Pandemonium | Dream SMP

32. This is why Ares is my favourite.

"Wait, is this right?" Quackity holds up a sheet of paper to the light, his eyes squinting. It's just him and George in the office this morning, alongside Schlatt and I. Though I wouldn't exactly call Schlatt present. He keeps nodding off in his chair. The only reason he made it into the office so early is that I dragged him here.

"What is it?" George questions, leaning over to try and see what Quackity is reading.

"It's a list of all residential estates within the country, but- Tommy's house is on here."

"And?" Schlatt mumbles, a hand massaging his temples.

"Well, Tommy's house is the Embassy, isn't it? And the Embassy is managed by the vice president." Quackity gives a nervous grin. "Sir, I think I own Tommy's house."

The room falls quiet as we all soak in this news. It's logical. Tommy was the last vice president, which gave him ruling over the Embassy. But somehow the idea of Quackity owning Tommy's things makes me uncomfortable. It feels wrong.

"So...we can do what we want with it?" George questions.

"Mr President?"

All eyes turn to Schlatt, seeking guidance on how to use this new information.

The man has his fingers laced together, his eyes closed in thought.

Very slowly, a large, crocodile grin cracks across his face.

"The Embassy, you say?"

I shift uncomfortably. His tone is dangerous.

"Yes, sir. What would you like us to do with it?" George confirms.

"Can we burn it down?!" Quackity asks, far too eager for my liking.

Schlatt hums. "I don't see why not...it is an eyesore. We could put a lovely apartment complex in its place."

Alarm bells go off in my head as I give Schlatt a look of horror. He actually wants to burn Tommy's house down?! But- that's Tommy's house. The house we once shared. To Tommy, it's the only bit of home he has left in L'Manburg! I can't let them burn it down on a whim!

"Actually, sir." I interrupt quickly, placing a hand on his desk. "Wouldn't it be a better idea to search the premises first? Tommy was the vice president. He may have hidden legal documents or other valuables within the walls. Items of importance that may be lost if we burn them."

The horned man flicks an ear, releasing a low hum as he does so.

"That would be troublesome..."

He sits up straighter in his chair and smirks. "You see this, boys? This is why Ares is my favourite. Always thinking two steps ahead, she is."

George nods, not really paying attention. He's unconcerned with the idea of being Schlatt's favourite. But Quackity's face creases into a frown, his eyes narrowing. He purses his lips.

He looks like he wants to say something, but is holding it in.

"Ares."

"Yes, sir?"

"This was your idea, so I'm putting you in charge of the Embassy for now. I trust you'll search the place and bring me anything of interest?"

"Of course."

Quackity mutters something under his breath, clearly displeased with having lost the Embassy to me. It sounds like he's speaking Spanish, but I can't quite pick it out.

"Hmm, and George. You go with her."

"What?" George blinks.

"What?!" Quackity gapes.