Chapter 49
7 Su'yet (We'ginday)

1

We'ginday morning, breakfast went by quickly, and with little talk. Afterwards, Adam, Vallus, and the Chaos went to Adam's study, to discuss the events of the previous evening, while the rest of the family went to the meeting room for their weekly worship service.

"First," said Darius, "I told Emma last night that I'd explain what Tom and I were talking about, right before we got into that battle."

"I kind of figured out what you meant, by watching," said Emma.

"Yes... well, I thought you might wonder what I meant by 'two variations.' You see, years ago, a swordmaster named Moto developed a technique for non-Sorreters to fight Sorreters, using two swords, a jian and a dao."

"Which is why," Tom said, "he later chose the surname 'Jiandao.'"

"Did he? I hadn't heard that. Anyway, he taught this technique, 'Chakra Over Mana,' to a student of his named Jade. Who, by the way, would later take the surname 'Nishikigoi,' though it wasn't her choice, it was her family's."

"Hadn't heard that," said Tom, "though based on what she told me of her clan's business, it makes sense."

"Jade eventually developed a couple of different variations on the technique. One simply involved using different swords, such as replacing the dao with a katana. A more complicated variation involved two people working in unison, each with one sword, instead of one person with two swords. So it was fortuitous that Tom had a jian and I had a katana. It meant we could employ both Jade Variations at once."

"I must say, it was quite an impressive show," said Cameron.

"It was," said Emma. "Tom, Darius, thank you so much for saving Cameron. And Darius... I..." her eyes began to tear up, as she struggled to find words to express her mixed emotions.

"I don't think what we did last night really makes up for all the suffering he endured because of me. The suffering all of you endured. You still have every right to hate me."

"But I can't. Not anymore. I'm certain that if Cameron had fallen back into Durell's hands, this time there'd be no chance of our ever seeing him again. And because of you and Tom, that didn't happen. So... I forgive you."

Darius's own eyes teared up a little. "Thank you."

Alec cleared his throat. "Yes, I'm sure we're all grateful for your actions. But it's time to discuss what exactly we're going to tell the press. And perhaps, whether we should first give a heads-up to those responsible for our present liberty."

"I'd like to," said Darius, "but I'm not sure if it's a good idea. If we informed them of our intentions, they might stop us. And if we decide we're definitely going to reveal the whole truth to the press, then... well, I'm just saying... it's not something we should decide to do unless we're sure about it. And if we're sure, then we shouldn't do anything that might forestall our plans. So regardless of what we tell Goodnews, we should talk to him first. Maybe after that, we can turn ourselves in to the police, and let them decide what happens next.

"But I had some thoughts I meant to share with you all, when we first escaped, and that never actually happened. First because I turned myself in, rather than coming home, and later... there seemed no point. But now..." he took a deep breath. "While we were all in those dungeons, I had a lot of time to think. There's nothing like captivity to make you appreciate freedom, you know? I feel like... I was so wrong to ever even think about rebelling. It's funny, we had given up the idea before being captured, but then while imprisoned, my desire for revenge was rekindled. But that didn't last long, really. I had often enough questioned my motivations for rebellion, as you know. And it's not like they had any reason to believe we'd changed our minds. So, instead of focusing on revenge, I spent most of my time thinking about what life had been like before any of this started. And I realized that, aside from my emotional issues- which obviously aren't the fault of the Order- life was pretty good. So I decided, if we ever got out of there, I'd try to spend the rest of my life enjoying my freedom, and not worrying about life's imperfections. This decision was reaffirmed by the conversation I had the other day with Gothic, Primus, and Justicar. I have absolutely no desire anymore to rebel.

