Things Just Won't Be So Simple

  “I dunno, she could be.” Fox shook his head and said, looking at his woman, who looked at him with barely any emotion visible in her godly countenance. Nala looked at him and blinked, leaning the back of her head and ear on his shoulder, saying nothing still for a few minutes before going, “I'd rather you get to fix that. It should be important. After all, if it was truly the daughter of the 'legendary' Lymocan President, then it better be known…”

  “Mhm,” Fox wordlessly nodded, caressing her shoulder and arm with his arm behind her back. He leaned his head to hers, slightly bumping it before voicing at last. “I don’t want to-”

  “Hush. Do you think we’re teenagers?” Nala stopped him, her left index finger at the center of his lips. She leaned her head back a little and looked with upturned eyes, “How can I not trust you? I want to know the truth, and so do you. Ignoring this… I don’t like it. Now, will you sulk some more, work here all day and night, or should I expect you in our new bed?”

  “Oh… why would I not be there?” Hearing her words, Fox widened his polycoria eyes and allowed 8 impenetrable black pools to shrink and stare at Nala. She lifted her eyebrows a bit, her eyes a bit inconclusive. As they brightened up, Fox’s became predatory. “I know you bought more. They sound like those you’ve asked Fabiola about why I buy them more for the lingerie floor. And they are hand-picked? I recall Mona having a fabric and design enterprise…”

  “…” Nala bit her lower lip before standing up. Her hands dangerously rubbing past his crotch and thighs as she did, with her eyes looking down at him as always, making him ever more hungry.

  ***

  2 days passed.

  In Lymoca, the President’s 3rd term, 2nd consecutive term, had started. He had gone through his ceremony through every Lys’ eyes, and more. His cabinet was presented, with the vice president and presidential secretary remaining the same. Only, with Fox’s absence, the new Chief Secretary of Security had been taken by Butler, or publicly known as Egoaiz Prein, Ego.

  In TV, there were many occasions where the opposition came out in shows and news to demand justice and ‘expose’ the government for something. However, while they were as always, they seemed silent… reserved compared to their previous modus operandi.

  “Mr. Galan, what can you tell us of the situation in the manifestations? Are your people fine now?” The host asked the NSH’s president, co-founder of the NCR coalition. Galan Piador nodded, frowning, as if worried, before starting.

  “It is indeed a situation, thanks for saving me some words. My peo- the people’s march wasn’t stopped, but only in the public eyesight, you see.” Galan ceremonially paused. “We weren’t stopped or bashed away in our protest like before, but that’s because it happened in the dark.”

  “That’s right!” Galan added with newfound emotion, lifting a finger. “This dark government threatened us in the dark. First, they gave us money. Then, they warned us about a ‘reprisal’ for going against the majority! And now, they are spying on us. Harassing us!”

  “We all receive messages of our personal data, reminding us they ‘have us’ in their hand!” Galan said before pausing, thinking for a bit. He continued, “It’s not just me and others with my high status, every public worker in my party and LV suffer this harassment.”

  “Well, Mr. Galan,” the host frowned with concern. Galan Piador nodded with continuity. “This is awful But, as soon as you report this to the authorities, and even to the world, I’m sure they will protect and support your coalition. There is reason in this world still, even with that war.”

  “Yes, yes…” Galan nodded in silence, lowering his head just as much as his eyebrows. Then, as the host waited for him to continue, Galan added with a brightened face. “I- we will… This corruption will be stopped, and with its crime gone, Lymoca won’t ever suffer it again, haha…”

  … On the other hand, the Lymoca government, be it the cabinet or ‘down’ to the neutrals, everyday workers in the presidential precinct and congress buildings did nothing.

  The former were too busy with the new term, and as the new cabinet members entered the government, their life became strict and harsh, but also much safer. The latter couldn’t worry about sides or even bribes anymore, even as the opposition blamed both parliament groups. The reason was almost because they weren’t corrupt enough to not be bought by them.

  Regardless, the latter was too afraid of subtly going against the executive branch, unlike before. Furthermore, with just the sight of the President, Supreme Justice Minister, and the previous first CSS, now first Senior Minister together, and even after the ‘supreme’ trial at the celebrations…

  Who would dare to go against that? The executive power, check. Congress majority, overwhelming and check. Judicial branch… check! What’s more, the executive and judicial branches’ ‘heads’ were still meeting each other, as rumors told.

  Furthermore, they had not only that ‘secret agency’ Lys and the world keeps talking about, more now than before, as no assassination was committed before with the ‘secret world’s’ power.

  There was Fox. No matter how one looked at it, since knowing more than a thousand lives of prepared, more or less, and trained people, including people from lagj secret organizations, he took over any limelight.

