The station's mood was dire as Halkken entered. Despite being technically a traitor for his botched efforts at Camp F, nobody barred him as he approached his desk. So the rumor from the grapevine was true: Police Chief Daedalus Rolf was dead.
Rolf's office door sat open, the room beyond lonely from the departure of the man who'd given it such life. Inside, Halkken heard computerized sobbing.
"Phú2?" Halkken said, his voice compassionate.
"Sergeant Halkken, is that you?" Phú2 asked.
"I heard what happened. Came to help however I can." Despite his job being in limbo and a serious investigation hanging over him, Vladus was his city. He'd be damned if he'd abandon it in its time of direst need.
"It's horrible!" Phú2 sniffed, blowing into a virtual handkerchief. "The Chief died trying to apprehend Rocke's terrorist group. He gave his life so that Mayor Sunbearer might escape. He's currently in urgent care. They aren't optimistic about his chances."
A familiar woman appeared in a box next to Phú2's avatar, causing a stabbing ache in Halkken's heart. "Jafia Kelvas and Nitao Hiancaing are the prime suspects in this case, though I imagine Rocke Ralss is hiding behind the scenes, plotting everything!"
"I see." Halkken stared at the floor, shamefaced.
His negligence at Camp F had caused Chief Rolf's death. If he'd fought harder to stop them… But enough self-recrimination. He was an officer of the Vladus Police Force, and they did their duty, regardless of the personal cost. Avenging the Chief came first; then he'd accept any punishment for his failures at Camp F.
"Any sighting of the suspects?" Halkken said.
Before Phú2 could answer, a sharp voice interrupted him. "What are you doing here? I thought you were on paid leave."
"Hey, Shiisaa." Halkken gave a self-deprecating laugh. "You know me — can't stay out of trouble. They'd probably fire me for even being here, but I can't just do nothing!"
The secretary nodded, pleased. "It's what the late Chief would have wanted. He'd want you to have this." Shiisaa retrieved something from a satchel, presenting it to Halkken.
"You can't be serious. Isn't this a major breach of protocol?" It was the badge of the Police Chief of Vladus. It shone golden in her hand, bearing the symbol of a hawk in flight — a predator that dove at the unlawful with razor-sharp talons that refused to let go until they were subdued. Gruesome, but suited their force well.
"Don't worry about it. I've already smoothed it over with the higher-ups. They're not exactly pleased, but with the late Chief gone, someone needs to occupy the position until the next election. They'll allow you to serve as acting Chief of Police until then. Given the current crisis, they can't allow the position to stay empty."
"But me?" The badge's weight felt like an anvil in his hand—an insurmountable burden.
"He was grooming you for this, you know. The late Chief would be proud to see you wear this," Shiisaa placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
It felt wrong to accept it, but Halkken pinned the badge on, anyway. Despite feeling like a child wearing clothes too big for him, he bore the symbol with pride. Vladus needed a leader in this troubled time. It might as well be him. They'd kick him out the next election, but Halkken could live with that. All that mattered was protecting Vladus.
"The mayor's still in critical condition, right?" Acting Police Chief Halkken asked. "What's his protection? The assassins might try to finish the job."
"Thirty men are guarding Central West Hospital, undercover. We haven't revealed where Mayor Sunbearer is being kept for his safety."
"And the manhunt for the two assassins? Any known accomplices? That job they pulled on the Mayor's airship couldn't have been done alone."
"Still at large. We found the escape capsules they used to flee the doomed airship, but the occupants were long gone. We have some pictures of possible accomplices and some suspicious persons who'd recently joined his ship's crew."
"Anything else?"
Shiisaa hesitated, steadying herself before resuming. "The Demons are still in their camps."
Halkken blinked. "Sorry?"
"They canceled the operation after the attack on the Mayor's skyship," Phú2 said. "The Mayor had a speech planned and everything."
"Wonderful." Halkken had hoped not to inherit that mess. Worse, the camps didn't have the provisions necessary for another few days. Operation: Ugly Duckling was Sunbearer's baby. Without him, it might totally collapse. What now?
"Simple, pass the problem to someone higher up." Halkken thought, amused.
"Shiisaa, contact the Prime Minister. I'll have him sort out this Operation: Ugly Duckling mess. Tell him the acting Police Chief says it's urgent." While they'd never met, Halkken knew Prime Minister Lux Luciest was an honorable, intelligent man. He'd know the best way to handle this.
"Actually, he's on the line right now," Phú2 said. "His office told me the Prime Minister is eager to speak with Vladus's newest police chief."
"Put him on then." Halkken made himself presentable, combing his messy brown locks with a hand.
