Street of Kings,
Marapulai
-13.667101, 81.915830
Despite the trappings of aristocracy that Amadeus Van Brandt was surrounded by, he was not, by any means, fooled. Van Brandt had known the King for nearly thirty years, and had always been fully aware never to take anything at face value, even at 'summoned' meetings in which direct business was to be discussed.
Van Brandt rested his hands on the smooth arms of the hover chair, a luxury item in a country whose resplendent wealth was often overshadowed by its oppressive cruelty. Although the storied history between himself and the monarch of Marapulai, they were never 'close', if one could ever get close to either of the two. For his part, Van Brandt sat and waited, a courtesy to the man who shielded Van Brandt from international law enforcement.
'I am sorry to keep you' the King said, emerging from a nearby room. At nearly seven feet five inches, King Crocodilion wasn't just massive - he was a monster. The cybernetic lower jaw moved effortlessly, giving Van Brandt images of a long forgotten childhood book...illustrated with Captain Hook and Peter Pan....and the Crocodile...always waiting for the good captain to lose his other hand.
'I am, as always, at your service' Van Brandt responded in the very neutrally polite tone he had used.
'Nonsense....to keep an artist waiting is often a sin' Crocodilion began, pausing for a moment to adjust the royal sash before moving effortlessly to the window, 'If nothing more, we are artists, are we not?'
'I suppose that is one way to look at things' Van Brandt added in cool agreement. Van Brandt's intellect and abilities had already granted him a good insight as to why he was present, but allowed the King to set the stage.
'Power' Crocodilion began, 'Is the only real thing that separates us from animals. We both know of the benefits of power...' Crocodilion said, pausing to turn with the amber eyes, 'But the cost can be high....'
Van Brandt felt himself shift in his chair. Over thirty years he had been dealing with Crocodilion, but never had there been a moment where he felt a sense of desperation about the King.
'Yes...' Van Brandt added, 'Very high...'
'Tell me Amadeus......what fruitless plan have you in place to gain your revenge?' Crocodilion asked, almost smiling. Van Brandt didn't react to the barb, simply sighing quietly while returning the gaze.
'My own...' Van Brandt said matter-of-factually, 'I do not need to share that with you...'
'Insolence is not your strongest suite, Amadeus...'Crocodilion answered, 'Especially as you are my guest...'
'I am not your lackey' Van Brandt coldly retorted, 'Unless you feel our agreement needs to be...ratified'
Crocodilion moved forward, almost menacingly, then paused and laughed, 'Always fearless Amadeus...good....good.'
Van Brandt felt himself relax. Had the King taken offense with such a bold maneuver, it would have been....difficult....to extricate himself.
'I have need of your unique skills my old friend' Crocodilion began, 'I fear that we must advance our plans...significantly'
'I had some suspicion' Van Brandt nodded, 'Hephaestus?'
The King said nothing at first, then slowly, curtly, nodded.
'What is it you need?' Van Brandt said, already predicting the answer.
'I want you to have your fondest wish' Crocodilion began.
__________________________
Some time later
Palazzo di bellezza
Marapulai
-13.667101, 81.915831
'....and so, that is the plan' Van Brandt added, looking at the collection of individuals. The cool winds brought scent of jasmine blossoms into the large room, while the twilight cast long shadows against the walls. No one present said anything, instead waiting some long moments for the information to fully sink in. 'Are you with me?'
'Just like that?' the lean older man asked, 'You really think it will be that easy...'
'Yes...' Van Brandt began, 'Just like that. Once decisive moment. One simply action, and we'll have what we want...'
'What you want...' the tall blonde man looked back with amber-colored eyes, 'Let's not lie here...this isn't want any of us signed on for...'
'No...but we cannot refuse. If we refuse, they will come on their terms. We can however act now....force the situation to bend to our wills....' Van Brandt added analytically, 'He assures me the material will be present, and the numbers accounted for..'
'Same fellow that put you in that chair...' The blonde man added, 'Or did you forget that?'
'He did not 'put me in this chair', jefferson' Van Brandt added, 'That was Michael Deckard. It is beyond the time I repay him for that kindness. Now, I'll ask again...' Van Brandt said very directly, 'Are you with with me?'
The lean man spoke up first, the smile never leaving his face, 'What do we need to do?'
'Allow me to outline it....'
____________________
Destroyed
Marscon 2015
