Читать книгу Defiant. Tome 1. Defiant - - Страница 5

Killian was distracted again, walking into the new hall that was built in a joint effort between Laithorians and people of the colony.

The man knew how much it all meant, but even weeks after couldn’t really shake off the thought of what happened to Serena. He saw it all, and saw her being taken away by the Laithorian medics. But no one ever told him if she ever survived.

He couldn’t bring himself to contact her crew, and always thought that if they were silent – that meant Serena was dead and they were grieving.

The old gangster sighed.

They all loved her – not just for the things she had done to help them all, but also for the woman she was.

«Distracted again, Killian?» Jaleka slipped to his side, walking next to him to their seats.

«Thinking.» Killian replied, throwing a careful glance at the Council members.

Once they were all mafia or gangsters that held Garmfrig and the nearby settlements under control. Now they became legal representatives and businessmen who influenced how Garmfrig would actually go on.

«I hope your thoughts are about the new trading agreements with Laithorians. We’re looking forward to that.» Jaleka smiled charmingly.

Killian stopped, turning to the woman and tilted his head:

«I know very well that you’re looking for profit. I, on the other hand, am looking to better the community that the Company almost ran down into ashes with its greed for profit!» he said. «I would advise you turn your eyes to seeking benefits for everyone living here, not just yourself.»

The man walked off and took his seat.

He saw no difference between what used to be and what came to be – they still held great power over Garmfrig and its surroundings, they still did as they used to when deciding on their further actions…

They still squabbled, like they used to.

Killian watched everyone taking their seats – including those representatives that the people appointed to be there.

Unlike the usual mafia meetings, where Killian gathered twelve people, including himself and his right-hand man Silt, this Council grew to a gathering of two dozen. Some of those weren’t part of what used to be the mafia or gangs that run the place, and it eased Killian’s mind to see doctors, teachers and engineers taking part in making Garmfrig more prosperous in the near future.

They’ve already come a long way, discussing matters, and it helped Killian distract himself from thinking about Serena too much.

«…the fact that Laithorians have helped us doesn’t mean we need to abide by their laws…» he suddenly heard Jaleka pushing her speech.

«It does!» Killian raised his voice, making other people fall silent.

«No, Killian, it doesn’t!» Jaleka frowned. «We’ve gained an ally, sure, new trade prospects, most definitely, but…»

«There’s no discussion here, Jaleka! We agreed to accept their help and negotiate our colonies falling under their Empire. You want to betray their trust? After all they’ve done for us? For the people of Garmfrig?»

«You wanted this, Killian! None of us did!»

«I agree with him, Jaleka.» Salara smirked. «We did negotiate with Laithorians for the sake of everyone, not just our own businesses and profits.»

«If Serena was here…» Killian sighed, frustrated.

«Your Veluthian whore is dead, Killian!» Jaleka jumped to her feet. «Get used to it and stop mentioning her in this Council! She did what she did for the benefit of her people, not ours!»

«That’s not true.» Thirden Leeds looked at the woman. «Laithorians gained nothing with Garmfrig or even our other colonies. Just more mouths to feed and look after.»

«Is there no one here, who would agree with me?» Jaleka glanced around, furious. «Or have you all lost your minds after being brainwashed by the Laithorian emissaries?»

«While I do agree that Laithorian laws that are being introduced are… harsh…» one of the new members stood up, a slim, short man with a mane of copper hair he kept neatly brushed back. «I do have to say they are quite just and much more appropriate for the people.»

Killian glanced at the man, noting this University lecturer – Ludwig Risson – for a future conversation.

«I don’t see how the Laithorian laws can be just, Ludwig!» Jaleka scowled. «Two of my men were executed three days ago simply for crash landing into a building.»

«They were drunk, Jaleka.» Tolan cleared his throat. «And their actions killed seventeen innocent people. I’d say this was an appropriate punishment for being so inconsiderate for the lives of others and does help set a precedent for other pilots not to be as irresponsible.»

«Let’s put it to vote.» Killian put a smile to his face. «All, who are for following Laithorian laws and continuing to integrate into their Empire, raise your hands…»

Jaleka looked around, seeing twenty hands up.

«All against?» Killian felt calmer than just a few minutes ago.

Only Jaleka put her hand up.

«Twenty votes for, one against, two members abstained.» Silt marked the voting on his information tablet.

Killian noted the two people who decided not to vote, and said:

«You’re overruled, Jaleka. The Council has spoken. We continue to integrate, becoming part of the Laithorian Empire.»

«Fools!» Jaleka hissed, storming out.

«Council adjourned.» Killian sighed, making eye contact with Silt, who nodded in a silent reply.

Because of Jaleka and her arrogant speeches they didn’t get a chance to discuss everything else they were supposed to. The new laws they agreed to influenced how the Council worked as well – to have a fair discussion and voting on any matter, all members have to be present – either themselves or by means of a proxy, which was decided before the meeting began.

By storming out, Jaleka essentially wasted everyone’s time, forcing them to close the session before time.

Killian suspected she would be the one causing trouble, but so far she tried her best to act a little more subtle and relied on her charms, and not her emotions.

Something happened. He knew it, but couldn’t know what.

«Silt…» Killian gestured to his associate. «Find out what Jaleka is up to. I feel like she’s been thinking of doing something rash…»

«Yes, sir.» Silt replied, quickly retreating away.

Most members of the New Garmfrig Council stayed back, deep in thought.

«Is anyone hungry?» Killian tried his best to sound more at ease than he was. «How about I treat you all to dinner and we could share our thoughts on the matter Jaleka raised today?»

He glanced around, seeing people slowly nodding to his proposal.

Killian hated politics. But he was good at it.