"On the other hand... we're now more aware than ever that there are elements within the military, and probably the government, InterVil, or any other organizations of authority, who are breaking any number of laws. It's bad enough knowing there are people like Durell Turner out there, with personal vendettas against people like Cameron. But the thought that Durell could be part of a larger conspiracy makes him- makes all of them- even more dangerous. And as Durell himself- or whoever that was, last night- said, those who are being investigated already know they're being investigated. It's not like our talking to the press would tip them off. And I'm sure there are plenty of people who are confused by our being released, considering the authorities haven't released any clear details. So probably there are lots of people who, quite naturally, doubt we should be free. They may even question the motives of those who are on our side. Public opinion could easily turn against our benefactors. Especially after that guy last night made it sound like he believes we're still plotting rebellion. I wouldn't be surprised if that was as much a part of his plan as abducting Cameron: to fan the flames of the public's doubts. I think we have the right to tell our side of the story, so people can make a more informed decision as to what they believe. I also think the public has a right to know of the Cabal's existence. Regardless of whether we personally agree with the outcome of the Coming of the Order, no one voted for those in power to hold themselves above the law."

Vallus said, "Well, you know how much I want to see Woodman removed from power. I'd hate to make it harder for those trying to remove him to actually do so. But it's impossible to be sure which would make things harder for them: our action, or our inaction. I've had a lot longer to think about things than you have, and one of the things I often wondered was... would the Protestant Movement have had a better chance if we'd been more clandestine, during the Coming? After all, the Order kept their true actions and agenda hidden for quite awhile, and there are still aspects of the Plan that they deny to the public. Even if the Order knew there was dissent, we didn't have to make it so easy for them to know the details of that dissent. By the same token, even if the Cabal knows they are being investigated, they don't have to know the details."

"But we don't know the details," said Darius. "I'm sure all we know, they already know."

"Even so," said Alec, "if the public knew, they could get in the way of the investigations. If we announce to the world that the Cabal exists, Primus and the others will have to respond, either to confirm or deny what we say. If they confirm it, it could lead to panic, to scrutiny that makes subtle investigations impossible, to heated debate of various natures, to paranoia and accusations against even officials who are perfectly innocent."

Darius couldn't help grinning. "Far be it from me to do anything that might lead to chaos."

Alec rolled his eyes. "Could you please try to take this seriously?"

"Sorry. You're right. Maybe we shouldn't mention the Cabal. Or Stavros's actions, for that matter. But there's something I said to Commissioner Gothic the other day, in passing. A stray thought that came to me as I spoke, which I didn't really think about at the time. But now it occurs to me as an idea we might utilize: Woodman could have been a rogue. Not someone taking illegal actions on behalf of a larger conspiracy, but someone simply taking a gamble which perhaps he thought might advance his own career, or perhaps he genuinely believed that what he was doing was for the good of the world, even if it was technically overstepping his authority." As an afterthought he added, "Incidentally, we should probably think of something to call ourselves other than 'The Chaos.' Perhaps something like 'The random group of friends formerly known as the Chaos.' Or... something that doesn't suck. I dunno."

"I would to be suggesting 'the Fellowship,'" said Tiejo, "exceptings that already planning on calling street rats a fellowship, I was."

"If we're not a rebellion anymore, or an organized group of any kind," said Tom, "I don't think we really need a name."

"Fine," said Darius, "but at least we should tell the press that we'd appreciate it if people stopped referring to us as such."

"So I suppose we'll be making it clear that we are not in opposition to anyone in the government," said Vallus. "Just Woodman."

"And Durell," said Emma.

Adam said, "Actually, there are one or two other things I think we should say. For one... I've discussed this with the family, and we're ready to make our return to the world. It seems like your announcement would be a good opportunity to do so. The second thing is, some friends of mine made efforts, over the last few months, to legitimately get your secession referendum on the ballot for the upcoming election. Those friends seem to have dropped off the face of the Land. I know for a fact that Demos was made aware of the petition, and while I can't prove my suspicion, I believe he had them either killed or imprisoned without trial. I think the public should be made aware of this."

"Huh," said Darius.

"What is it?" asked Emma.

