The Origin of My Dreams

Chapter 14

Vlad found himself dozing off more than once during the meeting. If there was something better than economic crisis and lack of resources maybe he would have tried to pay some more attention. If it wasn't Ludwig talking in his monotone voice, it was another country. They weren't usually super prepared, with internet articles given to them by their bosses along with the words, "Discuss this." Most did not like public speaking, and stuttered through their argument. Sometimes he felt as if the world just droned on and on in a never ending cycle of empire and death and conquest and-and-

He was tiring himself out. Vladimir found himself biting his nails, nervously glancing to the ones beside him. He pulled out his laptop and started a game of Solitary. The Romanian knew he was probably missing valuable information, but most of it didn't apply to him anyway. Goodness, he hated Solitary.

"I think it is time we break for lunch." The words brought relief to Vladimir's soul. He audibly sighed with happiness as he stood and stretched. Quiet murmurs filled the long room, but he froze when he heard the single word he dreaded.

"Alpha," It was barely louder than a whisper. At first, Vladimir thought he had imagined it, but as he looked around he noticed two figures slip out of the back door of the room. Naturally, he followed to quench his curiousity, and if he was caught he would use some lame excuse like "Looking for the bathroom" or something. Opening that door proved to be harder than he thought. His hand hesitated at the doorknob. Did he really want to know?

"You'll get your money." A voice bitterly sneered from the inside. His heart pounded with fear, and slight anticipation. What would Agatha think of him now? He had to know, to find out. For her. With that, he bundled up any confidence he had left and opened the door.

Worst possible scenario didn't begin to describe the situation. It was Ludwig- of course it was Ludwig- and Nicu? Both were staring at him, waiting for him to declare himself. Vladimir stood there dumbstruck, not entirely sure what to say. He regretted not thinking this through better. "O-oh sorry!" Vladimir stuttered, "I was, uh, just looking for Nicu- to have lunch?" He hoped it was a plausible excuse that both men bought.

"I'll be out in a minute, just wait outside." Nicu replied sweetly for Ludwig. Said German gave Nicu an odd look that he quickly dismissed. Vladimir could only manage a nod. He shut the door, realizing that he was shaking. What was that all about? What would Ludwig, of all people, want with Nicu? And what did he have to do with Alpha?

In a moment, Nicu puddled out with a sigh. He started walking, and Vladimir matched his pace. "You didn't honestly want to go get lunch together?" Nicu asked in dread.

"Well, yeah, but if you don't want to-"

"Not really." He interrupted. Vladimir stopped and watched as his brother strode away. Nicu was being awfully distant lately. Could he have some troubles with his economy? It sounded like someone was having trouble paying off the other. Nicu never hesitated to ask for money before, so why now?

Vladimir shook away his thoughts to go over during lunch. At this point, he just wanted to leave the meeting hall. A hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder, and warm breath tickled the back of his neck. "I don't know if you know- or care, but I have the Admin and he wants revenge." The voice belonged to Ludwig, "I cannot talk now, you know why. If you work for-"

"Wait, what?" Vladimir couldn't hold back his questions. Ludwig gave him a fearful, yet confused look. He bit his lip, and stepped past Vladimir.

"I must go." He breathed, removing his hand from Vladimir's shoulder. Ludwig was away in an instant, and Vladimir's questions were still unanswered.

.

Lunch did not help any. The more Vladimir tried to go over in his head what was happening, the worse of a headache he got. Eventually, he gave up on all the Alpha stuff, deeming it too stressful for lunch.

Business was slow, and Vladimir needed something to pass the time. Surely, Agatha would not be busy? At this point she was probably his only friend, and he needed a friend to talk to.

"Hello?" She answered.

"Oh, uh, hi!" He smiled, feeling his cheeks grow hot.

"Hey, Vladimir! How are you?" Agatha sounded well, happy.

"Pretty good! How about you?" Vladimir hated small talk, but it was the only thing he could think of at the moment.

"Ecstatic."

"Oh?"

"Look, I know you told me not to go digging around," Vladimir suddenly felt very worried and was filled with dread. "But I found something. I know where they're headed. I have everything but the street number."

"Wow, that's great." The words came out flatter than Vlad intended, and he instantly regretted them. Anything but Alpha- he wanted to talk about anything but Alpha. "Uh, hey guess what?"

"What?" Agatha said. It was not rude or passive aggressive, but it still made Vlad feel a shrivel of guilt.

"I know where your brother is. Well, the country at least."

"Really, that sounds amazing!" Somehow her joy didn't completely translate over the phone. "Well, uh, what did you really call me for?"

The words stunned Vladimir. They were not meant to be mean, more like she genuinely wanted to know. "I, uh, just wanted to talk to you."

"Okay then talk."

"Alright, so I'm not supposed to say anything about these meetings but I just have to. They are so, so boring! Why can we only talk about boring things. Oh, I wish I could tell you! If we aren't trying to kill each other, we are sitting there, listening to some random monotone someone and- and it's terrible!" Vladimir could hear the whine in his voice.

"Wow I don't think I've heard you so fired up over anything!" She laughed "But that really does stink."

"Yeah! I had to result to playing Solitaire, Solitaire for goodness sake!" Vladimir found himself nodding at the waiter as he was passed his food, on the verge of laughter.

"Oh my! But you survived?"

"Survived? I have hours and hours left!" Vladimir complained, taking a bite of his fry.

"Good luck!" She giggled

"So what's up with you?" He asked nonchalantly

"Not much, just the usual. Coffee, Netflix, a good book, maybe hack into the military networks,"

"What?" Vladimir spat fiercely

"I'm only joking!" She assured. Vladimir shook his head

"What are we going to do with you?" He said quietly. "Well, I gotta go- only have an hour and a half lunch break and this place is so slow! Goodbye!"

"Bye!"