Chapter 2
The hall was dark, lit only by a few scattered candles. With every breath and step, the flames flickered, casting dancing shadows on the vast walls. Five were assembled, one at each point of the hexagon. One place remained vacant. It was the largest chair, ornately carved and with a seat of black velvet set in mahogany. It was a seat of power, bedecked with three rubies glittering in the candlelight - almost like a throne. Heavy footsteps echoed through the corridors, and all the mumbling and whispers were silenced. The five rose as the final member graced the entrance. He was clad in a suit, dark in colour, and a black robe which was unfastened. He was silent, his footsteps his only sound. He joined his other equally smart colleagues, then motioned for them to sit.
"Honoured members, we call today our 250th meeting, the hour is 12 am. We are now in session, there is great news I must divulge." His voice was eloquent, deep and commanding.
Once everyone was settled, he began. "The time is almost upon us, the weapon brews."
"My Lord, are you quite certain? We cannot afford to fail." One man questioned.
"Why yes, my dear Frater, that would be a catastrophe. However we cannot fail. Remember, that although they may not realise, this is all for their benefit. Do you know from whence all the world's problems arise? Tell me."
"Free will." The other members replied earnestly.
"Exactly. Removing this is going to do the world a great favour. No more wars, no more debate. Just one opinion, one demand. Ah, a blissful world this is going to be."
"Yes, my Lord" The others shouted, eager to please.
"Good, good. We shall all share in this bliss. All of us in this fraternity. Oh, let us not forget our one Soror. We shall all glory in this new age."
With this, silence fell. The candles were stilled, shrouding the faces surrounding the table in shadow and mystery. One of the men began to laugh as the realisation of the statement sank in. The woman halted this abruptly with a steady cough, containing obvious distain towards him.
"My Lord, if there is anything any of us can do, we will exercise it with willingness abundant."
"Yes, my dear Soror. There is something you can do for me. We need to start the revolution. A meeting with all the world leaders must be arranged. I will need you to orchestrate that. Remember the weapon, that is your greatest ally. Its prototype has already been delivered to your quarters."
"Yes, my Lord. I shall begin the organisation straightway."
"Then I call this meeting to an end. Brothers and sister, when we meet again the work will be ready to begin. And remember, the fraternity before all.
"The fraternity before all."
The phrase echoed from all corners of the room, resounding in the ears of all the members present. The Lord performed a brief nod towards his followers, and then proceeded to turn, sweeping his robe behind him. He strode with importance through the doorway. Only then did the other members rise, dressed in a similar manner. The lone woman was eager to leave, and stepped quickly past her male colleagues. They said nothing, shunning her into silence. Once her footsteps had died away, the men left, conversing of the great schemes they were planning once the weapon was truly ready.
The security guard swept his card through the slot.
"Access Granted."
He made his way through the door, walking briskly as he realised he was a little late for his shift. Thankfully no one was around, the day had really only just started. His watch read 8:58, and the main staff were due to arrive at nine. He straightened out his ID badge and smoothed out the creases in his jacket. At that moment, he heard the hollow clapping of feet against the hard stone floor. He could tell whoever was coming wore leather shoes, Italian made. His suspicions were correct, and another man, dressed in business attire, rounded the corner and walked through the gate. The machine bleeped.
"Excuse me sir, if you could just stand over here for a moment."
The man looked annoyed, glancing at his watch.
"I assure you that this is only a short procedure, sir. Please raise your arms."
The man did so, exasperated. The guard ran his hands quickly down the man's jacket, and patted at his trouser legs.
"Can I ask you to step through the scanner, sir? And pass me your briefcase, please."
The man did so. The scanner bleeped clear, and nothing untoward showed up in the briefcase.
"Thank you sir, you're free to carry on. Enjoy your day."
The man muttered something about security going wild, and carried on frustrated through the doors on the far side. The guard did sympathise, he never knew charities required the extent of the security UPP employed.
The guard stood tall. He wanted to keep a good impression, after all, he had only been employed at United Poverty Prevention for two weeks. He was glad to be working for a charity, he felt as though he was benefiting the world a little. He carried out his tasks meticulously, which most definitely annoyed his colleagues who were keen to begin the working day. He was pulled from his reverie with the sound of more footsteps as the rest of the staff began to arrive. Ever focused, the guard continued his duties.