September 11, 2005 – 10:45
"You guys will have to give me a name, even if it's just on paper. You heard what was said, and I can't do both. It would create friction between factions because they will assume that I'm going to favour our clan members when I'm expected to be unbiased."
"That statement alone kind of proves their point. Sam, she will be overseeing all shifter clans based in our district. In a way, she'll still be our leader," said Jeremie.
"If you say so," said Coralis, chugging her drink before looking at Frank. "Well, it seems that I will have to miss brunch today. Say Hi to you Mom, I need to leave for St-Johns now if I don't want to be late."
She grabbed her stick, kissed Frank and left. Frank sent a text message to his mother to let her know he'd be late and grabbed his car keys.
"Ready?" said Frank to Samantha and Jeremie.
"Where's Coralis?" said Sebastian with he saw them arriving at the restaurant 30 minutes later. "Called in for an emergency at work once again?"
"I guess you could say that," said Frank, smirking as he sat beside him. "Guess who was at our place before we left to come here?"
"One of her historical friends needing her for her beloved skills?" said Sebastian, remembering they were sitting in the middle of a restaurant whose patrons were unknowing humans.
"No. Three of your bosses came over."
"THREE OF THEM?" said Sebastian.
"The three who were at your wedding?" said Molly.
"Yes, them."
A waitress came to collect their order. Frank, Samantha and Jeremie had just arrived and hadn't looked at the menu yet, so they listened to the others as they gave their orders before making a decision. Frank went for his usual, Jeremie decided to order the same thing as Frank, and Samantha picked something on the menu at random.
"Ooh," said Sebastian after the waitress was gone. "My dad told me they were going to announce their reform tonight, is it related to that?"
"Yeah, very much so. They want her for their sector 8."
"Holy… God! That's great news! And she accepted?" said Sebastian.
"For their sector 8… as in she'd be a leader?" said Raymond.
"Yes, the leader of that sector. I wouldn't say she accepted, she doesn't think it's a good idea, but it didn't sound like they were going to give her the option to decline," said Frank.
"What does she mean by it's not a good idea? I think it is a perfect job for her," said Molly.
"Agreed. I don't know where their sector 8 is and what it entails considering it's part of their reform, but I think she's a great pick for that kind of position," said Stephanie.
Sebastian felt his hologram vibrating in his jacket pocket. He retrieved it and switched it to a satellite phone before pulling it out of it and answering it.
"I'm listening," said Sebastian, not wanting to say his elemental surname in a crowded human restaurant.
"Sebastian Larameer!" said General Tobly from the other end of the line. "Are you aware that tonight, the hold on recruitment will be lifted after the reform announcement?"
"Yes. I have heard."
"I want to formally recruit you as an agent for my prestigious elite team."
"I respectfully decline your offer. I will be working for B."
Frank and Stephanie brought their hand to their mouth so they wouldn't be heard laughing.
"Did she ask you?" said Stephanie when Sebastian ended his call.
"No, as if I care if she puts me as a cleaner for the sector 8 offices. Better that than working for Tobly."
"As if she'll turn down Sebastian. They have been working together for so long that she probably doesn't even think she needs to recruit him," said Frank.
"Frank gets it," said Sebastian, chuckling.
"Hmm true, I guess that one is obvious," said Stephanie.
Meanwhile, near Manchester, UK, Henry was in a hologram conversation with Gus discussing their next Fart in the Sea mission, Erik beside him, when his brother's hologram lit up.
"Elder Zora," said Erik as Henry and Gus stopped talking, "what can I do for you?"
"I am not calling you for your services, but with a warning. Elder Rolland will be investigating all the non-agents collaborating with them to find out who's been talking to The Rogue Paladin. I am certain that you haven't been passing sensitive information to The Rogue Paladin, but I know what you have been up to."
"Ooh, thank you Elder Zora for the heads up," said Erik.
"If the rumour is true, your good friend Blue Thunder is about to become a sub-elder in the CMMA reform for their new District VIII. It might be safer there for you," said Elder Zora before ending the call.
"I don't know about you guys, but I think it's time," said Erik.
"I agree. We can't have Elder Rolland finding out about what we've been doing for the past few years. He knows we helped Andrew on the Massina case, he's going to search us until he finds something, and my aunt doesn't want to have another building burned to the ground," said Gus.
"Well, Montreal, here we are," said Henry before ending the call to pack up.
"Let's not tell sis, she'll be surprised to see us," said Erik.
As soon as Coralis walked out of her meeting, she felt her hologram vibrating in her pants pocket. She pulled it out and took off before answering, without looking at who was calling her.
"Blue Thunder! I've heard the news, congratulations!" said Panjik, whose holographic image came out of it.
"Hmm thanks, but honestly, I didn't want the job. I don't think they should have put me in that position, and I don't understand what they were thinking! I'm on my way to a meeting in Toronto involving human politicians, and I'm top 3 most wanted in many countries! Did you also get appointed High Mage?"
"No, but I do agree with the elders that you are the perfect choice to lead District VIII. Don't worry about ranking, you're safe here. More countries are backing out of the war, and I believe ours will soon do so as well."
"I haven't seen the map, to be honest. Is Montreal at least part of it? All I know is that District VIII is considered an eastern one."
"Yes, Montreal is in that district, and you could set the headquarters there if you'd like."
"Good, I think that's exactly what I'm going to do."
"Mind if I come work for you?"