Drugs

Chapter XII

There was something off about the appearance of the sky today. The sun was hidden, and the clouds carried a darkened and foreboding look, yet not a single drop of rain fell. There was a deep chill within the wind.

After yesterday's call, this rag-tag of a meeting was hastily put together. This was a race to sound the drums for the war against Mr. Cassis.

I didn't expect his call, it was almost like he knew something was coming. The confidence which he had was shown from the outstanding offer he made to me; an offer only a madman would refuse.

If it was another man, I might have accepted it. The way he sounded as he called the figure, that smug smile I could imagine, of I am your better. Who did he really think that I am?

My feet landed on the inside of my building. I took the first steps heading to the boardroom. Beside me was an army of collar suit and tie executives.

Today, we will make the first stand against you. Who do you think you are to take everything and try to start that which I stopped? I won't let those days fully return again. I thought of the monthly job cuts.

This was one of the largest board meetings I had ever had. Perhaps the largest ever held in this city. They were many players even the U.A.C had sent a representative, and many objectives, but one common cause, one human desire that stood above everything else, our own survival.

The room was cold despite the large gathering here. This black long oval table was not headed by anyone. We sat on different sides, almost positioned like a game of Chinese checkers. Not everyone could fit at the table, therefore, only the most important sat here and more black chairs were brought inside to accommodate the waiting members, who took up spaces around us.

There was quiet for a while, leaving the slightest cough to be heard dominantly throughout the room. Then it all began as the circumstances and problems were brought forth. I had never seen civilized men so similar to fish vendors and each of them hawked their way into making their point.

There were visible shifts of tension back and forth, similar to a rollercoaster ride. Susie was on my left, her facial expression juggled between annoyed, frustrated and not amused; each time she tried to hide it. What was it that had her so I wondered?

The debate raged on the economy, the politicians and the people. We rattled on the table like snakes, back and forth. I recalled to them the notes that the staff had made, their arguments and points and what I thought might work best.

I could not trust to tell them everything, especially his level of involvement in corruption. Who knew how far his reach had spread and who might actually be on his side with the money he possessed.

We had reached an impasse and not everyone was in full agreement of taking certain beneficial financial agreements.

What we all had agreed on thus far, was to put pressure on robotics to the politicians. Appeal to the consumer and the people affected by making a stand against the lack of government policies on the pro robotic rule. It would essentially turn the people against politicians in key positions in the city.

In short, it was co-operate backed and funded protest. Now what was left to be decided was how much money to put forward. Where was best for it to go? That now was the true issue.

A break came shortly after.

Everyone slowly left the room as I followed them out. I had that strange sensation again. Something was not right.

A monster was here, there was no denying it.

I decided to follow it and I proceeded with caution as it led me to the bathroom. Away from almost all as they went to the reception area for refreshments.