Around a large table, the highest authorities of the ISD sat staring down at their papers with Xavier's proposal. The room was cold and grey, the sound of the ceiling fan being the only source of life. The man at the head of the table lowered the paper, making the rest of the group do so and looked around. Rubbing his grey beard, the old man, Director Read, contemplated the offer. "How does everyone feel about this?" As head of the ISD, he didn't need to ask for other opinions and could make any decision he wanted, but he still asked anyway, trusting his people's abilities and the way they thought.
"I do not think it is worthwhile to give Xavier liquid from the Stream of Time to become a mere associate. Either he belongs to the ISD, or he does not." A woman, half machine, half person, coldly said, her cybantetic eye, glowing in the white light.
"He knows his worth." A man opposite the woman said, his appearance more sloppy than the rest of the room, who made sure to look pristine, "To come back with the vial, shows we want him more than he wants us. I think we should be asking how much leeway we offer Xavier."
"Zoktis." Another man said, his temperament more like a scholar with a flicker of emotion compared to the people he called comrades, "Was Mr Manning associated with a group who are also chasing it?" Director Read nodded, "Forgive me for switching the topic, but I must ask. Are we taking action, sir?"
Director Read shook his head, "We do not pursue people because they believe in myths and legends. Our sole goal is the protection of the State and this democracy. We have no other purpose." Director Read focused on the agent who asked, "Until we believe they pose a true threat of breaching the Gate, we shall remain indifferent." The agent nodded and looked around.
"Then, what about Xavier. He wishes for Zoktis Home as well." The man leaned forward, "Even if Xavier joins the ISD and we order him to cease all actions, he won't. Now we also know that Xavier will use this special status to use us, but the same can't be true the other way around. I say we agree to his terms."
"Dangerous. He is a man who peers into the future. With the vial, we can't predict how his ability will evolve." The cybrog woman said, "He must be one of us." Looking at Director Read, she calmly carried on, "Playing with those who control time never ends well."
Director Read took a deep breath and looked around. No one else added anything; they listened carefully, waiting for a verdict. Read stroked his beard and nodded, "I understand your concerns, but leaving a man who can manipulate Time free from the ISD grasp is more dangerous. We will accept his offer, but will place an Agent by his side to keep watch over his actions." The room nodded, not arguing his verdict. Taking another paper out, he looked at Cain's picture, followed by a long list, "As for General Waltz, we shall begin our operation with the information Mr Manning will provide. The terms his lawyer offered were fair. Any objections?" No said anything once again. Standing up, Read nodded, "Then make the preparation."
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James stood in the distance, watching a burial. Seeing George's picture alongside a coffin lowered into a grave, he took a deep breath and took a drag on his cigarette. He wanted to go over and offer his respects, but knew that if he did, the best outcome would be being arrested. Ever since his escape, the crimes he was being linked with kept growing, and George's death had become one of them, Cain's involvement having been swept under the rug. James could only assume it was the ISD hiding his existence alongside the Gentleman and his group, using the media to smear James and isolate him from any allies he had.
Jeremiah looked around, feeling a gaze and meeting James' eyes, he coldly glared at him. James sighed and threw his cigarette to the ground, turning around and getting into the car waiting for him. Hopping into the backseat, the driver, given to him, sped off in silence, leaving James to think. He had lost everything he held dear: his home, his friends, his job. With nothing left, he felt lost, wondering what to do. Part of him contemplated turning himself in, feeling that it was only right. But it was suppressed by an urge. An urge for revenge and the truth. An urge to destroy those who ruined what he had. It was all he had left, and having already paid so much for it, he couldn't help but think that prison could come after. He owed that much to George and Rose, even if they didn't want him to do it.
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"Cain failed?" Maria said in confusion, looking at Lucas like he was crazy. Lucas took a deep breath and looked around the rest of his study. Alannah had already been made aware, helping him create the smear campaign against James' character and sat unbothered.
Although it was meant to be a way to justify James' death after Cain finished, they had to change plans once the ISD got involved. Lucas knew better than to provoke an enemy he didn't need to, and was more than happy to use the media to help cover up Cain's involvement. Luckily, they had the perfect scapegoat for everything.
"Cain would have succeeded without the ISD stepping in." Lucas rubbed the top of his cane "This was a mistake on my behalf. I should have anticipated it once General Waltz's warehouse was discovered."
"Don't blame yourself too much, Lucas." Alannah sweetly said, "Even Xavier can't predict the ISD, and he is able to peer into the future."
"I don't blame myself, in fact, it made me realise my shortcomings." Lucas smiled, "My focus has been narrowed on Newport and the people in the city-
"The conquering hero returns. "The doors to the study flew open. The homeless man who had been in front of James' house, Adrian, burst in, flashing his misaligned smile, "Hold your applause." Adrian walked over towards the drink cabinet in the corner of the room. Grabbing a bottle, he popped the cork and took a seat, drinking a quarter in one long gulp.
Alannah saw Lucas trying his best not to show his disgust, keeping a half smile on his face. Adrian looked around and couldn't help but frown. "So empty. Where is everyone?"
"Cain was arrested," Maria said softly, not saying anymore.
"Magnus is asleep, and Freya is still out of town." Alannah finished for Maria.
"And the big boss," Adrian said with a slight smile.
"Working." Alannah calmly replied, making Adrian frown. Taking another swing of the wine bottle, he drank another quarter before letting out a satisfied noise.
"Okay." Adrian made himself comfortable, sinking into the large leather chair, "Why did you put a tracker on those two. All it did was give me a black eye. I get sitting outside his apartment, but that. Didn't make sense."
Lucas sighed and leaned forward, "We needed them to be near each other before luring them in. It was the only way to guarantee Cain could deal with everything in minutes. Lingering creates more issues than it solves."
"And yet he failed. I could have just shot him outside his house or mugged him. A bum on the street killing a guy. I mean, who's gonna question that?" Adrian said, bringing the bottle to his lips. Looking at the desk by his side and seeing a cigar box, he grabbed a handful, putting all bar one in his pocket. Taking the last, he quickly lit it.
"I never expected Cain to fail, Adrian." Lucas said with a deeper tone than usual, "Maybe your way was better, but Cain had failed once. He needed to prove he was still useful."
"And did he?" Adrian said, peeking over at Maria. The woman stared daggers at him. Arrogantly bringing the cigar to his lips, he took a deep inhale and blew smoke her way.
"He did, even if they live," Lucas said without hesitation. "But plans have changed. The ISD holding Cain means they will eventually learn of our plans to open the Door, even if he says nothing. They may already know right now." Lucas cautiously said, "Magnus needs to be ready. We can't wait for him to grow." Lucas turned to Alannah, "Have him kill James Graham. In a way that will let him grow. If he fails or looks as if he is about to die, intervene and kill him instead."
"Are you sure, Lucas?" Alannah asked, her tone filled with worry, "He had made clear that he doesn't like to do these things. We can't risk pushing him away."
"Then continue being the older sister he dearly loves and can't help but stay close to Alannah. If he leaves or turns traitor, it means you failed. Failure cannot be allowed. I am sure you understand." Alannah stared into his eyes and nodded. Lucas smiled and leaned back into his chair, picking up the wine glass by his side.
Although they suffered a setback, all he had to do was get things back on the right path.