Chapter Fifteen: Morning of Tranquility by Tina Semanas “This is it Ara, after all this waiting, all the demeaning hoops I had to jump through, my time has finally arrived! This is my victory girl, so don't spoil it!” Sitting in the back seat of a large black Rover, Duenna Black nervously tapped her finger on the leather armrest with a timid Ara by her side. “Where are we headed Duenna Black?” Ara asked. Taking a long time to reply, Duenna Black looking out the window said, “Dr. Gladstone’s assistant informed me that our meeting will be at an undisclosed location; but it can’t be far. The whole Doyenne Council is expected to be at the final ceremonies of Vanity Night in New York, so they won't have much time to discuss things with us before they have to leave.” “Does that mean we are heading to New York too? I sure hope not.” Ara said. Duenna Black didn’t respond to Ara’s last comment because she noticed at that moment the driver turned off at Terminal Drive Junction headed toward Cleveland’s Jane Edna Hunter International Airport. Taking a special access road, the Rover was met with two Tan Termagant Vehicles flashing orange lights leading them to the wide open airport tarmac. There it was, sitting out in the middle of an empty runway was Tranquility 5, The Sister’s VC-36 Airbus. Ara recognized the airplane immediately. The giant pink jet was a popular symbol of the State, and the insignia of the Doyenne Conclave, a circle of five white turtle doves, was displayed on the tail wing of the massive aircraft. You couldn’t miss it. “Oh my, Duenna Black, I can't believe it, we are actually getting on Tranquility 5? This is the real deal.” Again, Duenna Black didn’t utter a word. Seeing the size of the giant plane made her realize just how significant this meeting was, and how insignificant she felt. “Isn’t that Octavia Hulambu standing at the top of the airstairs? And look, it’s Lacy heading up to meet her.” Duenna Black noticed that a large white, heavily armored Rover was parked next to the stairs that Lacy was slowly walking up. Duenna Black replied to Ara, “Apparently she must have been called to a meeting with the council as well? I will bet she is being promoted for all the help she provided the State taking you in. Maybe they are going to ask her to join the security force that follows Dr. Gladstone and the rest of the council? Strange she would be here on the same day?” Turning to the driver Duenna Black asked, “Do you know what is going on and why Lacy Dias is here?” “No Mam,” said the driver, “All I have been asked to do is park by the plane and keep both of you waiting in the Rover until further notice.” The black Rover pulled closer to the other vehicle; there the driver slowed to a stop and put it in park. Duenna Black said to herself, “I wonder what they want with Lacy? Maybe this is her big payoff day too?” ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling strong and confident, Lacy took her time walking up toward the entrance of Tranquility 5, relishing every moment. Lacy thought to herself, “Apparently the information I provided Octavia convinced them how valuable of an asset I can be. Who would have thought little Ara would be my ticket to success? I never would have dreamed I would be walking up to meet with the Doyenne Council on Tranquility 5.” Lacy took a deep breath trying to contain an excited smile - she was on top of the world. “Hello Lacy,” Octavia said offering her a welcoming handshake. “Please follow me into Dr. Gladstone’s private quarters. I am sure you remember Dr. Babbitt, we invited her to join us as well.” Nodding a greasy black head toward the direction of Octavia, Lacy noticed how the frail Dr. Babbitt did not look good. Was it fear on her face, or just shock to be included with such powerful and important company? The two ladies were led through the large expanse of the interior of the plane -- plush leather chairs lined the sides of the aircraft, and a thick tan carpet was laid throughout the whole cabin. Lacy also noticed that four aloof security guards were standing at attention by every door. Giving each of them a quick inspection, she was sure not one of them could outlast her in hand to hand action. Walking down the side corridor of the plane, Octavia motioned for the guard to open the first door they came to. Inside this room sat a demure Dr. Gladstone behind a medium sized mahogany desk. Standing up when she saw Lacy enter, Dr. Gladstone motioned for all three ladies to take a seat. “So Octavia,” Dr. Gladstone began, “This is Lacy