Descension

CHAPTER 4

Liam sighs deeply as he leans over the holopad on his desk, muttering to himself as he reads over a document. He glances down at his watch as it pings, transferring the notification to his holopad, his eyes widening as he reads it: Automatic family contact: Bennett Kaspari Anderson has been hospitalized at Omnicore Medical Care. It is recommended that a family member...

"Senator Anderson," a deep, warm voice speaks.

Liam turns around in his chair. "Senator Holden."

Senator Hugh Holden, the eldest of the council, had always been most kind to Liam. He's tall with charcoal eyes and deeply dark skin, wrinkles etched into his face, most noticeably the crinkles around his eyes when he smiles. His white and gold uniform always gleamed without a single crinkle, the emblem of the ordership resting polished to perfection just left of his heart.

Holden gestures toward the door with a jerk of his head. "The Head Councilman would like a word with you."

"Will it be quick?" Liam asks, glancing back over his shoulder at his holopad.

"Let's hope so," Holden says, leaving Liam's office with a small smile.

Liam sighs as he sinks into his chair, rubbing his eyes and taking a deep breath before he stands up, rolls his shoulders back, and straightens his spine. Liam walks out of his office with confidence, flashing bright smiles to everyone he passes. Once at the double doors of the Councilroom, Liam's face hardens to stone as he adjusts his coat, then gestures for the guards beside the doors to open them. Liam confidently strides in, pausing to bow to Head Councilman Tiberius.

"Anderson. We have much to discuss," Tiberius says.

"Sir, I'd appreciate it if we kept this brief." Liam's voice quivers despite his best attempts to quell his tremors.

Tiberius shakes his head. "I'm afraid this is not a brief discussion." Tiberius stands from his place at the crescent table, walking down the stairs to the floor. "Come walk with me."

Tiberius leads Liam outside to the balcony gardens. The air outside is loud with traffic, shouting, laughter, birdsong, and water; however, Tiberius' silence is the most deafening. Tiberius walks to the edge of the gardens and leans onto the glass railing, waiting for Liam to join him. Liam rests his elbows on top of the glass, looks over at Tiberius, and waits for him to speak.

"Look down there." Tiberius points at the city below them. "Tell me what you see."

"I see people..." Liam says, "...And cars."

"Think on a larger scale." Tiberius hardens his gaze. Liam pauses, then looks up. Tiberius shakes his head, continuing, "Look down. What is functioning? Bigger than this Ternary. Bigger than the city. Bigger than this continent, but you can see it right there, just below us."

Liam shakes his head. "...You're a far wiser man than I, I'm afraid."

"Society." Tiberius murmurs, shifting his eyes to Liam. "That is what we aim to protect... Is it not?"

"Of course it is." Liam perks up. "Though, I'm not sure what you mean to say by telling me that."

Tiberius squints. "Your brother is failing to control the problem at Omnicore, and is reluctant to leave this project in... better hands. I know you vouch for him, but he has proven disloyalty to The Ordership on multiple occasions." Tiberius takes a deep breath, "Have you ever considered he might have... an ulterior motive?"

Liam shakes his head. "No, Sir, never."

"Perhaps you should." Tiberius lifts his head, keeping sight of the city below. "This may be what he aims to destroy."