The Solution (2nd Edition)

Aurora

I was beyond startled when O-Kenai Ashii appeared on my White Horde Holotron.

    If Olaf and I had known that Xen was in cahoots with a wanted felon, we would not have pledged our nation's allegiance so quickly. Despite this, I was sensible enough to understand his lack of disclosure. Xen had made a deal with the leader of the underworld in order to ensure our orbital salvation. It was just unfortunate it would come at such a high and unknown cost. As host of our private meet, I decided to conjure a distracting cough. Once everyone looked at me, I nodded assuredly, and glanced back at the holotron. As the others followed my lead, Xen whispered thanks in my direction. Meanwhile, The Notorious One advanced her position, moving in close on the holoscreen frame at her end. "My dear, new, friends, hello!" O-Kenai began. "Now, I appreciate it might've been really hard to hear, but as you now know, me and Xen are already acquainted! And, I'm even more overjoyed to finally meet you all!"

    She was overzealous to say the least.

    "Also, before I share and get all serious, I'd just like to clear up the whole, 'name thing'," she stated childishly. "Now, yes, I've come to be known by many over my years in charge, but in all honesty, my government name will suffice! Especially if licking ass and earning real brownie points are your thing!"

    I was mortified to say the least, and we all tried not to reel. It was not the time to offend.

    A moment later, O-Kenai turned her attention to Chon's team. "Now, 'Mr. Michael Chang', and the, 'soon-to-be Mrs. Lai', can you please ensure your AV-Holo-Suite is functioning at an optimum level! With what I'm about to say, I'd like it to be properly documented and immortalized for the ages!"

    Despite appearing flustered, Michael and Sarah adjusted their holo-dials, accordingly.

    Touching on personal notes, what O-Kenai implied was that Chon and Sarah, or Xen and Sarah, were romantically involved. However, based on Xen's scandal, I'd assumed she was referring to Chon and Sarah. Even more worryingly, I could only deduce that O-Kenai had used her goons, mercenaries, or assassins, to secretly observe their movements over a period of time; and that maybe; this could also be the case with regards to the rest of us? I finally deduced that the pair were an item, based on the way Sarah fidgeted behind her part of the holo-equipment and based on the way Chon shifted in his seat beside me. From that moment, it became starkly apparent that O-Kenai was not to be underestimated. With her juvenile pleasantries over and done with, O-Kenai then wasted no time in darkening the atmosphere further. "Now, understand this, 'friends'. Up until today, my Earth-based operations have been, restricted. But now with your contingent support, I will remedy this."

    Switching like a schizophrenic, O-Kenai's smile disappeared, then her entire face contorted. "These are my non-negotiable terms..."

    Dumbfounded, I knew my fellow land-locked politicians were also oblivious.

    If at all, I'd imagined only Xen and Lee knew what might follow. However, instead of explaining her non-negotiable terms, O-Kenai looked past me again. This time, setting her luminous gaze on Xen's sibling. "Chon Lai," she said huskily, "your attention, please..."

    Instantaneously, we had all gawped at the World Affairs Correspondent, as O-Kenai orated. "...Chon, before the international vote on The Solution is over, you will tell the world how kind I am. You will tell them that if your brother's global program is to happen, then January 1st 2050 is the day The Rising Clans truly ascend."

    "O-Kenai, I can't, do that," Chon said hesitantly. "I won't, do that-"

    Then Xen interjected! It was most unwise.

    "-Chon!" he barked, "please! Don't refuse her-"

    Sadly, O-Kenai did not appreciate the interruption, and let it be known. "-Mr. Environment Secretary," she purred cockily, "uh-uh-uhh". In addition to the musing, O-Kenai put a vampire-tipped finger up to her lips, clearly intent on quieting Xen. Thereafter, she resumed her rhetoric. "Chon, you would be foolish to listen to your brother's authority over mine, especially as I'm the one who made you, and who, pays you. If you haven't already figured it out, I'm 'The Ripest of Cheeses'. So, BTV-boy-of-mine, you'll do what I ask, or else..."

    Silence engulfed my White Horde, until Chon broke it. "O-Kenai, the threat is noted. And, yes, I always knew something was amiss with The Ripe Cheese nonsense Dieng spouted. Thanks for confirming its illegitimacy," he said, brazenly.

    To everyone's surprise, Chon seemed to be challenging O-Kenai, and no one appeared to fear it more than Xen. He silently juddered back and forth in protest and it was Lee who had kept a hold of him, making the movements subtle.

    Back on holoscreen, O-Kenai smiled perversely. It was highly probable that the crime boss was excited by Chon's defiance. "Careful, boy. My mercy has limits, but go on," she warned. "As brash as you are, your borderline insolence is, interesting..."

    Chon took the bait. "O-Kenai, how did you ever get your nails into BTV?"

    She rolled her luminous eyes. "And there was me thinking you were the clever one," she teased. "Chon, the easiest way to stay out of Asian tabloids is to own its biggest media corporation. Purchasing BTV, and Dieng Pae, was a no-brainer."

    O-Kenai wasn't finished. "Chon, I hope you enjoyed my revelation! Now, I will resume my non-negotiable terms..."

    Everyone seemed to hold their breaths.

    "...Chon, as I explained earlier, you will tell the world my demands. Would you like to know why?"

    I prayed he would not take more bait. But he did and acknowledged O-Kenai with a nod.

    "Because, right now, one of my top assassins is in Guìzhōu, with two infrared beams unknowingly locked onto Laina and Suki Lai! And Chon; correct me if I'm wrong; but I can't imagine you want me to hotbox my Assassin with instructions to make a bloody fucking mess now, do you...?"

    "...No," Chon answered.

    In unison, the Lai Brothers slumped where they sat, and again, O-Kenai grinned in victory. "Yeah, that's what I thought.

    "Chon Lai, you will tell humanity of my clan's ascension.

    "You will tell them about the black market Earthian Star, or Dwarven Earthian Star, will have-"

    But before she could finish, Xen made a grave mistake for a second time!

    "-O-Kenai, please, listen to reason," he begged. "This is our quarrel; leave Chon out of this; and know that your way of life will never have a proper place among the stars. The Solution is about revolution, progression and peace!"

    "Please," O-Kenai scoffed. "Xen, as long as there are dirty old men like you around; with demons like me to exploit your iCredit; there'll always be a demand for my services. Not to mention the endless opportunity for orbital growth!"

    She was tyrannical, and after her pause, O-Kenai proved it.

    She nodded...

    It really was not clear if the nod was an acknowledgement of what she had already said, or if it was aimed at someone inside my White Horde. However, seconds later, the meaning behind her nod was confirmed. At the peripheral edge of my meeting room wall, the guard which Olaf had eyed throughout, disembarked. Worst of all, he lunged, aiming to descend upon our visionary.