Solstice LeCroix
+++
Isobel Charter wasn’t what I expected. She was petite with a
sensible haircut, no doubt to make her look older. It was obvious that whatever
she was. . . she wasn’t human. She wore her United States Department of Justice
visitor’s badge like it was a stain. Her eyes followed me as I sat down. The idiots in operations had given me the big conference room . I
sure as hell couldn’t interrogate her with so much space.
“Ms. Charter, thank you for coming here.” I offered her my hand. She didn’t take it.
“I didn’t think I had a choice. I don’t want to seem undiplomatic. The U.S. Department Of Justice calls me. . . I show up”
“How is Mr. Prince. . . I heard he’s recovering?”
Isobel Charter folded her arms justly.
“Yes.”
“Well, I hope he’ll be well enough in time to celebrate Liberation Day . . . this would be his first as King, right ? I heard he’ll be holding court, right ?”
“You sound dismissive. He doesn’t have the flu. . . someone tried
to assassinate him. I need to get back
to New yo—New Aeterna. so, please get to the point.”
Fine then.
“As you know, Ms. Charter the DOJ is investigating the assassination in New Aeterna, as the country doesn’t have sufficient manpower.”
“My country”, Isobel corrected, “I’m a New Aeterna citizen, now."
“You seem defensive, Ms. Charter”
“The only reason I’m here is because I don’t want to make the New Aeterna government look uncooperative. I just find it odd that you and I are meeting alone. I feel like you only summoned me because I'm one of Paris' assistants. I can't help you with anything."
I wheeled my chair closer to her.
“Isobel. I’d just hate for things to get. . . difficult for you. If certain things were to come out.”
“I have nothing to hide.”
She kept her face calm. This should be easy. She wasn’t one of them. Not really anyway.
“Come on Isobel, start talking.”
“About what ?”
“Paris Prince. About what is really going on in the godforsaken country. I have access to a lot of information and when you look at it things do not add up. Nothing in that country adds up. Paris Prince and the Nationalist act like they are better than the Helion Regime . . but is that really true?”
“The people of New Aeterna and America have supported him since day one. How dare you compare him to Helios' disgusting regime. I want to talk to your superior—“
“I’m just asking the questions, Isobel. It seems odd to me that so much about Paris Prince and the congressional testimony his followers gave is sealed. What is really going on in that country and the “Nationalist” party.”
“How dare you question us. We risked our lives everyday to help people escape Helio’s regime. I lost my fiancé and almost 10 years of my life to that cause and I regret nothing. What have you ever done ? If you have questions you can wait until Paris is on his feet again. The next shuttle back to New Aeterna leaves at five so I’m leaving . . . unless you want to hold me"
“Go, if you want. But Isobel . . . you can’t hide”
She was already out the door but this is all far from over.
+++
INNA Human Resources
2304 City Center Way
Floor 3. Suite 8
To Whom It May Concern
Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am leaving my position with The Crown Office of The Independent Nation of New Aeterna Thank you for the opportunities you have provided me during my time with the company.
Sincerely,
Isobel Charter
+++
New Aeterna Defense Force
Ft. Chelsea HQ
Corp. Grigori Seraphina, A
Upon completion of your current deployment, as of November 1st 2027 you have been removed from active duty and granted a temporary commission as the Administrative Military Official at The New Aeterna Detainment and Correctional Center at Riker’s Island. Concurrently you have been promoted to First Lieutenant.
Thank you for your service Lt. Grigori
INNA General Herbert Kellers
The First Annual New Aeterna International Court
Join us for a 30 day international peacekeeping event for world leaders, officials, students, activist and thinkers to visit The Independent Nation of New Aeterna for an open exchange of ideas, technology, entertainment, celebration and advancement.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore everything New Aeterna has to offer. Tour classical landmarks, visit our new memorials and witness our new government in action. Attendees will also be given multiple opportunities to engage with our leaders.
Accommodations can be made at the Park Hotel or Prospect West hotel locate right in New Aeterna City Center. Meals will be provided or you may enjoy any of the classic and innovative restaurants located in the New Aeterna City Center.
Welcome To New Aeterna
Prosperity. Forever.
Chapter 6 >