*Standing above the unconscious bodies of Mercutio and Octavius stands a tall Indigenous man, his long black hair is tied back behind his head.*
Prince:
(what just happened?!)
(He moved so quickly I couldn't even see it!)
(It's as if he was moving at the speed of light!)
???
Jay, bring it in!
*The man goes over to Jay and brings him into a big hug, trapping him.*
Jay:
Ugh, that's too tight!
You're squeezing too much…!
*Prince watches from the sidelines and meekly raises his voice.*
Prince:
I'm sorry, but who are you?
*The man let's go of Jay and turns to look at Prince*
???:
Oh sorry, where are my manners?
I'm Wayne, Jay's older brother, well, I'm also the oldest of 5. I work in the CIA with Jay and our siblings.
I take it you're Prince Spectre?
*Wayne looks over Prince, examining him from head to toe.*
Wayne:
You're a lot shorter than I imagined.
But I guess it's not good to judge a book by its cover.
After all, if you're here…
*Wayne leans in close so that no one can overhear him.*
Wayne:
…It must mean you have a Manifesto, am I right?
*Prince is caught off guard and sweat slowly begins to fall down his face.*
Wayne:
Oh, don't worry, I won't ask to see it. I also have one for the record.
But it's good to know that you're on our side. If you're anything like your dad, I wouldn't want to make you into an enemy.
Jay:
Wayne, don't we have to get going?
Wayne:
Oh shoot, you're right!
We're gonna be late!
Prince:
What are going to do about those two—
*Wayne effortlessly lifts the unconscious bodies of Mercutio and Octavius.*
Prince
…
Wayne
Sorry, what were you saying?
Prince:
Nothing important…
Wayne:
Oh, alright then!
*Wayne jogs over to a large black car, tossing Mercutio and Octavius into the back.*
Wayne
Hop in guys!
Prince:
Your brother's an…interesting person…
Are all your siblings like that?
Jay:
More or less.
I'm sure you'll find out, but Manifesto users tend to be very…eccentric.
*The two stare at Wayne, looking at them with a big smile on his face, and they enter the car.*
Prince:
So where are we going?
Wayne:
The President told me to bring you directly to him. He wanted to meet you as soon as possible.
Jay:
We're going straight to the White House?!
Wayne:
Yup, oh, but Prince, don't be too nervous. The President might seem a bit scary at first, but he's a really nice guy once you get to know him!
Prince:
?!
Oh, uh, if you say so…
(What is this…strange feeling?)
(It's like a shrill violin, it's been playing ever since we stepped off the train…)
*After a short drive, Wayne opens the door for Prince and Jay. Standing outside the door is a young woman with silver hair braided behind her head, and thin rectangular glasses on her face. She carried herself with a dignified posture, standing perfectly straight.*
???:
Welcome back Wayne, any trouble?
Wayne:
Nothing big, oh, but Jay and Prince here took out two Manifesto users on the train, so I'll hand them in.
Jay:
You're leaving?
Wayne:
Can't help it, but our sister's here, so she'll take you guys to the president's office.
The young woman does a small bow towards Prince.
???:
It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Spectre.
My name is Stele, I'm the middle child. I also work for the CIA and am part of the president's personal security detail.
I'm aware of your…unique circumstances, and I too possess a Manifesto.
I'll guide you to the Oval Office now. The president is eagerly awaiting your arrival.
*Walking down the hall, Prince fidgets nervously, as he still hears the shrill violin in his ear.*
Jay:
Are you alright?
Prince:
Yeah, I'm fine, I'm fine…
So, is your whole family in the CIA?
Stele:
That's correct.
We were taken in as orphans by Mr. Spectre—your father—to learn how to properly use our Manifestos, but after his disappearance, the President adopted us.
All of us were infants when we were abandoned or orphaned, except for Wayne, I think he mentioned being a bit older when he was taken in by Mr. Spectre,
Prince:
I wonder what kind of person the president is?
I've only heard him on the radio before.
Stele:
He is a wise man, and takes his position very seriously.
I'm sure he will be pleased to meet you.
*Stele stops in front of a door before knocking.*
Stele:
The Soviets have been making strange movements lately, so the president might be in a somber mood—
???:
FORE!!!
*A loud cracking sound is heard.Stele jumps into the air, causing her to drop her classes, and her hair to get ruffled. She quickly turns towards Prince and Jay, embarrassed.*
Prince:
…
Stele:
…
*Stele quickly gets back up, and dusts herself off, trying to keep her professional facade.*
Stele:
I-I wonder what happened?
Must have been some kind of earthquake that caused me to lose my balance…
Prince:
Uh, sure.
Can I go in now?
Stele:
Allow me a moment to check on the preside—
???:
Did you see that shot?!
I bet I could send the next one to the Washington Monument!
What, don't you believe me?
Better try before Stele gets back!
Stele:
…
Prince
…Doesn't sound too sad to me
*Stele flashes an embarrassed smile before gently opening the door.*
Stele
Excuse me, I'll return in a moment.
*After entering, Stele slams the door behind her. Prince puts his ear up against the door.*
Jay:
What are you doing?
Prince:
I'm curious, that sounded like a driver earlier when he hit it.
I wanna know if he makes the shot!
Hehe, does Stele really think a locked door can stop me from eavesdropping?
Well, with Giuoco Piano, I'll be able to hear them perfectly!
Hehehe…
Jay:
…
(Maybe his Manifesto isn't the only reason he didn't have friends…)
Prince:
Hey!
That's rude!
Jay:
Whoops, did I say that out loud?
Prince:
No, but I could feel it!
I could hear what you were gonna say–
*The door is opened, hitting Prince in the nose.*
Stele:
*Ahem* The president will see you now.
*Stepping into the Oval Office, Prince and Jay see a fairly young man, in his late 30s. The man has jet black hair, and streaks of silver on the side. The President's face is clean shaven, and he is dressed in a tight blue suit, showing his large physique. Prince glances around, and sees Stele trying to hide a golf club behind her back. Standing to the right of the president is a stout man in a suit, wearing a kabuki mask.*
The President:
Ah, Jay! Welcome back!
How have you been?
Jay:
I've been well, but we encountered some trouble on the return to D.C.
The President:
Yes, I heard there were some difficulties on the way back, but given you made it back safely, I'll wager you were successful?
Jay:
Yes sir.
The President:
Speaking of which, why don't you introduce me to your new friend?
*Prince and The President's eyes lock, if only for a moment, as Prince sees a small black spark emerge, causing him to flinch.*
Jay:
Yes, sir. This is Prince Spectre, son of James Spectre.
Your guess was correct, he does have a Manifesto, like his father.
The President:
And I trust you told him why we wanted to recruit him?
Prince:
Yeah, I heard you wanted me to go and find my dad after he went missing in Europe.
Stele:
Mr. Spectre, show some respect!
You're speaking to the president of the United States, possibly the most powerful man in the world!
Prince:
Is that the same man who was playing golf in his office earlier?
Stele:
How dare–
*The President raises his hand, stopping Stele.*
The President:
Please, Stele.
I appreciate the sentiment, but this here is an honoured guest.
Please forgive her rudeness, Mr. Spectre.
But yes, you were correct earlier.
It is my request that you help find James Spectre.
I'm asking you this, not as the president, but as James Spectres' friend and an old comrade of his.
He saved my life countless times during the second world war, and helped pave the way for my ascension to president.
If it wasn't for him, I doubt I would have made it as far as I did in life.
So please, won't you help me?
*The President, with a warm smile on his face, extends his hand towards Prince, who pulls back slightly.*