"I was just thinking of something from the night of Demos's rally. You weren't there, of course, but as we were leaving, we saw Hubert Goodnews. He was grumbling about Demos... clearly he has a grudge against him. It occurs to me that that might work to our advantage. Most journalists probably wouldn't be willing to risk their careers by printing potentially libelous accusations, especially against the king. But maybe Goodnews would be more likely to do so. Considering we were going to talk to him about the incident at the talent show anyway, it would certainly be convenient for him to be the one we share our announcement with."

"Then again," said Alec, "he might be less inclined, considering a similar incident once ruined his campaign, and almost ended his career. If he was wrong again, there's no way his career would survive."

"Well, I guess we'll find out, one way or the other. We should arrange to meet him later today, after deciding exactly what we want to say."

"Hmmm," said Tiejo. "Thinking I am that maybe it would be easier just to... see if we can make use of the PA system. We could record our announcement, then seeing if Goodnews wants to bubblecast it. Maybe it would being more believable to the public for him to say we gave him a recording, the truth of which he does not having an opinion on, than it would be for him to printing our announcement. Printing would seem more like approval he was giving the message, yes?"

"Good idea," said Darius. "But we can't record anything here, because of the anti-magic field."

"We could record it at my- I mean, Evan's- manor," said Adam.

And so, they spent the rest of the morning working out a script, and recording their announcement. When it was ready, they called Hubert Goodnews, and delivered the bubble recording to him. They told him they'd completely understand if he chose not to share it with the public.

He thanked them, took the bubble back to his office, and watched it in private. He was shocked at how it began, and by the end, he felt a mix of uncertainty and cautious optimism. He said to himself, "Could this be it? The whole great destiny Rhys hinted at, all those years ago? Just getting these people's message on the air? Oh well, if it ends Demos, who cares how trivial my role will have been? I thought it'd be bigger, but... maybe this will suffice. In fact, maybe it's for the best. I can get the bubble to someone who'll never mention my name as the source...."

A few hours later, Darius received a call from Goodnews, telling him to watch that evening's news bubblecast.

2

At Third Three, the news anchor appeared on screens around the world. He said, "Just about two hours ago, we received a recording from an anonymous source. It contains information that is mostly unverified at this time; none of us on the news team can offer an opinion as to its veracity or even its likelihood. However, after much deliberation, we have deemed it newsworthy, particularly in light of tomorrow's election. If there exists even the possibility that the information is true, it might well have an important bearing on how you choose to vote. The matter of the election aside, there has been much speculation of late concerning the release of the so-called Chaos rebels, and we believe it only right that they should get a chance to tell their side of the story. But first... one thing that we have been able to verify is the identity of the first person to speak, in the announcement we're about to play for you. As shocking as it may seem, he is who he claims to be. In fact, the only person whose identity we cannot verify is the final one to speak, though we are of the opinion that he is also who he claims."

The onscreen image switched to the recording. The room in the video was devoid of any decor, as Adam didn't want anyone who might have been to Evan's manor to recognize it as such. Darius, Tom, Tiejo, Alec, Ginger, Cameron, Emma, Vallus, and Adam stood at the back of the room. Adam stepped forward. He was not wearing his glamour mask.

He said, "Good day. My name is Adam Lonewander, formerly known as Adam of Triscot. For the last nine years, it has been believed that I and virtually my entire clan were killed at the Battle of Triscot, during the war known as the Coming of the Order. In fact, several of my relatives did die in that battle, but others of us have survived, in hiding, since that time. We could have revealed this fact years ago, after the Declaration of Amnesty; however, not long after we went into hiding, we learned of a serious threat to our safety, should it become known that we were still alive. Recent events, the nature of which I am not at liberty to reveal, have made it seem safer for us to finally emerge and rejoin society. The danger is perhaps not entirely passed, but we are all tired of hiding, when we have committed no crimes. In particular, we wish for our children, many of whom have never known the outside world, to see what they've been missing. If I, or any of my family, should end up dying, even if it seems to be of natural or accidental causes, there are certain facts concerning the nature of the threat I mentioned, which would be made known to the public. It is our hope that this will serve as a deterrent to anyone who might wish us harm."

