Politics, as a practice, whatever its professions, has always been
the systematic organization of hatreds.

- Henry Adams


Chapter Six
Meetings and Confrontations



Monday
1400 hours

Ryan slipped away from the men's barracks and silently made his way towards the garage. Beside the garage carrying airships it also contained a few vehicles. A few nice vehicles. Putting thoughts of joy riding aside, Ryan was trying really hard not to draw attention to himself because he didn't want to have to run into-

Yo, serge! Where yah heading? A familiar voice asked.

Too late. Ryan groaned inwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. He'll just have to give a quick explanation and maybe, just maybe, Neil would get bored and leave, but knowing Neil he didn't think that would happen anytime soon.

Courtney wanted to meet me. Said she wanted to catch up on old times.

Neil's eyes instantly lit up at the mention of a girl as he quickly rambled, Hey, isn't Courtney the one who's been sending you all those letters? You know, the letters drenched in Chanel?'

Ryan laughed and said, Yeah, that's right.

Good, can't wait to meet her. Those letters stunk up the lockers for weeks man.

Uh....wait a sec-...

Ryan was cut off as Jane appeared and gave them a suspicious look.

Where do you think your going? The meeting starts at 1600 hours. She asked narrowing her eyes.

Serge invited me to come along and meet his girlfriend. Ain't that right buddy? Said Neil giving Ryan a playful punch in the arm.

Hey, I didn-

Jane asked with a look of confusion, Girlfriend? Oh, you mean the girl who uses Chanel?'

Whoa Jane, one step at a time. Next thing you know you'll be wearing ribbons in your hair.

Chauvinist pig. Jane angrily replied as she slapped a chuckling Neil upside the head.

Ow! See that's what I'm-

Hey, you guys chill, alright? Now listen, I haven't seen Courtney for a while now so I would like to spend some quality time with her, preferably a-

Hey, no worries, no worries. I know you think I'm a bit of a motor mouth but just for you Ryan I'm willing to keep my mouth shut so you can do all the talking just as long as I can put in a few comments of course and maybe-

Take a breath Neil, Jane quipped.

Ryan shook his head and wondered did anything get through to him?


* * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Congratulations Joseph. You made front page.

Joseph turned around with a smirk on his face and a tequila glass in one hand. The two men were in a moderately lit office. Bookshelves lined the walls and a desk stood in the middle of the room. Otherwise the office was completely bare save for a potted plant that was in located in the far right-hand corner of the room.

His voice dripping with sarcasm Joseph replied, Indeed, but I can't take all the credit. After all, if you didn't provide the footage I wouldn't be able to deliver the package.

As he said this he motioned to today's paper lying folded on his desk. In big, bold letters the headlines read: A CONSPIRACY BREWING IN THE HEART OF THE COUNCIL! MORE DETAILS REVEALED AT 5 PM ON WNN!

Just so long as I get my money of course. The man said with an impatient air.

Oh, of course. Of course, Joseph replied, a hint of malice in his voice as he brought up a black brief case from underneath his desk.


The man watched in interest as Joseph unlocked the briefcase revealing a great sum of money.

I'm assuming that its to your liking?

The man dumb-founded, nodded and quickly snatched it from his desk. As he turned around to leave the room, he suddenly remembered something and asked, When you said you couldn't take all the credit I hope you didn't mean-

No, were sticking to the plan.'

The man turned around in relief but stopped as Joseph continued, Oh, but might I add, if you don't follow through your end of the bargain tomorrows headlines might read something like this....

Joseph brought up a second paper but this time it said in bold print: FOOTAGE OBTAINED FROM AN UNIDENTIFIED SOURCE REVEALED!

The man shook in anger and stammered, If you expose me--

He was cut-off as Joseph swiftly demanded, Are you threatening me? Well I hope I was mistaken because you are clearing not in the position to be threatening me. I could destroy your career after all. Isn't that right, commander?

Joseph gave him a knowing grin and sipped his tequila.

The man, clearly un-nerved, furiously opened the door and slammed it behind him.

Joseph smirked, studying his tequila, as he said, Hmh, touchy.