Dias? The one I heard so much about?” Octavia Hulambu replied, “Yes it is Doctor. She is the helpful concerned citizen who provided us with the corroborating information concerning the refugees and their whereabouts.” “Good, very good.” Dr. Gladstone said as she slid around to the front of the desk with her long arms crossed. “Ms. Dias, I’m curious, what made you decide to get such a hideous tattoo on your face? Do you not like yourself, or are you just trying to be intimidating?” Lacy with an irritated look snapped back, “I don't understand? Was that an insult?” “Why?” Dr. Gladstone asked, “Are you insulted? If you ask me, I think it hides your pleasant sunny disposition. I’ll bet at one time you were quite attractive, but all I see now is a washed up wanna-be rebel. You look more like one of those weekend middle-aged motorcycle riders to me. All image - no substance.” Holding back her rage, Lacy responded, “What...uh hem..well...I didn’t come here to be mocked, I thought….” Dr. Gladstone shot back, “What did you think Ms. Dias? That you could threaten one of the members of the Doyenne Council? Who gave you the right to question our security decisions? Did you think you could play us against each other? Octavia relayed to me your whole conversation. Who do you think you are standing up against two of the most powerful women of the State?” Dr. Gladstone flashing a taunting smile said, “And if you ask me, that tattoo is hideous and an eyesore. Or maybe it is just your face that's the problem?” Dr. Gladstone went back around to sit behind her desk. Lacy was fuming on the inside, but she also realized she was in way over her head. There was an aura of wild danger hovering over this mysterious Dr. Gladstone. Looking towards Octavia, Dr. Gladstone asked her, “So, what should be done with her? Should we offer an employment position to Ms. Dias? Do you think she would make a dependable security agent here on Tranquility 5?” Octavia looked over to Lacy.”What do you think Lacy? Could you be a loyal subject to The Sisters?” Lacy couldn't believe her ears. Was Dr. Gladstone’s stream of insults merely a test? Was she actually just offered a position with The Sisters on board the famous Tranquility 5? Lacy’s anger faded as quickly as a morning squall over a small lake. Working up a grateful smile, Lacy replied to Octavia, “Yes, I definitely could. I am honored, and deeply sorry for all the trouble I caused you both and the threats. It won't happen again.” Grinning a painted-on grin, Dr. Gladstone waved the visitors out. “Thank you Octavia and make sure you help walk these ladies through proper security protocol. Thank you for coming Lacy and Dr. Babbitt, I am glad we could come to a mutual agreement.” Heading back out the door Octavia led them to the far end of the plane. Motioning for the guard to open the last door, Octavia brought the two women into a large conference room with an executive table positioned in the middle of the room with two dimly lit lamps on either side of the table. On top of the dark wood was a syringe containing a clear liquid and a small handgun illuminated by the first lamp. The three ladies each took a seat with Octavia turning to Lacy, “I understand Ms. Dias that you are use to experimenting with new strains of synthetic testosterone? I have heard it helps with boosting both a person’s strength and stamina. In that syringe is a new type of T-shot recently developed by our chemists and The Sisters would like you to try it out. I am not sure how stable some of the elements are in this experimental mix, but if you survive the injection, it will definitely help your performance as you prepare to be a top security guard on board the Tranquility 5.” Turning to the doctor, Octavia said with a low commanding voice, “Dr. Babbitt, I would like you to be the one to administer the shot. And remember what we discussed before Lacy arrived. I would also appreciate it if you would handle that important matter that pertains to you as well with immediate dispatch.” Dr. Babbitt stared straight at the handgun on the table, knowing what she must do, her face losing all color leaving her skin a pasty white. Then standing and heading toward the door, Octavia turned back to the women and said, “Oh I forget to say this earlier, ‘Welcome aboard Tranquility 5!’” --------------------------------------------------------------- It was 7:00 a.m., and Beck’s make-up team was applying some finishing touches to her eye shadow. “Beck, are you sure this is the look you want? I have never seen you