Darius now stepped forward, to stand beside Adam. "I am Darius Lonewander. My father said a few moments ago that he and virtually his entire clan had been believed dead for the last nine years. To clarify, I and my uncle West are the only two who were known to have avoided the Battle of Triscot, though there were rumors of the children of my clan having been taken in by allies. Those rumors were false; the children have been raised by my clan, in hiding. Not all of them by their own parents, some of whom died in the battle, but at least by family. My uncle and I had no knowledge that any of our clan survived, until quite recently. For some time before the war, I believed differently than those in my clan, including my father, who opposed the Coming of the Order; that is, the entire seven-year Plan behind the Coming, of which the war itself was but the climax. I thought the changes the Coming brought to the world were mostly for the best. But my thinking began to be changed by the speeches of an adventurer named Vallus of Kimrin, who spread knowledge of certain aspects of the Plan that the Order kept hidden at first, and later denied. After the war, I was certain that the Coming was a bad thing. A large part of that was my desire for revenge, over the deaths of my family. But another part of it was a sincere desire to return to the simpler ways of the past. For years, I hoped to someday start a rebellion against the Second Order.

"In Sp'gin of this year, I met several people who shared my belief that there must surely still be people within the Second Order who had hidden agendas, as the First Order did during the Coming. Those like-minded people I met included Tom, Tiejo, Alecstar, Ginger, Cameron, and Emma, who now stand behind me. We decided to travel together, and make contact with others who also opposed the government, with the intent of eventually, perhaps years or decades down the line, launching the rebellion I had long dreamed of. However, as we traveled together, we had a great deal of time for thought and discussion. The more we talked about it, the more we began to believe we were mistaken. There might be some in power who used their positions to achieve their own goals, whether those goals were legal or not. But the majority in power must truly have the best interests of the world, and its people, at heart. They would be unaware of those few rogues who secretly abused their offices. We realized the world was a better place, for the most part, than it had been before the Coming. Even if some of the methods used by the First Order to bring about the Second Order were ignoble, perhaps their ultimate goal was itself... noble. Moreover, we realized it would be unreasonable of us to attempt to overthrow the entire government, indiscriminately. We did, however, still have a desire to in some way address the wrongs we found in society. One idea we had was to propose a referendum which would call for secession, on a village by village basis, from the Second Order."

Adam said, "It was not long after they began thinking along those lines, that they arrived in Triscot and discovered, to their great surprise, that I and some of my clan were in fact alive. They shared their vague idea about a referendum with me, and I advised them that even if they'd given up on the idea of rebellion, they should prepare themselves for violent opposition from those who considered their ideas a threat. Not to prepare to instigate a war, but to defend themselves should the government declare war against them. Meanwhile, I have had some contact over the years with old friends who kept the secret that I was alive, as well as with new friends who had no idea of my true identity. After my son and his friends departed Triscot, I shared the referendum idea with some of my contacts, who made quiet inquiries as to the possibility of getting such an initiative on this year's ballot. There is no law against private citizens proposing new laws; quite the opposite, in fact. But not only were their inquiries apparently dismissed... my friends have since disappeared without a trace. I began to wonder if they may have been imprisoned, or even killed, because of their efforts. One would hope the powers that be wouldn't resort to such terrible- and illegal- measures, but I saw no other explanation."

