The next day…
Near the edge of Romulus, in a rather large house, a certain politician – criminally charged with financial fraud – awoke from his slumber.
Dick groaned, rubbing his eyes. Standing up, he strolled towards his closet and pulled a grey robe. He wrapped the soft cloth around himself swiftly and ruffled his hair. Then, he left his room and entered the kitchen.
Approaching the pre-loaded the coffee maker, he grabbed a cup from the counter and placed it under the dispenser. After brewing the coffee, the last drops of the drink fell into his cup.
Carefully, he picked up the ceramic cup and headed to the living room. Throwing himself onto the soft cushion, he almost spilled his coffee. Fortunately, his drink didn't stain anything. He calmly drank in coffee in the silence of his home… as if he was awaiting something.
'They should be here soon…'
Right in the middle of his thoughts, his phone which he had conveniently left on the table rung. With a stoic expression, the Assemblyman simply answered the call and put it on speaker.
"Who is it?" He inquired.
A familiar voice responded to him.
"It's me, your dear Octavius."
"Father Octavius…" Dick narrowed his eyes. "What did you call? We've discussed the plan yesterday already?"
"Ah… it's nothing. Just wanted to hear your godforsaken voice one more time before you go to rehabilitation."
Dick paused for a moment…. Then, burst into a fit of laughter.
"The Archbishop's really do know how to be comedic."
Lowering his head, he took another sip of his coffee. He smacked his lips and spoke once more.
"Are the plans for the Hour going smoothly?"
"Somewhat." Octavius replied. "The hat is still being repaired. That rusty old electromagnet hasn't been outta the shack in 19 years."
Dick frowned, licking his lips.
"I spent a good chunk of the National budget on that. Don't ruin it."
Octavius chuckled, his voice suddenly becoming a little distant.
"Don't worry, my child. It'll all work out."
The Assemblyman rolled his eyes.
"Anyways, have you told his holiness of this plan?"
"Of course not!" Octavius exclaimed. "He would certainly not be fond of such actions. If we want everything to go according to the Anarch's will, it's important that the Pope doesn't find out about this."
Dick sighed.
"We've been planning this for a long time, yet you're still not taking this seriously."
Octavius scoffed.
"When did we ever take anything seriously? There's nothing on this continent that can harm us…uh, well except Dante."
The Archbishop lingered for a moment. Then, coughed and replied in subtle embarrassment.
"B-Besides, We're still a few years off from the final act."
Dick wanted to retort his superior. However, at that very moment, he heard the faint sound of cars parking in front of his home. He placed his coffee down and closed his eyes.
"It seems they've arrived. I'll call you when I'm in jail."
"Okay…" Octavius said dejectedly. "See you soon!"
Dick cut the call instantly. Leaning back against the softness of his couch, he pondered the life he would have in prison.
'I hope the food is at least good…'
Right then, he heard footsteps approaching his front door. Then, as he turned his to look towards the entrance, it suddenly flew open.
There in the light, stood the Deputy Commissioner of the Romulus Police Force. With a stern voice, he called out to the Assemblyman.
"Assemblyman Dick Quartel, you're under arrest."
Dick simply shrugged, raising his hands.
"Please."
***
Missio sat with his legs kicked up on the wooden table. Listening to music, he rocked his chair, humming a tune similar to the song he was listening to.
However, Mythos's mechanical voice came to disrupt his peace.
[Incoming call from the 'Colonel of the Police force']
"Accept."
Missio spoke without hesitation, stopping the music.
As his feet touched the floor, the Colonel's voice made its way to his ear.
"Lieutenant General–"
Missio cut the Colonel off.
"Did the arrest go well?"
The Colonel stuttered. "Well, uh… Yes, it did!"
"Then, why do you call me?"
Hearing Missio's inquiry, the Colonel remained silent for a while. Missio didn't speak either, patiently awaiting whatever he was going to say.
After a second or two had passed, the Colone's lips parted.
"Dick willingly turned himself in."
Missio froze.
'What…?'
The Lieutenant's eyes widened in utter confusion. He remained in that state for a couple of minutes. The Colonel stayed on the call, waiting for his superior to speak. Then, after a heavy sigh, Missio finally spoke.
"I see…" He said with a lost voice. "Then, where is he at now?"
"We're taking him to the High court for the trial."
Missio nodded.
"What are the chances he doesn't get convicted?"
"Little to zero." The Colonel stated confidently.
Missio smacked his lips and exhaled heavily. Rubbing his temples, he pondered deeply about the situation.
'Why the hell did he willingly turn himself in…? That's strange – too strange.'
He scowled, clicking his tongue.
"Then, something is definitely up."
However, the next second, the Colonel blurted in a confused manner.
"Huh? What are you talking about, sir?"
Missio's eyes broadened. He touched his headphones and tilted his head slightly.
"Ah, sorry. I spoke my thoughts aloud for a moment there… call me after the trial's been concluded."
The Colonel lingered for a few moments.
"Understood... sir."
Missio then, cut the call and spun around. Gazing towards the cloudy sky, he put his hands into his pockets and frowned.
"What in Pangea's name are you up to, Dick Quartel?"