01-11-2018, 08:29 PM
The Secretary grew increasingly more agitated the longer Michael spoke. Judging by the clenched jaw, shifting in his seat and beady stare upon Michael, Arnold likely was fuming inside, but he maintained a rather admirable amount of composure otherwise.
Nikolai watched their interaction casually, eating now and then. He hadn't the time to take his morning swim what with how occupied the night had been, so he wasn't as hungry as usual. The newcomers were served by then. Rykovi and al'Shaddis exchanged looks, and Rykovi outright looked at Ascendancy. Nik nodded with a slim smile that he partake.The two were clearly uncomfortable. Understandably so.
It was the Secretary who responded, his voice tight. "That is exactly why no channelers should be unleashed." He emphasized the final word with such poison that Nikolai almost wondered if he would rather them be leashed. "There will be no need for training from the likes of you, although I appreciate the offer. If you recall, we have our own channelers in leadership. Secretary Trano is as capable as yourself. Not to mention Representative Avalon." A sense of pride touched his voice. Trano and Arnold were likely allies, Nikolai had reasoned. But when the Secretary spoke Evelyn's name, he fixed Nik with a hard glance that Nik had difficulty interpreting.
There were several veiled phrases that did not go unnoticed by Nikolai. Although Secretary Francis likely had no idea of their significance. Half a dozen attacking ijiraq would be terrifying, for one thing. Nikolai could have shuddered at the thought. However, Michael's claim that defenses could not be penetrated in his presence was spoken specifically for the Ascendancy.
The revelation was almost startling. Michael didn't know Regus was allowed to enter. They would need to speak privately later. Not to mention that he needed to discuss his plans for Danjou's Legion.
"No, Commander. None are suggesting you are to train Americans as well. In fact, I doubt they would even let you if we wanted to try."
He could practically feel Trano twitching at the very suggestion. "They are suggesting we harness all channelers and not allow them to have military or defense positions at all. Seems rather illogical, especially given that there are rogues out there who will use their powers for their own gain. There are rumors of wild channelers attacking towns in Sudan, for instance."
"An agreement for an active demilitarization is on the table. A cease-arms, so to say."
Memories of the cold war stirred in his mind. Michael was too young to have lived it, but Nikolai was not. The 80's were firm in his memory. The day the cold war ended and nuclear arms race was halted, the world breathed a sigh of relief. For one thing, Evelyn was right. A powerful channeler could do almost as much damage as a warhead. Amassing them was akin to hoarding nuclear weapons. Unfortunately for the United States, the CCD was winning this race, and Nikolai had little interest in losing.
Nikolai watched their interaction casually, eating now and then. He hadn't the time to take his morning swim what with how occupied the night had been, so he wasn't as hungry as usual. The newcomers were served by then. Rykovi and al'Shaddis exchanged looks, and Rykovi outright looked at Ascendancy. Nik nodded with a slim smile that he partake.The two were clearly uncomfortable. Understandably so.
It was the Secretary who responded, his voice tight. "That is exactly why no channelers should be unleashed." He emphasized the final word with such poison that Nikolai almost wondered if he would rather them be leashed. "There will be no need for training from the likes of you, although I appreciate the offer. If you recall, we have our own channelers in leadership. Secretary Trano is as capable as yourself. Not to mention Representative Avalon." A sense of pride touched his voice. Trano and Arnold were likely allies, Nikolai had reasoned. But when the Secretary spoke Evelyn's name, he fixed Nik with a hard glance that Nik had difficulty interpreting.
There were several veiled phrases that did not go unnoticed by Nikolai. Although Secretary Francis likely had no idea of their significance. Half a dozen attacking ijiraq would be terrifying, for one thing. Nikolai could have shuddered at the thought. However, Michael's claim that defenses could not be penetrated in his presence was spoken specifically for the Ascendancy.
The revelation was almost startling. Michael didn't know Regus was allowed to enter. They would need to speak privately later. Not to mention that he needed to discuss his plans for Danjou's Legion.
"No, Commander. None are suggesting you are to train Americans as well. In fact, I doubt they would even let you if we wanted to try."
He could practically feel Trano twitching at the very suggestion. "They are suggesting we harness all channelers and not allow them to have military or defense positions at all. Seems rather illogical, especially given that there are rogues out there who will use their powers for their own gain. There are rumors of wild channelers attacking towns in Sudan, for instance."
"An agreement for an active demilitarization is on the table. A cease-arms, so to say."
Memories of the cold war stirred in his mind. Michael was too young to have lived it, but Nikolai was not. The 80's were firm in his memory. The day the cold war ended and nuclear arms race was halted, the world breathed a sigh of relief. For one thing, Evelyn was right. A powerful channeler could do almost as much damage as a warhead. Amassing them was akin to hoarding nuclear weapons. Unfortunately for the United States, the CCD was winning this race, and Nikolai had little interest in losing.