"Meanwhile," said Darius, "my friends and I were headed north, to Near Port. Back when we had first met, we not only planned to organize a rebellion, we also promised Tiejo to help him rescue his master, who he said had been secretly imprisoned during the war, and held without trial all these years. Even after we abandoned the notion of rebellion, we still had that promise to keep. I must admit, earlier in our travels, certain events transpired that we could not have predicted, including our unintentionally getting mixed up with the gang known as LandOrder, if only in an abstract way. From the first, we had misgivings about that, but circumstances seemed to leave us little choice. It was largely because of this association that the authorities became interested in us. And yet, they had no proof we had actually done anything wrong, for we hadn't. So they kept an eye on us, but took no action. And then, before we even arrived in Near Port, where Tiejo's master was being illegally held, we were ambushed by a company of soldiers led by Colonel Charles Woodman. They arrested us, with at the time even less right to do so than the police would have had. Woodman somehow managed to get a law passed which retroactively justified his theretofore unlawful action. He then claimed to have given us a trial, which in fact he never did. He simply held us captive in dungeon cells for three months. Most of us, he provided with barely enough food to keep us alive. We were separately interrogated, but as we had committed no crimes, we confessed to none."

Cameron stepped forward. "I am Cameron Piper, an ex-Sorreter, and therefore an enemy of Durell Turner, who is currently Chief Councillor and Bishop of Sorret, as well as Grand Sorreter. Durell wants nothing more than to find and exact revenge upon all ex-Sorreters, for having opposed the Coming. The Declaration of Amnesty means he cannot legally act against them, even if he does find them, but I am confident that wouldn't stop him. And so, once Woodman had me and my friends in custody, a Sorreter in his employ who is also a former apprentice of Durell tortured me over the course of our captivity, attempting to learn the whereabouts of the ex-Sorreters. I told him nothing. Eventually, my friends and I escaped from Woodman's dungeon, and fled back to Triscot, where Darius turned himself in to the police. He met with certain authorities, whom I will not name, and admitted to them what we'd originally been planning, as well as that we'd abandoned those plans before being captured. They had already been troubled by Woodman's actions, and agreed to look into our allegations that we never received a trial. Meanwhile, they allowed us to go about our lives, and we promised not to get into trouble.

"But last night, when my band-mates and I were about to begin an impromptu performance at a nighclub, a Sorreter appeared on stage, his identity concealed by a glamour spell. I do not know if it was Durell or one of his followers, but he attempted to once again illegally abduct me, doubtless to resume my torture. Darius and Tom managed to fight him off, but it was after that incident that we all decided we'd be safer if the public knew the truth. Yes, we plotted rebellion, but we did so for less than a month before changing our minds. And yes, we did continue thinking about things, such as secession, which might destabilize the government. But the fact is, as Darius said, we committed no crimes. All we ever wanted to do, really, was reassure ourselves that the current state of the world was truly what the people wanted it to be. Very few people had a real idea during the Coming of just what was happening, nor had they any real chance of preventing it. Now, the truth can be fully understood. If the people are content to leave things as they are... we can accept that. What we can't accept is people like Charles Woodman and Durell Turner breaking laws for their own personal reasons. And if they've done the things we've mentioned, there is no telling how many other people they may have done similar things to. Including the friends Adam spoke of, who have disappeared."

Vallus stepped forward. "You may wonder that the authorities' distrust of Woodman was sufficient for them to believe the word of supposedly convicted rebels that they'd never received a trial. Which brings us back to Tiejo's master, whom the would-be rebels had traveled to Near Port to rescue. Well, that would be me. Obviously, things didn't go as planned. But on the night that they escaped, they also found me, and finally enacted the rescue. Tiejo had never told them my identity, in part because he doubted they would believe him. You see, the world believed I had died in the same battle where Darius's clan had supposedly been killed, and from which the ex-Sorreters vanished. My name... is Vallus of Kimrin." He paused briefly before continuing, "I was with Darius when he met with the authorities Cameron spoke of, and some of them recognized me. We'd been on opposite sides in the war, but that didn't mean they could accept my having been illegally imprisoned all these years. The certainty that Woodman had lied about me lent considerable credence to the claim that his other prisoners also had not received trials.