  While the honorable Lemyonova Morozov was known for her intelligence and cleverness, already managing such an important role in her country, Fox was the equal in murdering and inhumane capabilities.

  Naturally, he wasn’t a beauty, or even handsome, let alone ‘more than’ handsome. His ‘fields of expertise’ also weren’t… notably helpful, as of yet. Thus, the ‘support’ or fan base Lemyonova Morozov had was hundreds of times more existent than Fox’s nearly ghost ‘fans’.

  However, there were other Lys who were getting the limelight, among other people around the world. There were the ‘youngsters’ in the congress and the Supreme Court Justice of Lymoca, the heirs of the Knight Assembly Association, who have been trained with the harshest and most proper studies and disciplines. Then, there was Zyckevele’s Lemyonova Morozov.

  While Lemyonova Morozov was a one-of-a-kind, others were a bit younger than her, and although they didn’t make an ever more exciting discovery, findings, or research/study, they could one day. But in Lymoca, they were all hard-earned, especially since they neared politics before the President’s 3rd term, which mobilized so many Lys.

  On the other hand, and quite different to them, the heirs of KAA were more of a ‘royalty’-like system, although there could always be someone else taking the role to lead, and there were a few elections every few decades, with their terms being longer.

  Their teaching made the next heirs all the more ‘for the people’-trained. They could have all the social and love life they wanted, but they were taught to protect the country, its benefits, diplomatic relations, and sovereignty in all fields of expertise in the nation. Besides progress.

  To each their own, and such was the Knight Assembly Association.

  … In Terka, at night. Fox was in his office, which was a little too long for his taste, and its windows too big, but it was quiet, serene, and it smelled neutral. Whenever Nala came, her scent would fill his office, or Esmeralda.

  At this moment, someone entered his office, smaller than Luis’s, but no scent came along. Fox’s personal secretary walked to his desk and stopped. Fox looked up at him, to which the semi trained secretary went, “Sir, all the companies’ machinery have arrived. They are being unloaded and checked by the military as we speak. Ready to go even if damaged tomorrow.”

  Fox lowered his gaze and nodded. “Bring the news of their willingness to help with the tons of machines and manpower to Terka then. Give it no importance, but let it spread to the rest of the world. Don’t make any unnecessary claims, just go along.”

  “Yes, sir.” Fox’s secretary nodded. Fox added before letting him go. “Is the meeting scheduled?”

  “Yes, minister. The commander will come here at 4:30, as you requested. Before the machinery starts moving. Anything else, sir?” The secretary dutifully replied. Fox shook his head a bit and looked down, writing a few things as the sectary departed, who felt tired yet accomplished.

  … Several hours later, Fox walked to his office, accommodating his shirt and bermudas, going inside to see a military uniformed man standing before his desk. It was just 4:25 AM, and the sky was as black as it could get. Fox jumped his eyebrows and walked to his desktop.

  “How long you’ve been here?” Fox asked, sitting on his chair and accommodating himself. The commander nodded before replying, “Since 4:10, sir.”

  “Let’s go to the point,” Fox said in a good mood, credited to Nala’s spoiling of him. He looked up at the commander without offering a seat, “I planned to initially let you go back to Lymoca and leave me the military, but since you’re so dedicated, I am now thinking…”

  “…!” The man, tall, with extremely short black hair and brown skin, tensed up. Fox continued, regardless. “I can let you in to the Lower Cabinet’s CSS. I still need to have the military under my direct command, so you won’t have that, but you’ll be able to do the same thing you’ve been doing so far.”

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “Sir, why do you want to take my role away?” The commander questioned, being respectful about that. Fox looked with upturned eyes, “I need to do a lot of things, moving the military to show them around, and to let other things happen as we progress. Terka is in dire need.”

  “Of what, sir?” The man asked again.

  Fox blinked and darted his eyes around his desktop. “Of everything. You’ve seen the fields, they need some letting alone to be repaired. And the previous farmlands? What are those things? Even the woods and mines are trash. Everything needs to be rearranged.”

  “You want to deal with those already, sir?” The man asked. It was a long way to fully complete it, even in 3 years, but it made sense, somewhat. Yet, the man also knew it would’ve been more reasonable to help with the matters that take the least amount of time to complete.

  Adorning his eyes with a genuine, respectful glint, the man listened. Fox voiced again, “The integration will be something difficult. The Lymocan army is everywhere, so better let them have a closer look. They are all respected and beloved in Lymoca because of their relief efficiency.”

