Chapter 50: Part 3 Ch.5

We still have an hour until the meeting with all the section leaders. It's a tedious thing that has to happen once a week- where we pool all our information and make decisions. It's a bit more democratic than before; which seems to please the people but the final decisions still fall to me and Paxton. I use the time to take a bath and change into more formal clothes. I put on a white shirt and black dress pants. To think I used to wear fandom t-shirts. I wonder what my people would think of my old superhero shirt. I just might wear it someday. It'll be an irony that only I would appreciate. My smile dies just as quickly as it comes as my eyes fall to the nightstand next to my bed. I kneel down and open it, moving away years of hoarded objects until my hands land on the only two things from my past. The necklace Carson gave to me and Mateo's knife. I thought I was going to use his knife more but I've always gone for more slimmer ones. Mateo's knife isn't really for throwing- which is my specialty, so consequentially, it has fallen into disuse. I run my fingers through it's familiar groves and marvel at just how much time can change things- "Elenora." Paxton knocks at my door and I let the items fall from my hands into the drawer. "It's time to go." "Coming. 0~0~0 "...not to mention the docks aren't safe anymore. The damn OCIU is everywhere now, I can't go a week without my men almost getting caught. There was a shoot-out just last Thursday. We need to fight back." Valentina finishes. The Cuban keeps her head shaved and the only jewelry she wears is a small lip ring. Her power is quite impressive, being able to eject plasma blasts from her hands. She's in charge of the west area of the docks-which is mainly dealing with drugs and illegal pharmaceuticals. There are so many drugs that can cure common illnesses but big pharmaceutical companies have banned them to create a monopoly. As a result, a lot of our buyers aren't criminals but everyday people who can't afford expensive medicine. It's part of the reason why our popularity has risen so high theses past few months. Which is also why it's such an urgent problem and we can't afford the interruptions. "We know this, Valentina. Which is why we're doing everything we can. I will send more men and women to protect you; we need more lookouts too. It doesn't pay to be ambushed." I take a drink of water. The round table in our study room fits all six of us; we all have room to move without bumping into each other. I look back up at the man across from me. "I was hoping Cosmo could deliver more news about the OCUI." "Sorry boss, I only have the same information as last time. As always, their tech is air-tight. They must have another hacker. I manage to get scraps of information every so often but it's pretty much useless." The head of our tech department says. He's a slim man in his  early-thirties with a premature receding hairline. His genius in technology makes him an invaluable addition to our team; he rose the ranks quickly as he proved his skill as a hacker. Although technically his abilities only grant him an increased skill in gardening, he's dedicated his life to electronics; which proves once again that powers aren't destiny. It's thanks to him that our identities has been a secret for so long; he hacks the cameras and whenever possible, blurs our face. Our job is hard enough without having everyone in the city know how we look like. Paxton frowns slightly. "That's the same answer as last time. Admit it, you're slipping." "If I remember correctly, it was me who doctored a traffic footage after you crashed you car into a fire hydrant." Cosmo shoots back. He's the only one who can get away with talking to us like that; mostly because he never actually means it. There's always a half-smile on his face when he banters; something which Paxton always plays up. "That was one time-" "Paxton." I warn. "Pay attention." His face reddens slightly in embarrassment and his eyes cut to Valentina. Paxton has had a thing for her ever since she joined us two years ago. She was the first one he recommended to fill in the spot for the West Docks. "Valentina's right, the docks are not safe anymore." Nathanial speaks up. His ability to quickly master languages has made him an excellent candidate for Foreign Relations. He's our main translator to other countries and accompanies us many times to interperate in our business deals. "Our partners are not pleased that we keep postponing their shipments. We either need to find a new place to meet or defend the docks." "We're working on a plan." I tell them, glancing at Paxton. It's not a lie exactly. The plan isn't even fully developed yet, and has been little more than idle speculation. But these people need something concrete to hold on to. "The details are almost done with, it won't be long. We're working on putting someone in charge who is willing to give us information for a price. If not, then we'll look for someone else." That's how it usually works. If we can't buy them, then we destroy them and find someone else who is willing to accept money. "In the meantime," I continue. "Cosmo, you need to step up your game. Try getting your people to blackmail a lower official and work your way up." I point a look at the fat man. "Blackmail, Cosmos. I don't want any families kidnapped. Understood?" "As you say, Amara." He feigns a salute. "Please try not to mess up. You have this annoying habit of doing just that I'm always left to clean after you." Andrea tells him and looks to me. I know exactly what she's going to say. She's brought this up every single meeting since the incident. The only redeeming aspect of her is that she takes her job as Internal Relations very seriously. "And we need to be more careful with the press, if I may be so bold. Nowadays, people tend to sympathize with the police, especially if they're brutally killed. And even after two months, the public still hasn't forgotten about the poor dead female officer who drowned after you dropped the whole building in the river." She's right of course, but that doesn't make her any less annoying. After the incident, my reputation greatly increased- as did the fear from both the public and the underworld criminals. I grit my teeth and try not to raise my voice. "I understand this, Andrea. Just as I understood it the first fifty times you brought it up." She has the grace enough to look embarrassed and brushes her stringy hair out of her face. "Other than that, I have no other news. The public is slowly recovering from the incident and the views of the people who buy Valentina's drugs are favorable towards the Yellow Thorns." She continues. "We're doing good. But there is always room for improvement. The Sheriff still needs to be taken down, it's clear that his leadership is keeping the OCIU together." "Soon." I tell her and the others. "They will fall soon enough. Still no news on his identity, Cosmo?" He shakes his head. "Nope. If they have any information on the Sheriff, it's locked tightly. Believe me, I've tried cracking them for years." The room stays silent for a few seconds. We're nearing the end of the two hour meeting and we've run out of things to discuss about. "Does anyone else have anymore news?" I ask the table. Some shake their heads, others just say no. "We'll if that's it, then I will see you all next week. Keep us all updated. This meeting is over." I stand up and open a portal at a time. They go through their own one until it's just Paxton and me left. He cracks his neck and sighs. "That was tedious." He says, adjusting his glasses. "Do we actually  have a plan to deal with the OCIU?" He's known me for years now; he knows when I'm bluffing. "I think I will...eventually." "Good. They've had it coming for a long time." He moves to go but then suddenly stops and turns around. "That policeman you faced two months ago. Carson Williams. You knew him didn't you? I remember that Natalia talked about him some time ago, she said you two were together once." "That was a long time ago." I tell him sharply. "My loyalty rests with you and the Yellow Thorns. Don't doubt that." He lets out a sharp breathy laugh. "Look, I don't doubt it. I believe you. It's just...we could use him. Maybe, he could let something slip about the OCIU." It takes me a second to realize what he's saying. "Paxton, Natalia is dead because of him. I can't just go cuddling up towards her killers." "No, Natalia is dead because of Avan." He shoots back. "And you're not cuddling up to them- well, maybe. But it's worth it. With the OCIU out of the way, there will be nothing for us to worry about anymore. Look I'm not saying you have to be BFF's with the guy. Just...whatever information he could give us, will help." "I'll think about it." I tell him.