"I must say... it's somewhat harder for me than it is for Darius to accept that the Order's end justified their means. But I do accept it. I also accept that the authorities don't take immediate action against Colonel Woodman for his crimes. They have their reasons. And I appreciate their dedication to upholding justice. They make me see that, if the powers that be include people like them, perhaps I was wrong, after all. Not to have opposed the means employed to establish the Second Order, but wrong to have opposed that end. And so, I urge you all to pay attention to what those in power are doing. There may be a temptation to suspect innocent people of abusing their power, but I beg you to exercise restraint in your judgement. Most of those you have elected must surely try the best they can to do what's right. Have faith in your leaders, but don't let that faith blind you to the actions of those who choose not to concern themselves with 'right.' Thank you, and good night. ...And for the love of God, let us have some peace. It's all we really want."

3

Demos Royal watched the news, alongside his wife, Beverly. They both sat in quiet contemplation, digesting the information they'd just seen. Beverly was the first to speak. "It's hard for me to blame Colonel Woodman for his actions, I mean, apprehending the rebels. As much as I dislike the idea of his ignoring the law, it's understandable if it could avert a rebellion. But if that truly was Vallus, and he truly was held in secret all these years, that is in direct defiance of the law you yourself wrote. The same can be said of Durell's pursuit of the ex-Sorreters. Surely anyone with such disregard for their king's decrees should be punished. More importantly, they should be punished for allowing prisoners to be subjected to torture, guilty or not. We are not, after all, savages." She shivered as she suddenly recalled her own childhood. "Such allegations put me in mind of my clan. ...Meanwhile, I can't help wondering about the threat Adam mentioned. Just who or what do you suppose that might be?"

Demos remained silent for a few moments before responding. "He had no shortage of enemies, because of the position he took in the war. It could be virtually anyone. Perhaps Durell, considering the connection Adam had with the Protestant Sorreters, might have thought he or his clan could tell him where they might have disappeared to."

"That makes sense. Although... if the rebels didn't shy away from calling Durell a criminal, what would be the point in not naming him as the threat, as well? Surely if holding that information back was meant to be a deterrent to his clan being harmed, it must be someone he didn't mention." A thought struck, and she said, "I hate to suggest this so soon after Macen Illustri's death, but you don't suppose-"

"Xander. It's possible, though I wouldn't accuse anyone, least of all a friend and political ally, without hard evidence." Demos knew how his wife's mind worked, and anticipated her next thought. Before she could voice it, he said, "Of course, it could be that the 'recent events' Adam mentioned were in fact the deaths of Macen and his friend Zeke Sanguine. If Xander was the threat, surely he wouldn't commit murder personally, but those two very well might, at his behest. Even so... such a theory doesn't constitute proof. There have been any number of 'recent events' of significance to Adam's clan, perhaps more than we know. Then again, it's also possible that Adam and his family have remained in hiding until now out of sheer paranoia. There may be no threat at all."

"Maybe. But also... it sounded like there was a definite connection between Woodman and Durell. It may have been incidental, but what if they were part of some larger group? Or at least a loose association of individuals who each have their own agenda, and are willing to assist each other in those goals, when necessary. Whoever Adam might be worried about could well be involved in that."

"A chilling thought, my dear. But perhaps it would help explain the interest taken in Woodman, by the authorities who so peremptorily appear to have pardoned the rebels. I can't help but question their decision to do that, but if it means they may be seeking a possible connection between Woodman and other malfeasants, I wish them luck." He paused briefly and added, "If you'll excuse me, I think I should head into the office. I'd be surprised if there weren't already several calls waiting for me, and this isn't a good time to be putting them off. Not with the election tomorrow."

"Of course, dear."

