The Concert of Madness

[Thunderer]

The swaying ramble of the twiners of a melody was quietly running amok within the confinement of a chamber. It was the Folía, Madness in translation, the devil's play. In its rhythm, his index finger glided around the air with the dignity expected from the better side of the imperative mood, while he was explaining a meticulously prepared plan. He was the conductor of the situation.

The high ceiling of the room was perfectly white, the same white that slid down the walls, indicating that the purpose of the room was purely utilitarian -- it was his office. There was a window on a wall, which let the light of the Cambridge Medium White gush in. The floor was covered with white tiles, on which was his wooden desk. It held nothing but the gramophone, a computer and a small, slim, gilded brace, that soared proudly to support three hanging, attentively maintained Courageous Action Medals.

Their owner was a Knight of the Bretonian Empire, the Admiral of the Third Cambridge Command Fleet and the Fourth Norfolk Defense Fleet. All the corresponding insignia glittered on his uniform. His surname was Hall, and he never imagined how easily everything but the last could unhook and fall down far beyond his reach, within a heartbeat. He didn't believe in karma.

He was sitting down at the desk, having risen his head to address the guest that was standing up, but it was Hall who was on the higher position here. His expression was distanced and exalted, as if he has always been what he is, and as if he would always remain.

"Please take it, Captain Dagon", he said as he gave her a very small, black device, that was designed for eavesdropping. "And adhere it to a hidden surface, but make sure you don't hide it from sound. You may tell the next one to come in now. Good luck", he nodded. Of course, he was only wishing her luck before sticking the device, but after the job is done, it was all the same for him.

Despite being the conductor here and now, and despite his stances, he wasn't the conductor of the devil's orchestra. Was he a player, or merely an instrument?

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