"Hello, are you the acting chief?" Luciest asked, equal parts delighted and surprised. His smile was radiant as he greeted the new Chief of Police of UOP's most famous city.
"For now, Prime Minister," Halkken said humbly.
"My condolences for your previous chief, Rolf. He was a dutiful man, dedicated to peace and order."
"Yeah." Halkken hung his head, fighting back sudden tears. "Yeah."
"But mourning must wait." Luciest said, his tone somber, "We must avenge great injustices first. I'm throwing my full weight into apprehending these assassins and terrorists. Differences of political opinion should never be the justification for political violence."
"Indeed." He shuttered as he considered the scary blond-haired women. Those cold eyes wanted blood. "Your help is much appreciated."
"I will contact General Xander about offering his soldiers' help with the search and elimination."
A pang of sadness struck Halkken's heart. That cute Demon girl Kallane would get hurt because of this, but she'd thrown in with the wrong crowd. "Much appreciated." Besides, a military presence in Vladus would reassure the civilians after the past few days of craziness.
"It raises the question of the Demons." Halkken dreaded that question, but his mother always said to rip off the band-aid sooner rather than later.
Luciest's perfect smile faltered somewhat. "Yes, Mayor Sunbearer's pet project. This recent assassination attempt only proves poor Cal's point about that rabble."
"Sir?" Halkken said, a pit forming in his stomach.
"Have you read the public forums? People are blaming the Demons for yesterday's outrage. We can't ignore this heinous crime."
"Ah." This was what Rolf warned him about: doing your job, no matter how unpleasant it might seem. He really wasn't looking forward to the Prime Minister's next words, bracing himself for the worst.
"If the Demons refuse to leave peacefully among us, they aren't welcome anymore. I'm revoking all citizenship rights from every member of their race. They are no longer wanted in our great nation."
"I see," Halkken said, forcing a smile. "And I suppose you're exporting them all, like Mayor Sunbearer did."
"Nothing so crude. I have no plans to force anyone out. But I'll make it clear that it'd be wise to move somewhere else. Vanderfall can take them." Luciest's smile turned sly.
Was that his plan? Create a refugee crisis in Vanderfall? With their recent military tensions, this would weaken them.
"I realize the Demons aren't popular these days, but won't this cause a stink?" The Prime Minister's plan wasn't as bad as he'd feared, but it was still heartless to the dispossessed people.
"That's why I expect you to keep the peace, Chief Halkken. I've already contacted the city council. Operation: Ugly Duckling is going ahead as planned, out of respect for our poor Mayor, who's still in critical condition. The operation begins at nine tonight. I expect your officers to be ready. With the Demons, they've shown anything is possible. We share the same vision for a brighter UOP, correct? I'm counting on you. Best of luck."
"Good day." Halkken said, inclining his head. The Prime Minister cut the call.
"Nine tonight, eh? We can manage that." Shiisaa said, her tone thoughtful. "I'll start organizing. Phú2, I'll need your help with logistics."
"You can count on me." The AI gave an enthusiastic bob of her head.
"Thank you — you're a real treat." He understood why the late Chief valued her skills so much. "We'll make sure the Demons leave Vladus with no further fuss." He wasn't happy with the job, but this was his duty. For Rolf's sake, he'd keep Vladus safe.
///
"You're kidding me!" A wall trembled as a fist slammed against it. Kallane fumed, uttering colorful words in her ire.
"I suppose it was always going this direction eventually," Maple shook her head, mournful. Her arm still sat in a sling, but most of the color had returned to her features. The shot she'd suffered a week ago had been nearly fatal. But, as usual, his sister bounced back with vigor. "Once Sunbearer set his mind to expelling us from Vladus, others would find it the perfect excuse for further outrages."
Hooven's heart was black at the news, quivering with emotion. This was it — he'd lost everything. All because of his cursed heritage. Even though he'd cut ties with his people, even had his tattoos removed, it still haunted him.
He'd worked so hard getting his medical degree, paying off loans, earning a prominent position at a prestigious hospital, only to have it torn away from him irrevocably. How could this have happened? What did he do to deserve this?
"Your thoughts, Holy One?" Kallane asked the man sitting with his eyes closed in contemplation.
"We do what the Sovereign commands all his servants to do: persevere and leave our futures in His hands. If the Prime Minister thinks this will drive us away, he's mistaken. Maple, can you pass on the word to other Ottomon across the UOP? Tell them our sanctuary, Hagion, will accept them regardless of their personal circumstances. Like our God, we welcome all that ask."
"You want to stay?" Hooven stared, incredulous. "After all that? It makes sense to flee to Vanderfall, not stay in a land that hates you."
