Breakdown
Chapter Four:
Jean Descolé
Joshua walked down the corridor, caffeine pipe in his face. "And the lot at HQ thought I was on about Paul… hmph!" He smirked. "Looks like they can be a little thick. "Oh well… time to track him down." Joshua had seen the records – missing, presumed dead after what came to be known as The Fall of the Legacy… Although, it wouldn't have been the first time he'd have pulled a vanishing act – not to mention he had been `spotted` a few times here and there. However, simply knowing that he was alive was one thing, getting him to agree to the interview was another. He did want to remain dead, for all intents and purposes. So, naturally, he made a deal. The reason that he wanted to interview the man was twofold. Firstly, he had access to information that was key to the case – being one of the few people who wholly studied the Legacy… and, he was there, in London, at the time – provably, in fact. After all, he had been seen by a certain blue-haired prosecutor.
"So what is it you want?" The voice on the other side of the phone was reasonably harsh.
"Simple. Information. And, before you ask, I offer complete anonymity and immunity, and free access to the archives regarding the Azran Civilisation."
"… Why would you give me that?" The voice was much more smug now.
"Because… It just so happens… I need the same information. So… arrive at the alleyway beside the café opposite Scotland Yard at 11:59, sharpish. I'll join you shortly after. Ensure you're alone."
After stating the obvious, Joshua wryly flicked the phone off, leaving Descolé with the dial tone.
"Wow, a minute early." Joshua, if it were anyone else, or at any other time, would have left the man to wait – but since he was in an impatient mood anyways, and two impatient men in the room at the same time is never a good idea, he flicked the shutter, slowly moving the slab of concrete on which the man was standing down. "Good morning, Descolé. Nice and private, don't you think?"
"And this place would be?" Ah, he looked and sounded the same as ever – still sporting the mask.
"Descolé – I would like to introduce you to the restricted archive of Scotland Yard – a place which… as a high ranking prosecutor… I effectively own." Whilst he was saying all this, he was conducting an array of retinal and palm print scans, before slicing his licence card into the lock.
"Prosecutor Holmes…" A robotic, genderless voice boomed into the room. Joshua grunted.
"Okay, RONI – one, why are you speaking in that tone – and two, Joshua, please."
The voice switched to a neutral, female voice. "Sorry, Joshua. Is there anyone you are escorting inside?" Descolé held his breath.
"Record on private servers – Jean Descolé, my eyes only."
"Confirmed." The door slid open, revealing a series of blue, red and black touchscreen monitors, and a table with two chairs. Other than that, once again, a pitch black room.
"So what do you want me to tell you - I'm afraid I can't offer much help in the way of testimony – "
"Not at all. In fact, I want you to see something." Joshua beckoned Descolé over to a red monitor labelled `active cases` and another, `confidential researches`. "Creative naming, don't you think?"
After a few minutes of flicking around, he brought up all the data on the Azran… and a file – specifically, one showing the original designs for the weaponry on the large machine. Two revisions of it, in fact. Slowly, he backed away from the monitors, allowing Descolé to see. Instantly, he got a reaction. Panicking a little, he raced to bring up another questioning screen – this time, white.
+Questioning Begin+
Variations on a Theme
Almost as if a child with a new found toy, Descolé hurriedly switched back and forth between the revisions, keeping his gaze fixed on one point of the weapon. Quickly, he flicked through the research, looking for something specific. Suddenly, a humanoid object popped up on the screen, with which he zoomed in on one particular point. He did something similar to the weapon's second revision, pointing out the same selection of components "What…" Although belated, the sentiment was understood.
"Is that doing there?"
"Indeed… this particular technology was buried the moment it was unveiled – all of the world's governments sealed it away. It should have been impossible to recreate with this precision…"
"I see…" Point of thought: The technology was hidden away? "In this exact room, to be precise."
"So it would have to be someone with access to this room, correct?"
"Incorrect. This research was sent to quite a few places around the globe, so I can't make any guarantees about that – and said places don't have as airtight security as this place does. Any criminal instruction worth their salt could get their hands on this."
"Well that's useful."
"… It is actually." The other man grunted. "Well, no matter what, it would have needed a significant amount of power to do this – not just money… man power – willing man power."
"… I… think I see what you mean."
"Of course you do. Now, I promised you free access."
"You want me out of here, don't you?"
"Not at all. You had my word, after all. RONI will help out, I'm sure. Tell her to send anything important to me, though, yeah?"
"And what if someone else comes here?"
"… I own this place. I have very high doubts as to anyone else being allowed down here." Joshua, still smirking wildly, left the room, carrying the pale screen with him. Quickly dragging the info around, he ended the – short – questioning session.
Questioning End
Person of Great Power
"Well – how many criminal organisations do you know that are obsessed with the Azran, RONI?"
"One, Joshua. I don't think I need to give you their name."
"No, you don't. I wonder how much she knows about Targent…" Joshua laughed quietly as he left the bunker…
Notes: Two things, first, thanks for the support! Secondly:
Who's Next?
Figured I'd do this in-article this time. Who do you think should be put Under The Knife next time?
You have two choices – See Emmy Altava pressed on the finer points of Targent
OR see Joshua Holmes pressed on his conduct, leading to a deduction or two.
The poll is on my profile page. You can vote once for either party. The poll will remain open until at least 4:30 PM GMT on Wednesday the 23rd of April 2014. Votes made after this time may not count, but I highly doubt they'll be charged (but if it takes you over your ISP's limit…). The vote will be blind, and naturally, there is no age limit. There are no T+C hoo-hah to check, so go ahead!
