The Inaugural Address

PART III - CHAPTER V

5.

"I still think it's highly unlikely. Of course let's open an investigation, but understand they may find nothing." Valerie commented in the midst of silence from the Taupo Control Center. She had been fumbling through her words since they returned from the trip to meet with Alexandria. Trying to help Brock process the possibility of Philip still being alive proved to be difficult.

"Where is Leo?" Brock asked the security personnel in the room, pacing back and forth. He was trying to fight his mind from racing to any conclusion. "Damn it, I sent for him an hour ago. He was just here, wasn't he?"

"We have been informed that Leo left Taupo shortly after we took off for New Wellington..." Kaster chimed from beside Valerie. He was also attempting to, but not necessarily succeeding, at calming Brock down.

"He left? Where did he go?" Brock replied quickly.

"We are unaware. He requested no supervision," Kaster added.

"Oh god," Brock continued to pace. "Well – I want to – I don't know,"

"It's okay to not know," Valerie added.

"We should have just taken him with us," Brock said as he sat down and placed his elbows on his knees, cradling his face with his hands. "I was just trying to protect him. But now I think it would've been easier if we all found out together." He was dying to discuss the chance of his former lover coming back to life, but not if it meant everyone would expect him to decide whether or not to leave Leo in response to such news. He was struggling to decide anything, which was foreign territory for him.

"Well I'll break the ice," Kaster began, to everyone's relief and dismay. "If Philip's alive, that could make things complicated for you and Leo,"

"It could, yes." Valerie joined in. "It could," She repeated. "But that doesn't mean that it would. Maybe Leo will understand, or Philip will, and that's only if he is still alive..."

"What do you mean it may not be complicated?" Brock replied. "Leo would be heartbroken if I chose Philip, and it's not like I could ever have both,"

"That's not necessarily true. I mean, throughout history there have been plenty of throuples..." Kaster said, causing both Valerie and Brock to pause and look in his direction.

"I'm not sure if—" Valerie began to respond.

"Let's just see if Philip is even alive, then we can talk about what it could mean." Brock replied, avoiding making a choice that he may not have to make. Meanwhile, as he spoke, the door into the room swung open to reveal Leo, who looked petrified, amongst security personnel.

"Brock —" Leo began from across the room.

"Where were you, where have you been? We called for you an hour ago." Brock's voice was slightly agitated. It was evident to Valerie and Kaster that the tension and uncertainty facing Brock now increased his stress levels considerably.

"I'll explain everything, I'm so sorry." Leo replied, walking past the security personnel and over to Brock, Valerie, and Kaster. He sat down in front of Brock and continued. "I have something really important to tell you, and although I'm nervous and scared to do so, I know it's the right—"

"Oh my god," Brock interrupted again. He continued with complete certainty, "He is alive."

"Wait, what?" Valerie asked, confused. "How can you suddenly be so sure of that?"

"It's obvious," Brock said. "I can see it in his eyes, he's horrified right now..."

"Wait, how do you know?" Leo replied, only partially relieved that he didn't have to tell Brock that Philip was still alive. "I thought you went to New Wellington?"