The Color of Midnight

[Moriarty]

For the first time since their encounter began, Moriarty removed his hands from the desk’s top, and his finger from the desk’s hidden weapons’ triggering mechanism. He smiled, genuinely this time.

“I look forward to a long and productive administration with your invaluable support and assistance, Mr. Yoshida. We have much to do, and the stakes could not be higher.” He paused, before speaking again, “Let me show you out, since the door will only open to allow your exit with my own retinal scan, a precaution I’m sure you can appreciate, under the circumstances.”

Moriarty stood up from his chair and moved around the desk to the door that Yoshida had entered from. He stepped up to a panel beside the door, and an invisible retinal scanner transmitted an all clear, allowing the door to open. Yoshida nodded to the Senior Professor of the Lane Hackers, and exited quickly, the door shutting softly behind him.

The smile disappeared from Senior Professor Moriarty’s face and was replaced by a look of profound calm and determination.So much to accomplish, and so few of us remain. Still, Yoshida may surpass even his legendary predecessors...if he survives the trials to come. He returned to the seat behind the desk, and resumed his study of Lane Hacker intel reports.The Rogues have imploded under the weight of their incessant infighting and hedonism. The Mollys appear greatly diminished. Our sisters in Kusari may yet see a revival. The Outcasts are always rudderless in every storm...And new foes encroach from Gallia. We need alliances, and intel from the Omicrons. Perhaps it is time to attempt to solidify our connections with the remnants of The Order...

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Currently in development of :
Nefarious Plots, Shrewd Schemes, Infamous Cabals, Canny Conspiracies, Devious Ruses, Machiavellian Machinations, Insidious Subterfuges, & Wily Stratagems