Chapter Four- The Advisors

"So it is agreed," Nigel stated, "Should Orange attack us first, we retaliate with a full force Underworld invasion."

"That is only if they attack by land. I can't offer much for the skies," Grim argued.

"The MND will take care of the skies," Abigail said, "We can even call in miscellaneous commandeered ships, like the fleet we confiscated from the superheroes."

"Not to mention, we have several soldiers that fly without mechanical aid," Hector Con Carne added, "We can order them in as well."

Mandy sat at the head of the large, extravagant table, surrounded by her advisors. She eyed each one of them as they discussed various issues back and forth. During her meetings with her advisors, she liked to let them talk things out without her. If they could come up with a suitable solution on their own, then Mandy's time and effort were saved. But if they couldn't, usually the answer was incredibly obvious to her and she stepped in to show them all up with her superior leadership and cunning. This was just another way she asserted her authority.

This meeting was a usual one. She sat back in her large chair and just watched and listened until her judgment was needed.

Sitting closest to her on her left was General Uno and his wife MND General Abigail Uno. Together, they knew the exact status and firepower of the army and secret services.

After the two generals, there sat Hector Con Carne and General Scar. Between the two of them, they had a wide knowledge of playing dirty in love and war. Not to mention, they were both pretty handy with methods of intimidation, a valuable trait.

On her right, sitting closest to her was her dear husband Grim. Aside from being her arm candy, his knowledge of the Underworld proved incredibly important. He had hundreds of connections from the land of the dead, even some within the Kingdom of Orange itself.

Sitting next to Grim was one of Mandy's most important advisors, Eddward, or codename Double Dee. He was an oddball in this pack of dark, cynical characters, but he served a very important task. He was the people's voice so to speak and advised her based upon public reaction. He made sure her public image was untainted and she remained respected and revered. No ruler ever wanted their subjects to revolt.

After Double Dee, there sat Him, the so-called eviliest of evil. At least, that was his title before Mandy stepped into the picture. When the two first met, they instantly butted heads over who was truly the nastiest. But after getting physical a few times, Him finally surrendered the title over to her. Now, he served as a political advisor, usually helping with the legal aspects of running a kingdom.

Last, but not least, was Dexter. Being one of the smartest people on Mandy's staff, he served as an excellent advisor in many forms of technology and research. Most of the kingdom's new advancements were largely thanks to him. Not to mention, his ability to punch out giant robot designs was very useful.

After a few more topics, the meeting began to draw to a close. Mandy looked at Double Dee with penetrating eyes. He had remained fairly silent throughout the whole conference, but his pencil was getting quite a workout, as he was writing down almost everything being said.

"Any questions before we call this meeting to a close," Nigel asked.

Mandy cleared her throat subtly. All eyes instantly turned to her out of respect and fear. She stared at Double Dee with her usual glare. "Do you have anything to say Eddward," she asked in a chilling tone.

Double Dee shrunk down into his seat when all eyes turned to him. "Well… I…," he stuttered, flipping through his papers. "I strongly propose to evade striking first if possible. Some of our more ignorant citizens may assume we are the rabble-rousers and institute small upheavals all over the kingdom."

"In English, Brain-Boy," Him hissed meanly.

"He's saying that if we strike first, the idiots of our society will come to the conclusion that we are starting the war," Dexter explained casually, his chair leaning back so far it looked as if it would tip over.

"Therefore, making us look like the bad guys," Abigail finished.

"But we just can't sit by and wait for them to attack first," Scar stated angrily.

"That is why we need to find those spies… now," Mandy said.

Her advisors went silent. Of course, she knew exactly what to do.

"Their capture is our ticket to winning. If we bring our public physical evidence of our neighbor's betrayal, they will raise their voices against Orange and beg for protection from me, their leader. And with the public's support, making the first move will be easy. Whosoever strikes first gains the upper hand in war," she continued.

At times, it was frightening how powerful and ingenious Mandy was. Her abilities as a ruler seemed endless in every aspect one could think of. Not only was she a brilliant mind, but physically, she was a vicious fighter and a talented sorceress. If she so desired, she could kill every one of them in that room, with or without her scythe.

They paused for a moment until Nigel stood. "We are doing everything within our power to capture those spies," he said, "In fact, judging by the caliber of our special agents, it should be a matter of days."

"Do not let me down Nigel," she hissed. She looked at the others. "And that goes for the rest of you."

A unanimous chill went up the spines of each of her advisors when she gave the order. And with that, the meeting was adjourned. They all rose and gathered their papers, talking amongst each other. They left the room, followed by various personal staff and assistants. But Double Dee walked alone. Upon receiving the job of advisor, he refused to have any staff of his own, claiming his personal system would be unhinged with all the extra help. But this choice had always bothered Mandy, as there were fewer people to keep watch over him. But she had always assumed his fear of her would keep him from doing something stupid.

She watched him leaving. "Double Dee," she said.

He immediately stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Yes, you're Majesty?"

Mandy waited until they were the only two left in the room. She got up from her giant chair. "How is everything," she asked, sauntering up to him with her scythe in hand.

He swallowed hard as she got closer. "Just fine, you're Majesty. I've been busy," he said, trying to inch towards the door.

Mandy saw him retreating and swiftly moved to put herself between him and the door. "I've been hearing… things," she said in a sultry voice.

"Things?" he asked nervously, his papers beginning to fall out of his hands.

"You've been staying up late," she said, looking right at him, "I can tell by those dark circles under your eyes."

As she kept advancing towards him, he took small steps backwards. But he stopped very suddenly and nearly dropped his papers when he ran into the table. Mandy was so close to him now, he could feel her breath on his face.

Her eyes squinted threateningly. "Get some sleep," she said through clenched teeth. Her eyes burned with a hidden warning, advising him to watch himself.

He gulped loudly and just nodded his head.

Mandy glared at him for a few more seconds. Then, with one swift motion, she knocked the papers out of his hands, sending them flying to the floor. He yelped at the sudden attack and flinched.

"How clumsy of you," she hissed, "Pick them up."

Having made her point, she turned on her heels and walked out of the room, leaving Double Dee alone. He just stood against the table, gripping it until his knuckles turned white. He breathed in and out, feeling his heart pound uncontrollably. He looked towards the door to make sure she was really gone.

"She's on to me," he whispered.

I hope that wasn't too much information. I personally liked the interaction between Mandy and Double Dee the most.