Pearseus: Schism

Croix

When Croix first heard that Lucas and Joe wanted to talk to him, he was drinking from a gold goblet, almost choking. He had expected Barrett and Walker to be the ones to kick up a fuss. Unless they were all in it, of course. Together. He now saw he’d have to proceed with extreme caution. They’d want to undo everything he had accomplished. They were a great threat, just as the whispers had warned him.

At first he considered refusing to see them. Then again, it’s always better to keep your enemies close. He had not accepted right away though; first, he needed to learn more. To make the necessary preparations.

It had taken him a week, but everything was now in place. He sat relaxed on his chair, leaning back, hands locked behind his head, waiting for them. The door opened and a young boy with a black armband showed Lucas and Joe in to his office.

“Thank you,” he said, and the boy saluted before marching out of the office. Turning his attention to his visitors, he beamed a wide smile at them. “Welcome, my friends! Always a pleasure to see you!” He stepped out from behind his desk to shake their hands with both of his, noticing Lucas’ split-second indecision.

He motioned them to sit down in front of his oversized desk. Lucas seemed tense, an uneasy look on his face, while Joe’s features were more relaxed. “What can I do for you on this fine day?” he asked when they had sat down.

Lucas threw Joe an uneasy glance before answering. “Thank you for seeing us, I know you have a very busy schedule.”

Croix circled his wide desk to sink back into his chair with a heavy sigh. “Not enough hours in the day, I’m afraid. But that’s to be expected when one’s responsibilities never end. I’m sure you know how that feels. You’ve both been among our most helpful citizens, working so hard for our survival. We owe you a great deal of gratitude. I’m sure Joe’s statue will be standing right next to yours in no time, Lucas.”

He grinned at them, which seemed to make Lucas uncomfortable. He enjoyed that, letting the awkward silence linger for a moment. Again, Lucas broke it first. Joe had never been one for words and seemed to be there for moral support alone.

“Well, we wanted to talk to you about what happened at the ceremony.”

“Yes… Such a sad affair. It pains me terribly to see people act like that,” Croix said, a deep frown crossing his brow.

“They didn’t so much act as react, actually. It was your Armbands and your speech that started it,” Lucas blurted out.

Croix raised his eyebrows in shock. “Was it? It saddens me so to hear you say that, my friend. The way I remember it, those brave boys were the only thing between us and chaos. You should be thanking them, not accusing them. They saved the day.”

“The way you saved the day when that First talked to me?” Lucas said.

Croix rolled his eyes. That again? For hell’s sake, won’t he ever let go? Fine, the man was an envoy. So we made an enemy. Big deal. We’re strong and they’re weak and that’s that!

When he spoke, however, his voice was sweet like dripping honey. “Another unfortunate incident. I’m sorry you feel that way, friend. I see you still refuse to thank me for saving your life. That’s OK, a leader must be ready to face ungratefulness daily.” He sighed deeply, enjoying the sight of Lucas turning red.

“Leader?” he rasped. “I don’t remember voting for you!”

 “Surely you agree that desperate times require desperate measures?” Croix asked, his voice the very voice of reason itself.

“The times are only desperate, because you made them so!”

“I see… Well, let’s agree to disagree.” He turned his attention to an e-lib on his desk and tapped it. “Is there anything else?” he asked without looking at them.