look so...how shall I say it...plain.” A small Asian man with hands on his hips looked mildly perturbed inspecting his final touches on Beck’s face. “Chen, I’m positive.” Beck said, I have never felt more sure about my outfit than this.” Looking into the portable full length mirror that her team of assistants brought, Beck looked pleased. Wearing a long black dress, her hair was pulled back into a simple classic bun with minimal make up. Her team never saw her dressed so simply. Where was the sparkle and glitter? There was no flash or flare. Just one small pearl necklace hung loosely around her neck, and two single pearl earrings added a complimentary touch - nothing fancy. Beck normally wanted to be the one who was seen, a peacock flaunting all her colors, especially those haunting blue eyes of hers! But not today. Beck chose flat black. Turning to Chen, Beck gave an assuring nod and said, “I’m ready. Let me just get my flat pad and hand bag.” Walking into the bathroom Beck tried to call Athan’s number one last time. Waiting for the line to connect she heard the familiar robotic voice, “We're sorry, the number you have…” Frustrated, Beck turned the pad quickly off not waiting for the full message to play. “Let’s go”, heading out the door, Beck was in no mood to host a live vlog session for the final day. Winding through a still sleepy city, her entourage pulled off of West 50th street to the back parking lot of Radio City Music Hall. Beck was always impressed with how meticulously this old architectural treasure was kept. Still maintaining the ancient look of the early 20th century art-deco style, Beck sat there in a moment of quiet longing for the days when romance seemed so easy to find, best captured in the old black and white framed portraits of men and women in top hats and gowns, soldiers in uniform watching the Rockettes while on leave, they were simpler times. Times when there were no holograms, no perpetual live media recording every conversation and on-going up close and personal sneak peaks behind the scenes. Beck loved how the old still photographs of people seemed to be more alive than the parade of plastics and angry feminists that were always fighting for a shadow called “justice” and a mirage named “personal rights and equality.” Beck wanted passion out of life, not the controlled political monotony of being nice and tolerant, never offending, and always needing to be excited no matter how strange, twisted or queer a person was behaving. Beck wondered why it was so wrong to have roles defined, simply having it where a man was a man and a woman was a woman? Everything now seemed complicated and twisted. Like a matted ball of knotted yarn. Chen, who sitting next to her in the back seat, was trying to nudge her out of her dream world, “Beck, your pad is buzzing. Pick it up, it may be our producers.” Beck hesitated and finally pulled the pad out from her handbag. She didn’t recognize the number, but she clicked on it anyway. Sitting there stunned, Beck read the cryptic message that flashed on her screen, “Beck, it’s me. I have to know one thing, and one thing only: were you the one who gave information on where the fugitives could be hiding? Are you responsible for the bombings? I need to know! I want to trust you? Can I? Or was everything between us a lie?” “Beck, who is that from?” Chen was curious, wanting to know if the producer wanted them to get ready on set. Beck turned to Chen kissing him on the forehead, “It’s nothing! Can I have some privacy?” With a confused look, Chen shrugged his shoulders and left the glider leaving Beck in the backseat alone. She typed a response on her pad, “You can trust me 100% I have never loved you more!” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The driver turned to talk to Duenna Black and Ara in the back seat, “The Sisters are ready for you.” Exiting the Rover, Duenna Black led the way up the long staircase to the opening of the plane. At the top of the stairs stood Dr. Gladstone smiling waiting for the two ladies to arrive. Ara was terrified. “Thank you Madelyn and Ara for responding so quickly,” Dr. Gladstone said as they reached the top of the stairs. “We don't have much time before the Conclave flies out to make it for the evening closing ceremonies in New York. But I am sure we will get accomplished what needs to be done.” Gesturing for Duenna Black to enter the plane first, Dr. Blackstone stepped aside allowing for the two new arrivals to pass. Ara was amazed at the immensity of the plane, it did not look this