Chapter 23
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Russian Republic, it is with great sadness that must announce the passing of President Kostoff. Our medical staff, along with our Thunderian allies, did all they could but they were unable to safe him. He was a great man who did many great things for Mother Russia and I know that if he were here right now he would encourage each and every Russian citizen to hold fast in the trying times ahead. President Mwende and King Lion-O have offered any assistance they may give to get us through this grief that we now share.
"That being said, they have also offered their assistance in discovering the people behind the assassination of our beloved President. Mandora of the Evil Chasers is heading up the criminal investigation and is also heading up the investigation into the earthquakes on Mars. It has been discovered that some of our own people created machines in an effort to force the stability of the planet into question. During this process, Doctor Sergei Rostov was forced into helping these criminals and eventually murdered. Doctor Rostov was an acclaimed seismologist and a Russian patriot. His death along with the death of our President will be avenged. If you have any information, please come forward," Zhukov asked the people via his broadcast from the safety of the Control Room at Cats Lair. It was a closed press conference which Lion-O thought was best given what had been discovered the previous evening.
"There will be announcements in the coming days as we prepare a national funeral for our fallen President and comrade. Thank you," he finished. The announcement ended and Zhukov turned to Mandora and Lion-O.
"Have we done the right thing?" He asked.
"What do you mean?" The lion was confused.
"Won't a national funeral bring out all the crazies?" Zhukov clarified.
"No because my team is already picking up the crazies and they will roll over on the other crazies. I gave my team specific instructions so we can avoid the others behind the plot from offing themselves," Mandora smirked.
"I appreciate all your assistance. I want this to be as clean as it can be. The political fallout that is sure to come will be interesting to say the least, never mind the punishment which is undoubtedly coming from the Council," he said.
"I'm not sure if the Council would want to punish all of Russia but I suppose that could happen," Lion-O shrugged.
"The corruption that Kostoff had been fighting against still exists. The sanctions will be coming until we can clean up our own messes," Zhukov told them.
"Well in the meantime, you stay put. We'll let you know when my team has rounded up all of the suspects," Mandora said.
"Thank you. Perhaps this bunch will be more helpful than the last," the Russian smiled slightly before heading out of the Control Room and back to his chambers.
"Those guys must be something if the former Vice President is worried about them," the Evil Chaser raised an eyebrow.
"My guess is that he's more worried about the men connected to them. You did say that the fingerprints at the scene belonged to known members of the Mob," Lion-O reminded her.
"This is true. That's why I have Alexei scooping up their known associates," Mandora said.
"Deputy Director Pozdnyakov?" It was the lion's turn to raise an eyebrow.
"Yes. He's been very helpful and I am glad to have an ally who speaks the language fluently, along with the political scene," she told him.
"Can he be trusted?" Lion-O asked.
"So far, yes. He's someone Zhukov trusts as well," Mandora smiled. It was a different smile then Lion-O had ever seen on the blonde before.
"He's pretty good looking too," he teased. For that the King got punched in the arm.
"Mandora your team is on their way back. Suspects in tow," Punthar announced.
"Excellent. Let them know I'll meet them in the holding area downstairs," she said.
To Be Continued…