01-15-2018, 08:50 PM
Nikolai supported the more altruistic uses of the power. In fact, he constructed an entire Consulate out of thin air just to orchestrate the channeler oversight the Michael described. Surprisingly, Michael made one important distinction that Nik would not have predicted. The man had a brilliant mind for battle but less so when it came to matters of governance.
"A police force?"
Nikolai's gaze swung to the Secretary. Saying so now reminded him that he personally knew of one such channeler in the police system. He had not heard of Ivan in some time, but the boy would be a good addition to security at the ball. He made a note to contact him later. For now, agreeing seemed to be reasonably logical. "Criminals come in all shapes and sizes. That the United States have not had huge sprees in crime spurred by channeling criminals is remarkable, but it's a matter of time. What is your plan for such a police force? Surely protecting your own people is more important than designing treaties with me we all know have no intention of being enforced?"
A slim smile touched his lips, but any deadly curve to the emotion quickly disappeared.
The Secretary parried the bait with a hand wave. However much he was riled by Michael and Nikolai, he hid his emotion behind tight eyes. Eyes that flared with recognition when Evelyn and Sofia arrived moments later.
Nikolai dipped a nod of respect for the two women, and gestured at the remaining open seats that they join them. His gaze lingered only a moment on Evelyn. Her beauty was refreshing in the light of day that he had not truly appreciated before.
He discarded the memory and forced himself to focus on more important matters at hand. "Commander Vellas. This is Representative Evelyn Avalon and Senator Sofia Castilla, both of the United States Congress."
He watched Michael closely when he laid eyes upon Evelyn. He was far closer in age to her than himself, and Michael had a presence to him that while Nikolai found it difficult to be seen as attractive, he supposed some women may disagree.
After the ladies were seated, he continued for their benefit. "We were discussing the need for a police force that can apprehend criminals that can channel while other organizations could provide humanitarian relief."
The Secretary let the introductions ensue, but then a curious flicker of emotion crossed his features. He turned to Michael. "Why do you call them 'your ascendants'?"
He asked, eyes roaming to the two men in black.
The mirth drained from Nik's expression. He swung his gaze slowly back to Michael to see how he would react. The commander deftly deferred to the Ascendancy when necessary, but this was personal. Michael had a stake in training these men, but he was not their owner.
"A police force?"
Nikolai's gaze swung to the Secretary. Saying so now reminded him that he personally knew of one such channeler in the police system. He had not heard of Ivan in some time, but the boy would be a good addition to security at the ball. He made a note to contact him later. For now, agreeing seemed to be reasonably logical. "Criminals come in all shapes and sizes. That the United States have not had huge sprees in crime spurred by channeling criminals is remarkable, but it's a matter of time. What is your plan for such a police force? Surely protecting your own people is more important than designing treaties with me we all know have no intention of being enforced?"
A slim smile touched his lips, but any deadly curve to the emotion quickly disappeared.
The Secretary parried the bait with a hand wave. However much he was riled by Michael and Nikolai, he hid his emotion behind tight eyes. Eyes that flared with recognition when Evelyn and Sofia arrived moments later.
Nikolai dipped a nod of respect for the two women, and gestured at the remaining open seats that they join them. His gaze lingered only a moment on Evelyn. Her beauty was refreshing in the light of day that he had not truly appreciated before.
He discarded the memory and forced himself to focus on more important matters at hand. "Commander Vellas. This is Representative Evelyn Avalon and Senator Sofia Castilla, both of the United States Congress."
He watched Michael closely when he laid eyes upon Evelyn. He was far closer in age to her than himself, and Michael had a presence to him that while Nikolai found it difficult to be seen as attractive, he supposed some women may disagree.
After the ladies were seated, he continued for their benefit. "We were discussing the need for a police force that can apprehend criminals that can channel while other organizations could provide humanitarian relief."
The Secretary let the introductions ensue, but then a curious flicker of emotion crossed his features. He turned to Michael. "Why do you call them 'your ascendants'?"
He asked, eyes roaming to the two men in black.
The mirth drained from Nik's expression. He swung his gaze slowly back to Michael to see how he would react. The commander deftly deferred to the Ascendancy when necessary, but this was personal. Michael had a stake in training these men, but he was not their owner.