LINKAGE (boyxboy)

CHAPTER 104: THE MATRIARC

"Say it again, Mrs. Bethervan. Were you aware of Mr. President's choice about having you as The President's Force? How does that make you feel?"

"Um..." Angelina's brain was malfunctioning during the quick press conference that Dtcherzyn had organized in the speed of light right after Gavin's announcement. They were in a common Symposium Room, with big windows opened, getting the sunslightning and fresh air into the room. She mostly felt nervous. She still hasn't talked to Gavin yet, so she didn't knew anything about it. Dtch just entered her office right after she discovered the news and dragged her there. "To be completely clear and honest, I was not aware of our President's intentions. I am just as surprised as you are." Photographers and reporters from television were there as well, taking pictures and broadcasting everything live. Big day for the political scenario of Qorjal. Behind her, a few members of Gavin's team like Dtcherzyn, Irina, Sasha and Semyon watched the conference sitting in armchairs.

"Do you think it should have been decided through a vote between all the members of the State Union, Mrs. Bethervan? Actually, there isn't a law that only allows the Malones to rule our country? Is there something Mr. President is trying to say by electing you as his replacement?"

"No, Gods. No!" She almost laughed with that last question. "I have no relation with the Malone family besides being Gavin's mother from the sun and he being my son from the sun. Answering your previous questions, Mr. Itckletik, no, I do not think it should be decided by a general voting. I do not say it because I wouldn't be chosen, but because it is his post so he should be free to choose whoever comes to his mind. Lastly, the Law One and also the Substitution Process Clauses explain clearly that the permanent leader of our country must be a legitimate Malone. Our President is not giving away his position, just taking a brief moment of it, so it is under the law's circumstances and we are all safe with it."

"Are you going to accept his offer, Mrs. Bethervan?" Another journalist asked, making her shut her mouth immediately. She didn't know how to answer. It was a simple yes or no, but Angelina was not sure of it. "My answer will be shared soon enough. I bet you are all curious to know about it, but time is our ally, right?"

"I think that is all for today, my people. Final decisions will be announced soon enough. Thank you for your presence." Irina said on the mic, dismissing everyone in the room. As they started to dissipate, Angelina's face changed drastically.

"What the ten thousand hells is going on, Irina? I want an explanation right fucking now." She said low, but sharply. "I was practically dragged out of my office without knowing what was happening and nobody explained it to me. What is Gavin trying to do anyway? Huh?"

"Mr. President will explain to you himself, Angelina." She said. "He went home already, in Sound of the Woods. He said for you to meet him there so you can celebrate together your rise as The President's Force."

"Celebrate?" Angelina took a deep breath, letting out an irritated laugh. "Oh this boy..."

"Mr. President had the best intentions in naming you his replacement, Mrs. Bethervan." Semyon said. "You should be thankful for being the first non-Malone leader of Qorjal." He said like Angelina was despising Gavin's decision of finding a substitute for his post.

"Our President is still a child." She answered. "He probably decided it yesterday, shared with you and ignored everything you had to say about, am I wrong?" She looked at them, waiting for an answer, but they remained quiet and she took it as a confirmation. "He has to stop doing things without preparation, and you should not allow it! Even more when he wants another person to rule the country. He treats it like he is choosing an outfit to go out with Isaac somewhere downtown."

"Are you, maybe, insinuating that we do not do our jobs properly, Mrs. Bethervan? Because if you are, I would be highly offended." Sasha said with a hand on top of his chest.