Plasmatropolis

Chapter Fifteen - One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

David sat patiently in his office at the BPO headquarters, until the screen ahead of him turned on, displaying the face of Sharon Marshall - the president of Stellaris herself.

"Good day to you, David." She told him.

"The government wants an update on the Thalleous situation, I presume?" He asked. Surely by now they had heard the news.

"Do you still have him under strict supervision?" The president asked.

"Yes, and that's where he'll stay until we think of a way to properly punish him."

Sharon only responded with a cold look. "As good as that is to hear, there are quite a few people in my administration who think a dangerous crime boss such as Thalleous would be better off in a government facility than with the BPO."

"And do you think that too?" David raised an eyebrow.

"In all honesty, I believe it's for the best that he's kept far away from Plasmatropolis. Some of my advisors suggested that I ask you to transfer him to us. I don't intend on making a request like that yet, but you need to prove to me that you can handle this."

"We can handle it." David insisted. "That's why we're here. The BPO exists to handle these things, Mrs. President."

The president nodded. "In that case, I'll stay faithful in your efforts, at least for now. I hope this is the beginning of serious change. Plasmatropolis has been a hellhole for years, and we're all sick and tired of trying to fix it."

"Of course, of course." David agreed. "I'd know that better than anyone. Will that be all?"

"That will be all." The president told him. "Report any further updates to my administration."

With that, she disappeared, the screen going black as the conference ended. David sat in silence for a long while, contemplating, before his transmitter lit up and a voice spoke to him.

"Sir?" It was Knight.

"What's going on?" David asked.

"You're not gonna believe this, but..." Knight began, but trailed off.

"But what?"

"Nitrox is back. And he's not alone."

*****

"Hey, hey, hey, put the guns down." Nitrox urged, addressing the group of guards who had gathered outside the BPO headquarters. He and Galleous had travelled to the island by boat, but now they were encountering problems. Upon seeing Galleous, the guards had instinctively raised their weapons, presumably thinking he was Thalleous and that he had escaped confinement.

"I'm not Thalleous." Galleous, who stood beside Nitrox, told them. "I'm his brother. I just want to talk to him."

The guards murmured amongst themselves and lowered their firearms, before their leader stepped forward. He was an agent Nitrox didn't recognize, someone who'd most likely shown up after he'd left the organization.

"I'm Agent Blevins, but I typically go by Knight." He introduced himself, before turning to Nitrox. "And you're Nitrox, right? I've heard plenty about you."

"Yeah, that's me." Nitrox nodded. Good to meet you, I guess."

"I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot." Knight told him. "The guards must've mistook your companion for Thalleous."

"Many do." Galleous said. "I promise you, I have no connection to the gangs. I haven't spoken to my brother in ages. I just want to see him again."

"How do I know you're telling the truth?" Knight raised an eyebrow.