Chapter 24: The Deal
Red eyes followed the progress of the public funeral for Senator Pluto Dece as his coffin was finally lowered upon its appropriate spot in the private cemetery that seemed to house several otherwise forgettable politicians of Archades.
The owner of these pair of eyes stood apart from the other people who attended the funeral, always standing in the shadows, always of out sight, unless he wished to be seen. However, unlike the attendees of the funeral with their forceful grim expressions, and fake melancholy, this man had a sneer playing about his lips. It was a smile that seemed to suggest amusement at this whole scenario, as if he was watching a humorous play of some sort.
The man continued to watch the funeral. How amazing that they still have times for elaborate funerals when the entire city is on the brink of utter chaos and destruction. Men, after all, he thought to himself, have this amazing ability to do things in the least possible moment.
The funeral was now over, after the traditional song in honor of the person. The song was usually generic, sung in all funerals, just for the sake of tradition and the song sung in Dece's funeral was no different. The black-clad members of the Senate and other "important" members of Archadian society were already beginning to depart from the grave. There were no tears, no emotion. Nothing but grim expressions, as if it was an unpleasant affair that everybody was glad to get over with.
The man now watched as one of the members of these attendees moved to enter one of the private ships to take him back to House Solidor. With a swish of his cape, he moved out of his spot in the shadows and appeared behind this old man, the smile still in his face and the same twinkle in his eyes.
"Senator Ortal," he spoke evenly, his voice smooth, like silk and his tone deliberate.
The Senator turned around, rather startled, though he made a real job of hiding it, before nodding at the man.
"Judge Majister Scipio," Ortal said.
Scipio motioned over to the open ship. "May I?" he asked, but there was no implication that Ortal could decline in Scipio's request. Ortal's eyes flashed dangerously, showing his dislike, but he nodded once more and got in before Scipio.
"So," Ortal spoke first when Scipio seated himself smartly before Ortal and adopted a languid pose, one arm draped across the back of his seat.
"I congratulate you, Senator," Scipio answered just as shortly. "It seems that everything is going according to your plan." He motioned with one hand outside the window,
"Plan?" Ortal demanded. "What plan?"
The smile was back on Scipio's face before he replied. "Dece is dead, Haussen along with him, while the Emperor has fled Archades with two of the Judge Majisters. "He cocked his head to Ortal. "If you don't mind me saying, these events did not occur incidentally." Scipio's smile widened at the heightened color on Ortal's face.
"What if they did not?" Ortal continued to demand. Scipio was not one of his most favorite men and conversing with him was more tedious for the Senator to admit. "I do not see why you should link me to any of these events."
"No?" Scipio asked. "Well, that's strange. As I see it, despite Dece's splendid performance as the main head of opposition of Solidor's reform, he did not create those speeches without help. And we both know that Haussen has the coldest feet of the Judges to be able to do such a crime. Also, you have maintained a very withdrawn role in all of this, making sure that you are clean from Larsa's spies and Dece's passion. So Senator, where does this put you now?" the Judge Majister peered at Ortal with knowing red eyes.
Ortal was silent now, his lips withdrawn in a g rimace, as if he decided that not replying to Scipio was the best way for him to go. To Vladimir's surprise, Scipio shook his head at him, his jet-black locks following his movements. He made a tsking sound at the Senator before leaning back on his seat once more.
"Understand this Senator; I am not a man to be trifled with. We both know that you are not as innocent as you appear to be. We also both know that whatever happened with the Emperor, Haussen and Dece, you had something to with it. Now why don't you just save us both the trouble and tell me exactly what are you intending to do with our mother land. Unless of course, you would rather much let me find out the hard way." This time there were hints of thinly veined threats behind Scipio's tone and Ortal was more riled to leave the ship and leave the Judge Majister where he was and get on with his plans. But that could not be done with this man, and Ortal was unwilling to show weakness, especially to a man that seemed a lot younger than him.
"What makes you think I can trust you?" Ortal demanded once more and the smile was back on Scipio's face.
"Then don't trust me, I don't care. I will find out your plans anyway. I am asking you for them, because I still have a sense of manners and etiquette, Senator. "He smiled wider at the Senator. "How about we strike a deal? In exchange for the information I am to receive from you, I shall relinquish the Armed Forces to your control."
Ortal started. "What are you saying? Are you mad?"
Scipio gave an elegant shrug of his shoulders. "Mad, probably, though I prefer eccentric. Simple gossip for an army; you must 'tis a tempting bargain. What do you say Senator?"
Ortal met Scipio's red eyes now. It would be a good bargain for him, he knew this. Already, he felt that the Senate will grant him the powers for him to gain the seat of Supreme Senator, and finally achieve his goal to finally rule Archadia, the minute he gained custody of the renegade Emperor and charge him with treason. To have a full fledged army at his beck and call would be greatly advantageous for the Senator, though Ortal wondered more than once what Scipio was planning behind his request.
The reached the House and Scipio was smiling at him again. "You have until tomorrow, Senator. I'm sure you can make up your mind until that time, you know, before chaos reigns over Archades. I'm sure you would not want that would you?" He opened the door and with a nod and smile at the Senator, he vanished with one last swish of his black cape.
Author's note: Hey out there! Comet here, sorry for the long update, it's been a busy month...Here you go, I hope you're still with us after all this time! Happy new year guys!