"Never bend to cruelty," the so-called prophet replied. "We won't submit, regardless of what they throw against us. This is our home. We refuse to be forced out. Besides, their fortune will change soon enough. In fact, they will beg for our help."
"Right. The prophecy." Matthias was still rambling about that nonsense after everything they'd already suffered? Clinging to some miracle that'd never happen? It was like reasoning with a brick wall.
"Someone really tried to assassinate the mayor?" Rocke said, staring at the TV. "Jeez. How did that happen? Who would do that?"
"Rocke. You should still be in bed. You're hurt!" Kallane admonished. The lad had suffered serious injuries during the Camp F raid, and his healing had been slow. Hooven had done his best, but it was difficult without proper medical supplies. It was like operating in the Dark Ages.
"Not with this ruckus," Rocke said, wearing a slight smile. "Did our people do this, Maple? I thought we all agreed to let the Sovereign handle Sunbearer and his ilk."
Huh? Was it his imagination, or did his niece turn away, shamefaced?
"That, I'm not sure. It might be some rogue Ottomon. But I haven't heard any whispers about it," Maple replied, puzzled. With her connections, little got past her.
"Then what? Vanderfall then? Typical, another snag. But, like Matthias said, we'll persevere. Though I doubt we're very popular right now. I bet they blame us for the attack. We best get moving soon. We've stayed here for too long already."
"I'm still not happy about moving Rocke about," Kallane said, flinching. "But you're right. It's best we leave Vladus altogether and leave this damned place to its fate."
"Good idea," Hooven said, nodding. "The quicker, the better."
"Sorry, but I'm staying," Matthias said.
"What?!" Hooven stared, incredulous.
"It's my mission to give the Sovereign's message to the people of Vladus. There's still time to repent. I'm seeing this through to the bitter end," the so-called prophet replied. Three days remained until the co-called Judgment day.
Much to Hooven's astonishment, Rocke chuckled. "I figured you might say that. So, I'm staying, too. After everything, I'm not leaving you now. I gave up everything to protect you the first time, and I have no intention of leaving the job half done."
"Then I'm staying too. No way I'm leaving you two goofballs alone," Kallane said.
"Same," his sister said, nodding. "The Holy One still needs us."
"Are you crazy?!" Hooven couldn't believe his ears. Had they all lost their senses? If the law caught them, they were dead meat. They must know that!
"Don't worry about us, Hooven," Maple placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We'll get out of the city to Hagion. As for us, the Sovereign will be our shield."
"You're going to die." How could he convince his sister to abandon this insanity? Why was she so loyal to this obvious charlatan? This conman had ruined all their lives, yet they still fought so hard to protect him? Hooven gritted his teeth and looked away.
"Nitao, what do you think?" Rocke said, glancing around the safe house. "Huh? Usually he's around."
"He's helping Jafia with some side mission," Kallane replied. They talked more about their friends, but Hooven barely noticed.
His mind spun in a thousand different directions, seething at the unfairness of this situation. He came to a decision. Something needed to be done, and he had the perfect idea to reverse his fortunes.
///
"Yes, that will do nicely," Ralss wore a slight smile. "Do as I've instructed, and I'll restore everything you've lost."
"What about your son?" Hooven realized Rocke might get caught in the crossfire. If the boy died, his benefactor might renege on everything he'd offered.
"It matters not," Ralss replied, his voice impassive. "As long as Matthias Daliven dies, I will be satisfied. His death will make you a hero, Hooven Landrus. The UOP will welcome you back with open arms."
"Yes." He had no choice. Hooven felt bad for his sister and niece, but they'd doomed themselves by joining that madman. Their lives were on their own heads. The stupid fools.
"Perfect." Behind Ralss's impassive eyes, ambition shone like a miniature sun. "You were wise to come to me. This suits both of our ambitions. Being the hero who brought down the infamous false prophet and his cult of fanatics will boost my efforts to become Vladus's mayor. And beyond that? Who knows?"
Hooven gave an involuntary shudder at this man's naked ambition and ruthlessness. It'd been a risk to contact him, a former longtime patient. Still, if anyone could restore his life, it was Ekkor Ralss.
Still, guilt gnawed away at his heart for stabbing his sister in the back, for betraying her stupid, overly caring heart. Why had she become so fixated on their absurd, antiquated beliefs, instead of creating a real life for her and her daughter? Her foolishness would destroy her.
But no, he'd chosen this path. Besides, what else was he supposed to do? Join the other Demons in poverty and desolation? No, never that. For the sake of a better life, he would kill the false prophet Matthias.