big in pictures. Stepping through the open door Ara noticed the whole Doyenne Council standing to shake her and Duenna Black’s hands. Ara noticed there were also guards standing at attention and Vitups recording all conversations on black touchpad tablets. When Dr. Gladstone entered the meeting room she loudly stated, “Ladies, will you all please take a seat. You too Ara. Before we get started in the conference room I would first like to talk with Madylyn Black alone in my office. Shouldn’t take long.” Leading the way back down the side hallway, Dr. Gladstone motioned for Duenna Black to enter her on-board office. Once inside both of the ladies took a seat with one of the guards closing the door behind them. “Madylyn, how was your trip this morning?” Dr. Gladstone began the conversation on a friendly tone. “Just fine Doctor, just fine.” “I have asked you here for one reason, to let you know who we have chosen to take the vacant spot on the Doyenne Council.” Duenna Black knew this was her moment, she could hardly contain herself. Dr. Blackstone continued, “After deliberating long and hard on our decision, the other council members agree with you completely - - Ara Dias is quite a remarkable find! We have never encountered a girl with such young raw talent and precocious curiosity. So for the first time we have decided to train a young mind to come on the council so she can be bent toward our will. We will give her the best mentors to begin training her early, walk her through the steps of how to be a woman of great power, and give her the tools to eventually take a leading role in ten years or so. Thank you for bringing her talents to our attention.” Duenna Black sat in her chair under stunned silence. Dr. Gladstone loved every minute of watching this difficult woman's heart being crushed. There was nothing finer for a leader than humiliating the proud. She turned to Duenna Black and said, “You don't look pleased? Don’t you think Ara will make a fine Sister someday?” “But she is just a child! I thought you wanted me, an experienced woman who has spent her whole life striving for this position, fighting for the rights and advancement of women? I deserve it! It isn’t fair!” Duenna Black was seething. “What isn’t fair? Why do you deserve to be asked to the council? My dear Duenna Black, or should I call you Madylyn, after our second meeting it was then that I realized you were never really fit for this role. You take life and the cause of justice far too seriously. You are quite irritating with your strict feminist ideals and suffocating worldview. When I saw your disdain in my office for the idea of pleasure, it was then I realized I couldn’t stomach 15 to 20 more years of having you and your social justice reforms spoiling the mood of the council. It is hard being with someone who constantly thinks they are right and looking down their nose at you.” Dueanna Black was speechless. Dr. Gladstone continued, “And besides, you play the role of a bitter teacher well. I will quite enjoy seeing you continue working with young spoiled princesses the rest of your life. I think it will feel like hell for you, a fitting place to continue living off the hatred toward others that you so love.” Dr. Gladstone motioned for Duenna Black to follow her into the conference room near the back of the plane. Before she opened the door, she turned and said, “I want you to remember one thing my dear Duenna. Never forget, information is like water...once it gets out it is almost impossible to contain. I am sure Dr. Babbitt and Lacy Dias will agree.” Opening the door, Dr. Gladstone let Duenna Black in. There sat the two ladies sitting quietly at the large table with the back of their heads facing the door. Dr, Gladstone said to Duenna Black, “I will leave you ladies alone for a few minutes to talk among yourselves.” After the door was shut Duenna Black exploded, “Can you believe this indignity?” But there was no response. “Dr. Babbitt? Lacy? Did you hear me?” Duenna Black walked around the large table to get a better look at their faces. There sat Lacy, motionless with eyes wide open, dead to the world. And Dr. Babbitt had a gaping red hole from the bottom of her chin to the front of her forehead...pink shards of brain tissue were lying next to an empty syringe on the top of the bloody table. Dr. Babbitt’s right hand was still gripping a small .38 caliber handgun. Duenna Black wondered to herself in disbelief, "What just happened? My life is as good as over."
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