Terminus Part I: The Journey There (Draft)

Chapter 75: The End of An Era

 Lachlan 'Slicer' Baron had taken a flight to Duddlewane after being summoned, and arrived on the twelfth of December. He knew why he was summoned and what was coming. He had just stepped out of the judicial building, having been stripped of his rank as Admiral. He considered himself lucky that he was not being incarcerated. As he walked, he came to a realisation.

His wife had been kept in the re-education facilities, and it was at his command. He wondered what they would do if he were no longer in a position to keep her safe there. I must free her, he thought. With no job left to speak of, independent thought is no longer a priority of mine. In fact, the Global Government is going to regret the decision that they have made this day.

Lachlan broke into the facility that day, and as he freed his wife, the two of them witnessed something amazing in the cell holding Eileen Maddock.

"The truth is out there, my destiny awaits!" exclaimed Eileen as she floated in the air, a glowing purple aura surrounding her. She then noticed Lachlan and Alessandra.

"I wish you two well. I know your positions are compromised, but I have been assured that I will succeed you."

The next day, after Lachlan and Alessandra had escaped, unwittingly riding out onto the Final Current, Eileen Maddock had been appointed as Admiral 'Enchanter'. Fse Fso was not happy about it, but Jupiter had insisted that the two Maddock sisters became the Admirals to lead this new era. In fact, the only reason that Esther kept her job was because of Jupiter's interference.

In the general Gentleman's Club Headquarters, several of the Gentleman Guides had gathered to witness the promotion of Dorothy Gale. It was the fifteenth of December, and she was about to be named the newest Gentleman Guide. Gathered around to hear what she had to say, was Phileas Fogg, Jack Door, Captain Nemo, Thomas Dreamer, Tristram Shandy, and Alexander Frankenstein. She stepped up to the podium in the centre of the hall and began her speech.

"Thank you for granting me this position among you of the Gentleman's Club. As we move forward into the new era, I am but one of your promising new faces. Recently, through the breakout of Snyke's Penitentiary, Laura Frankenstein and Winona Savvy have returned to us, and no doubt may soon be offered similar positions among you."

She continued, "I realise that my rise in ranks has been among the fastest of any new recruit, but all around me, my colleagues have been making their own strides.

"Joel Sardine is already a Gentleman Scout, along with Hansen Young and Darque Storm. Frederich Mannes is a Gentleman Minor. Roman Beluchs may have joined up with the Detective crew, but as someone familiar with them, I can vouch for their character and wish Roman all the best."

She reflected a bit on how far she had come, and what her mission was. "I hope that I can bring a much-needed fresh perspective to the proverbial table."

With that, she was done, and the present Guides applauded, before leaving for business elsewhere. Captain Nemo met with Alexander and Phileas, hoping to get their opinion on his next trip to the Terminus.

"Why do you need my opinion?" asked Phileas.

"I want you to come with me. And yes, this will be my final journey. I will spend the rest of my years on Lincoln Island."

"Well, it sounds fun, but I don't know if we can leave just yet. There is work to be done and I can't just resign right now."

"I understand. As Grand Gentleman, you need to be here to see through the transition into the new era. To make sure the new recruits can handle the responsibility."

"Thank you for understanding. I think we should be in a prime position to hand over the reins soon though."

"Man, when you two get to talking, it feels like I'm not even here," said Alexander Frankenstein.