Chapter VI
THERE IS A SECRET CABAL CONTROLLING VALKYREN AND THEY ARE THE ONES WE NEED TO PLEASE.
Ives didn't need to doubt Zeke, after experiencing all he had these past few days.
An app that can grant instant fortune.
An underground society hidden underneath the city's most exclusive night club.
A battle where normal humans exhibited abilities suspiciously similar to magic, a thing only beings in fiction should be capable of.
In fact, he had expected that something of this sorts would be the case.
"Are like the Illuminati?" Ives inquired.
Zeke simply smiled, "No. The Illuminati is a conspiracy not fact but this particular cabal aren't. I can attest to that if we wish to gain success within Valkyren we only need gain their support."
Ives was conflicted, he had the opportunity to gain powerful allies with influence and resources far greater than anything he could imagine but on the other hand he could be involved in something that he really shouldn't have anything to do with.
"What would be the requirements for admittance into their circle?"
"Simple, you need the recommendation of someone who is already a part of their group and thankfully we have the privilege of being acquainted with someone who is." Zeke explained.
"By we, you mean you?" Isolde added.
Zeke chucked for a bit before affirming, "Yes. You only need to meet with him but I do have to warn you, there will be a sort of initation which would require you to fulfill a specific task which they will choose and how severe that task may be is something I have no control over." He left them with this cryptic warning.
"If Ives chooses to enter their circle what will be the privileges other than simply being acquainted with them." Isolde's question pleased Ives who secretly admired her intuitive mindset.
"Of course. There will be other things to look forward to under their care. First of this is financial security, every single one of your needs won't be a problem to solve. Next, protection. Any attack to you will be an affront to them. Another is access. Like I said earlier there are many things they possess that aren't accessible to everyday individuals even the government themselves, things good enough to create miracles. Such things can only be circulated between members and from what I know about you, these particular resources would be helpful. Finally, information about anything and absolutely everything as long as it is not too outlandish you can acquire it."
Zeke's list created more tension in the room, the thought that there was a group this powerful hiding in plain sight was terrifying enough and now faced with a comprehensive list of their capabilities even one had to second guess if getting involved with them was a good idea.
"Thank you, Mister Zeke but I don't think that my master being involved with these sort of people is a sane decision to make especially when the only person who truly knows them is you." Isolde tried to end the conversation on Ives' behalf, Ives didn't try to stop her, he wanted to see what finally card Zeke would pull out of his hat to convince him. "There are more better things we can be doing than rubbing shoulders with some rich people's fraternity. When one joins an institution, they are not just entering into their care they are also promising to carry the weight of all their responsibilities and potential flaws and the risks associated with them. If one day, your little exclusive club is linked to some criminal activity then Ives too will be implicated."
Isolde's reasoning was so beautifully sound, it almost brought a tear to Ives' eye, Zeke's warm smile contorted a bit reflecting his inner turmoil on how to beat that argument.
"If it is possible then I suggest you introduce a way for there to some sort of negotiation between the cabal and Ives, one which will allow him to trade with them without fully being one of them."
Isolde dropped another head-scratcher but Zeke had finished his sales pitch.
"Unfortunately, this will be the end of this conversation. Do look through what I have provided here in the files, I will be over to finalize it if you do agrees to this strategy." Zeke stood hastily to leave but as he reached the elevator door he turned to Ives and warned. "Please forget everything we have talked about here for your own good and hers." Zeke entered the door and waved at them with a smile.
Isolde had ended the talk before Ives had a chance to accept or reject the offer, her reasoning was sound but Ives felt that this wouldn't be to their favour. Isolde remained still in her position, her eyes still focused on the files. Her eyes scanned one edge of each page to another so fast it looked as if she was literally eating the information rather than simply scrolling through it.
Isolde spoke without raising her head, "Master, May I draft up you a better business plan. Mister Zeke's is professional but there are a number of places that demand improvement."
Ives agreed to her request, he wanted to see what she was capable of. Isolde closed the folder then turned to face him.
"What shall we do in the meantime?"
Ives had everything he needed at arm's reach, he didn't need anything else and didn't care for the outside much so he opted for the next best thing.
"Is there any place you would like to be in?"
"Yes. If I may, I would like to see my mother for a bit?"
Ives and Isolde left the building together, Ives dressed in a long black trenchcoat and Isolde with the same clothes she had worn inside.
A car was already waiting for them downstairs and they boarded it together. Another car parked a few blocks away, suddenly began trailing them and the driver's shadowy face flashed as he caressed a gun at the side.
"Time to teach these motherfuckers a lesson".