with another woman. “Altheia.”
Hans looked craned his head to try to see past Eve at the
new leader of A Bloc that he had yet to meet. He had heard that she would be
joining them for the meeting, but had wondered at her persisting absence. Hans
knew that it wasn’t really any of his business, but it was his neck on the line
here.
Eve stepped aside to allow Altheia into the room and Hans
could feel his jaw drop. Every thought he had been thinking had just
disappeared. She smiled, almost shyly, and raised a hand. “Hi Hans. Ready for
that meeting then?”
“You.” It was really more of a statement than anything. “I
though your name was-“
“No, I was lying to you about my name. It was a cover while
I was on Cantun.” Altheia shrugged. “Never really expected to see you again,
but this is definitely much bigger than any of us could have thought in the
beginning.”
“You could say that again.” Hans walked over and held out
his hand to shake hers. She grasped his hand in both of hers and pumped it
twice. “It’s a pleasure to actually meet you Altheia.”
“Same here Hans and, just so you know, I really appreciate
all you’ve done.” She turned her head to look at Duke and Honora. “All of you.
It was a big risk and I know it took a lot of courage. Thank you.”
Duke gave her a nod. “It’s nice to hear that. I think it’s
the first time anyone has really thanked us or acknowledged the risk. Glad to
see someone has some priorities.”
“Well if the introductions are done, shall we go and get
this meeting started? This will be the first time that we’ve been able to be on
a level playing field with the government as opposed to being considered
nothing more than an annoyance.” Altheia grinned and then the joy in her face
just crumbled in to sorrow. “I wish Alfie could have been here to see this. It
would have made him very happy.”
“I would advise that you also try to keep your emotions
contained.” Eve said to Altheia who just nodded in response. “If you have all
finished your greetings I would recommend that you leave immediately. Please
let me know how things went upon your arrival.”
“You’re not coming?” Hans stared at Eve and looked at
Altheia, his eyes trying to find an answer in hers.
“No, while this organization is barely tolerated it would be
hunter ruthlessly if my association was known. I am still considered and
illegal object by the government. I cannot be there.” Eve tilted her head to
one side. “I thought you were aware of that Hans. I know you know what I am.”
“I guess it slipped my mind.” Hans shrugged and walked past
her into the corridor after the others. He paused after a few steps and turned
to face Eve again. “I guess I should get you to remind me not to
anthropomorphise machines, then again you’re not just a machine. Maybe I should
remind you of that.”
She said nothing to him as he quickened his step to catch up
with the others. A small smile played on his lips at his own little joke. He
knew she wouldn’t understand, but it made him feel a little better to have just
said it.
All four of them loaded into a transport, having turned down
the official transport that had been offered. It was a silent drive to Capital
City Complex where the United Worlds government held its office. No one really
had anything to say, there was nothing to discuss at this point, they all knew
what was at stake and what was required of each of them. Hans absently played
with left hand trying to keep his mind occupied.
As the stepped out of the transport and at the entryway to
the Capital City Complex Altheia glanced down at his hand which he had returned
to a more human five digits. “Please try to keep your left hand steady. It’s
bad enough that it’s black, but if you constantly change your digits it’s bound
to bring the wrong kind of attention to you.”
“Of course.” Hans nodded. He had already considered that
because he was now an anomaly among humans. Special Forces were always interested
in the strange and unusual. He definitely qualified for that now. He had a
feeling though that at some point he would have to show off his hand.
A guard was waiting to escort them into the impressive
building. They went through countless security checks and several guard changes
before they finally stood outside the meeting room. Hans had spent most of the
time staring at the grandeur of the building. He had never thought that he would
have ever have a chance to the Capital City Complex.
Two guards admitted them into the meeting room that was far
less grand and much cozier than he had been expecting. Already both the
Admirals stood waiting in one corner, deep in discussion about something that
none of them could overhear.
Admiral Falun looked up and met Hans’ gaze before whipping
his gaze away. Hans though he could see guilt in the Admiral’s face, but he a
part of him wondered if it was just wishful thinking. A small round table had
been set up in the room with cozy stuffed chairs around it. Hans, Duke, Honora
and Altheia sat at the table and waited in silence.
No comments:
Post a Comment