Evan spoke to Dante first, "This is for you," he stopped and handed Jones an open envelope filled with a paper receipt and a key. "It's a little vacation for you, my friend. After all you've been through I figure you deserve it."
Dante read the receipt aloud, "Bryce Resorts. What's this?"
"You did well, but I know you feel bothered by all this. I won't go into that because we've been over it a hundred times. This is my way of saying thank you. Get away for a couple of days. I hear the Chrysaor is at the Pittsburgh shipyards this week for repair."
Dante's eyes grew wide.
"It's okay. Most people know you and Captain Kaufman have had an on and off type thing ever since that reconnaissance mission to Binghamton that first year. Take her to this place. It's the only high-class resort operating these days. Go horseback riding, get a massage, and enjoy some fine dining. It's all taken care. You deserve it."
Dante returned his attention to the receipt. "I don't know what to say."
"Then don’t say anything. Dante. I can't tell you that you're ever going get over this, but you did the right thing. In the long run, you will see this to be true. Now go, enjoy yourself, there's nothing going on here that can't wait for a couple of days."
Dante hesitated then, after a second, found a small smile. He shook Evan's hand and walked off in search of ground transportation.
When he left earshot, Roos asked, "Is he going to be a problem?"
"Huh? Oh, Dante? No. He thinks of himself as an idealist. He'll survive for a while telling himself what a great sacrifice he made for the greater good, he may even enjoy a certain amount of self-loathing for a time. Of course, some day he might just realize the truth about it, but until then he'll be easy enough to control. Dante has cast his lot; there's no turning back for him."
"And you and I? Why'd we do it?"
"You did it for yourself, Ray. You knew someday I'd get here. What did you say that time? Oh yes, I'm the 'horse you backed'. You're an opportunist. But that's okay because that's the American way. Self-interest is a powerful thing."
"Hmmm, you're the idealist then, is that it? Yes, well, I guess you know that already. I just hope you're right about Dante not becoming a problem. He seems a bit shaky to me."
"Don't worry about him," they walked again, passing marble pillars as he and Ray traversed the rich red carpet. "We have other things to worry about. First off, what about Gannon? It's been over three weeks. When is he getting back out there to check in on things?"
Roos shook his head, "Can't do it yet, not with the Tambourine line going full steam. No sir, we've already messed with that once, can't risk it again."
"Well, we're going to deal with that. Dante already processed orders to turn over two of the Stingrays to Internal Security for border patrol and testing."
"You don’t say? And Brewer didn't get himself all tied up on that?"
"Nope. Didn't even raise an eyebrow. I don't think General Brewer is even on the radarscope right now. He's pretty much back at the estate pushing papers and thanking God he isn't the one in charge. Without Stone, Brewer is fluttering in the wind. We'll keep him and his wife busy with some pet projects here and there while I get settled in. Now, where's our guest?"
"West Wing."
Evan increased his pace and, with Roos in tow, made his way through the grand mansion toward the west wing. Two I.S. guards and their charge waited in the lobby there. Evan quickly dismissed the escort and addressed Chancellor D'Trayne directly.
"Chancellor, I'm so happy you could be here on my first day in the White House."
"Senator-I mean, Mr. President-congratulations on your victory. I hope now that you will follow through on your end of the agreement."
"I believe I already have, Chancellor, in regards to my predecessor. I trust your friends are satisfied?"
D'Trayne-coated in silver cosmetic-answered, "Yes, Mr. President, although I believe Mr. Gannon is serving as the liaison in that regards. As for my people-"
"As for your people, I need to ask a little more of you. However, if all goes as I envision, you will be able to remain here and in a much more…much more satisfying capacity."
The Chancellor's eyes turned lime green.
"What is it you require now, Evan?"
"There are loose ends to be tied, Chancellor. It would be wise to anticipate some bumps along the road, too. Ray, here, will be my point man on smoothing things out, but we could use a few of your officers on board. You know, the kind willing to sacrifice for the greater good."
D'Trayne reluctantly nodded. "Witiko who could be characterized as outlaws or acting autonomously if their activities were discovered. I can provide the names of several such Witiko currently in your custody who will do as instructed and accept responsibility if discovered."
"Good," Evan smiled. "Two of your Stingray cruisers are being transferred to I.S. Then Ray is going to put together a small team of trustworthy associates." "I'll need some of your boys as back up. Just in case, you see?" "Yes, I see," the Chancellor said. "And I appreciate your thoroughness." "Good. Ray, what's our time frame on this?" "I'm thinking in two or three days; Wednesday or Thursday."
"Fantastic," Evan beamed. "Why don't you run along and see to it, then. I have a few things to go over with our guest, you understand."
"Oh, you know me, Mr. President. I'm just a little cog in a big machine."
The Director of Internal Security left Evan alone with the alien leader. The President motioned forward with his arm and the two made their way toward the oval office.
"Thank you, D'Trayne. Together we can finish this up nicely and move on."
"I can be of greater assistance if my people were granted access to the artifact you call the ‘runes.’ I insist that this take top priority."
Evan stopped fast causing D’Trayne to continue three paces before realizing he walked alone. The Witiko leader’s eyes glimmered a darker shade of green.
The President smiled but not in a friendly way.
"There are a few issues we must address. The most important being this…" Evan’s eyes narrowed. A subtle growl lingered behind his words. "…make no mistake, Chancellor, I am not your puppet. I am the President of what will soon be the reborn United States of America."
The Chancellor blinked bashfully and his eyes morphed to a gentle, soothing yellow.
"Of course, Mr. President. I did not mean to-"
"Trevor Stone was right about a couple of things. He was right that the Witiko pulled all the strings in California, that Malloy was nothing but a figurehead. He was also right about something else. He was right that you only sued for peace because the gateways were shut off."
D’Trayne held a pleasant expression but his eyes flashed red.
Evan spoke with the calm strength of a poker player holding all the cards.
"I’m calling the shots, Chancellor. You work for me, understand? If you don’t, then I’m sure the military would be happy to complete purging your kind from this planet. Most of your troops are already gone. I’ve got a feeling- call it a hunch — that the folks on your home world won’t be so thrilled to see you come back. I have a feeling you’ve got a stake in staying here."
D’Trayne’s eyes nearly burned from their sockets. His arms fidgeted. His mouth worked as if to speak…then clamped shut. The red pupils lost some of their glow; a little.
Evan said, "Yes, good, that’s right. The sooner you accept that, the better. Because I can use you, Chancellor. You and I can get some things done. But everyone has to know their place. That’s how you ran California, wasn’t it? Everyone had a place."
The Witiko leader licked his silver-coated lips and answered in a calm, resolved voice, "We have always believed in a ruling class."