Free Monthly #25 Of Plots and Plans
Vasil and Luiz speaking candidly about their places in the Council
Introduction
Emergence: Fall of the West has been out for a couple weeks, but that doesn’t mean I’ve shared all the stories! This short story dives further into the relationship between Vasil and Luiz as they try to infiltrate the Council early in the events of Emergence.
This short story helps tie together a multitude of plot points that were not fleshed out in Emergence. Most importantly, it ties the plans Tory and David get to see in it to Vasil and Luiz while also giving us a glimpse into their relationship with the Council during Emergence. This story also has ties to Emergence: Fall of the West and the previous short story with the European OCO.
With that all said, enjoy!
21st Century Short Stories | Of Plots and Plans
“And now it’s my turn to return the favor.”
“As I knew you would, my boy.”
“What is it you are so keen on?”
“What are they doing with all my money? That’s my first question, Luiz.”
I hesitated; the conversation began so abruptly I had to gather my thoughts before I could answer Vasil. The past few years of hard work had paid off. We were once again together at his luxurious hotel. Information had passed between us in that time and the many events we were involved in led to rare moments that gave birth to a friendship.
We had been working on various projects to expand the Council and his control in it. Vasil controlled the European Lower Council, more commonly known as the European Council of Regions, but was losing his grip in recent months. Our focus was on the Upper Council where the real action was happening. With my knowledge and influence in South America, our causes were finally gaining ground.
The Council relied on Vasil and several other Absolutists in Europe and Asia, yet failed to adequately reward most of them. Being the Council’s inside man with the All-Seeing Eyes, I could circumvent the blockades against Vasil. His ventures could grow in South America and with their growth; I might garner enough support from the Upper Council to return Vasil’s gift of purpose in my life. He wanted to join the Upper Council, and I felt there was finally enough justification.
When I joined the Upper Council, I failed to heed Vasil’s warnings. The honor came with a mask, a plethora of documents, and a dozen people working for me. The whole idea of masking up was a lark since anyone familiar with the upper echelons of the Council would know who I was.
In return for accepting the position, I had to deal with the ignorance of the other Council members, their foolish ideas, and convince them Vasil’s ideas were not the same power plays they engaged in. In short, I had to convince petty politicians Vasil wasn’t playing their games; he was trying to win the war with the Absolutists.
“Vasil, I think we actually got through to them. They’ve altered the plans we designed, petty politics as always, but they are moving forward with them.”
“Interesting. More of a focus on Africa, Asia, and the Pacific?”
“Yes.” I replied, momentarily stunned. “Yes. That’s the idea. But how’d you know?”
“You’re not my only source, Luiz.”
“That reminds me. Vasil, I know why they won’t let you in.”
“Oh? Why is that, my boy?”
“Well, two reasons really. You scare them because your tendrils in so many of their plans and they are currently dominated by the Asian delegation.”
“Do I really scare them?” Vasil seemed taken aback but mildly pleased at the thought.
“In order to secure the position, I had to make them think I was stealing your ideas. They know you’re more capable than they are. When selling them on the plan, I had to convince them I was using you.”
“Treachery they understand, but a good natured old fool seeking to change the world? Must be a threat.”
“I can’t help but to agree. They applaud my theft from you, but that also means I have to keep my distance as well. I can’t let them know the truth.”
“That the OCO’s tendrils are in everything?”
“If they even thought you were undermining them, you’d be dead by now.”
Vasil did not respond. He downed what remained of his white Russian. I glimpsed his new wristphone. His industrial company was making them for everyone in the Council. The purple band was an almost perfect match for the real thing. Vasil had risen in the ranks of the Absolutists while I did the same in the Council. His only reward was a change in his color band identifier. In both the Absolutists Regime and the Council, Vasil was seen as a threat by the powers that be.
“I wish I’d have thought of stealing the work of others to reach the apex,” he muttered before speaking up. “Well, my boy, you have done well. Take all the credit. It matters little to me at this point. Soon White Tunnels will speak for itself and they will have no choice but to rely on me. I will supply the Itrep, its refinement, our weapons systems, and our network of wristphones. I will supply them with an Artificial Intelligence to rival the All-Seeing Eyes. They will have no choice but to accept me on my terms.”
“I wish I could agree.”
“What do you know, my boy?”
“The thing is, they suspect you’ve been after your own personal aims.”
“Are you saying they suspect the OCO?”
“Yes. It was a hell of a time to convince them I had no part in anything past the plans we worked on.”
“You’ve done well, Luiz. If there is one thing that we’ve managed, it’s set things in motion. Soon, the truth will become clear. Soon, you’ll figure out what the Council is really after. And above all, we’re edging closer to learning what the Absolutists are truly afraid of.”
“You still believe that old bit?”
“Luiz, my boy, with Absolutists, one must ask why they restrain themselves in the most peculiar of ways. I am not afraid of finding out, are you?”
“I wouldn’t say I am afraid.” I considered the implications before I continued. “Perhaps I’m just against playing with fire. My position with the Council is shaky at best. We should focus on securing my role first. Then we can turn to our higher aims.”
“I brought you into the Council and the OCO for the higher aims, Luiz. Do you not trust my judgment?”
“There’s a reason no one at the apex of the Council or the Absolutist Regime trusts you. Vasil, they see your ambition and it’s too much for their liking. You’re too sharp for them and that makes you a threat. They don’t see me as a threat and that’s why you rely on me.”
“Don’t let the power of your position get to you, my boy. I can replace you, and for the good of higher aims, I will.”
I hear that there’s poetry drops each Saturday and short story drops the last Sunday of every month! If you aren’t subscribed, you’ll miss them!