There were only a few people on duty in the official wing of the palace, and Demos paid them little mind as he made his way to his office. As he expected, there were numerous t-mail bubbles lit up, awaiting his attention. He didn't bother checking to see whom the calls were from; instead, he sat at his desk and thought about the meeting he'd had with René Deadzone, yesterday morning. Deadzone had asked him to consider anyone who had overstepped their bounds... which could be said of various people, in the last few months. In fact, it could be said of anyone in the Cabal, over the last eleven years, starting even before Demos himself had learned of the group's existence. But Deadzone had specified 'in the last few days,' which suggested he had a specific instance of overstepping in mind. The first people who came to mind were Marshal Primus and Commissioner Gothic, whom Deadzone had specifically mentioned at the start of the conversation. But they hadn't technically pardoned the escaped rebels; in fact, it was within the bounds of the marshal's authority to deal with them however he saw fit, a power which had, ironically, been bestowed upon him by the law Woodman had suggested, and the Cabal had ensured passed. The same power meant he also had a right to do as he pleased with Supprus and his treasonous platoon.

However, Supprus himself could be accused of overstepping his authority, when he freed the prisoners. Demos supposed that must be what Deadzone- and therefore Woodman- meant. Furthermore, Demos himself was Primus's direct superior. Even if technically the Counter-insurgency Act gave the military the power to deal with matters such as rebellion (either from within or without the military, as in the case of Supprus and the Chaos, respectively), and Primus was the highest military authority... the marshal must still answer to the king. So, Demos supposed what Woodman wanted was for him to order Primus to turn Supprus's platoon over to Woodman. Or rather, to General Middlebury, which would amount to the same thing. Demos hadn't decided yesterday whether to do so or not, but tonight's announcement on the news, and his subsequent conversation with his wife, had made him more anxious to act. If even Beverly was starting to ask dangerous questions, the rest of the populace couldn't be far behind. The Cabal's window of opportunity to ensure its continued existence- and therefore Demos's continued reign- suddenly seemed even smaller than Woodman had guessed. Or perhaps... the colonel had actually taken steps to narrow the window, himself.

Demos didn't doubt that Woodman had either sent Deadzone to try to reacquire that ex-Sorreter, or else gotten him to ask Durell to send someone else to do so. He must have expected the attempted abduction to force the rebels to reveal the truth, or at least part of it, to the world. Demos wasn't sure whether the attempt was even meant to be successful or not; either way, it was bound to spur the rebels to action of one kind or another. And authorities both within and without the Cabal would be forced to respond. But probably it was safer for the attempt to fail; obviously the rebels were content to refrain from mentioning the Cabal in their announcement, whereas they surely would have revealed the whole truth if their friend had been captured. Woodman might be willing to gamble on narrowing the window of opportunity, but he wasn't foolish enough to shut it completely. It still might not be narrow enough to make the Cabal take action, but Demos decided it was enough to make him do so. And hopefully his actions- or the consequences thereof- would cause the others to finally see they no longer had the luxury of patience, if they wished to survive.

As much as Demos disliked being manipulated, he appreciated the skill with which Woodman had done it. And he couldn't help but grin as he suddenly found himself half-hoping to lose the election. Deadzone was right: the king was supposed to be the most powerful person in the world, and it was time he started acting like it. How ironic, he thought, that his first act as a 'true king' would be in the hopes of losing that position. But in losing a third term as king, if all went well, he would gain a lifetime as such.

For the first time since entering his office, he perused the active t-mail bubbles. He intended to call Marshal Primus, and thought it would be best to first make sure the marshal hadn't already called him. He was mildly surprised that he hadn't. Demos grinned as he saw there was a message from Mr. Yellow, which he intended to ignore, for the moment, as he did all the others. He didn't want anything to delay his call to Primus; the rest could be dealt with afterwards. Of course, he was fairly sure Primus would refuse the order, or at least beg him to reconsider, to discuss the matter in depth, take time, think about it. Demos would have none of that. If he had to, he would relieve the marshal of his command, and order General Middlebury to take Supprus and his people into custody. Demos looked forward to seeing precisely how the Chaos reacted to that....


chapter 50

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