  “Here, there are ways to go.” Fox looked at the man with upturned, polycoria eyes. “As for your position, you will accompany me from time to time to walk with the military and the people of Terka. Most of them have become poorer than pure, and they need jobs. How many people can you bring from Lymoca to teach farming without affecting Lymoca?”

  The man looked at Fox with dancing eyes. Was this his first task? He stood in attention and replied, “I can have over 3,000 people, sir! Veterans in the army are mostly from humble origins. They also know people around their farm, so we can add more. What are the requirements?”

  “Besides incredibly capable? Anyone who wants 3,500 credits, free lodgings, a possible, great discount they can give to their families or use themselves for Terka’s property, and 10,000 social points per month— initially.” Fox looked up at the man and blurted out.

  “How many more can you bring now?” Fox asked, almost in a challenging way. The man opened his eyes, looking ahead and darting them everywhere. “With this, and if I expand the possibility a little more, I can gather… 20,000. If I have luck, maybe up to 30,000. Will this be safe?”

  Fox ignored the comment regarding Terka having money or not and lifted his left hand. “Bring them in, then. They should start teaching Terka’s Lys 2 weeks after they arrive. I want to see the entire north of Terka with ongoing crops.”

  “Yes, sir!” The man felt excited, but of course he would. He saluted and was about to leave, when Fox stopped him. He spun a document on his desktop and said out loud, “Sign here, and you may begin.”

  “Yes, sir. I apologize. I couldn’t help feeling excited.” The man said. Fox didn’t react, but he spoke, “I shouldn’t need to remind you this ben’t a ‘pocket’ role. There is an entire country depending on you, a cabinet member, to do your part as intended. The rest, those who will work their hands, backs, and to exhaustion, are doing most of it.”

  “Furthermore, you are still an officer— in the military. None of that changes, and you might return to command the military in the future, with my departure. I also won’t have to tell you what being rational means.” Fox sternly looked at the man.

  The man nodded. Fox gave him no more attention and gestured him to leave. After signing some things, Fox packed his stuff, locked his office, activated the triggering systems, and went back to hit Nala’s back until both sweated like crazy.

  … The next day, Fox was in his office, beside the windows he hates. He dialed Luis, who finished his morning press conference, judging by the hour. Just as Luis picked up, he noticed Nala and Esmeralda finding themselves in the vast, lavish garden in the middle of the palace.

  Nala returned from walking with some cabinet members who were pretty excited to be told what to proceed with the statecraft, while Esmeralda from a long, arduous run. Just then, Luis’s voice sounded from Fox’s phone, “Yes, Fox? What is it?”

  “Oh, I was just considering if I can be removed from my post and return to Lymoca. Butler can have the CSS position, he’s dirtied it by now for me.” Fox said, watching Nala look back and frown, staring at him through the window while Esmeralda walked farther away, to a tree almost half a kilometer away.

  “What the hell are you talking about? You haven’t even been there for a week. Don’t give me any excuses, or I might just make you the official Senior Minister, and you can stay there for years!” Luis replied, sounding a bit not too pleasant with Fox’s unnecessary words and request.

  “Well, I had to try.” Fox voiced, watching Nala and Esmeralda walk towards the tree, giving him not a hint or word. Luis sounded again, “Don’t bother with these kinds of things. Especially when you haven’t even done anything.”

  “It’s something, at least.” Said Fox. Luis shook his head in a diner, sitting with someone before him, whose face brightened when the call commenced. Luis lifted his face, feeling a bit proud and glad. “It’s not a bad thought. Those morning videos will help stabilize things, but that-”

  “I know. It won’t be enough. Who do you think made me have the idea? As a matter of fact, both our ideas?” Fox shook his head and walked left and right, looking at the backs of his woman and Esmeralda, the possible Roroa.

  “Right,” Luis smiled from ear to ear, so strong he could have his ears fall off at once. “So, how has it been there?”

  “It’s alright~. I’ve taken over the military, started a process to force the workers to go from 12 to 14 hours, and I am about to announce that Terka has shit as its main policy, but that its farms are worse than that.” Fox ‘elaborated’, making Luis grow a small headache.

  “Just don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Luis said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Fox exclaimed, adding, “Mhm. They are being paid better than even I do to my employees. I also made the commander you left here my Chief Secretary of Security. Something might reach your desk today. Make some free time so I can have everything even faster and more solid than I planned.”

  “Is that a request for my aid, a challenge, or dare?” Luis sounded from the other side almost immediately, not needing to think, only to respond to Fox’s words… His headache became medium-level. He added almost right after speaking, “Wait. Did you say Chief Secretary of Security?”

  “Yes, and it’s a dare. I will do this fast, but let’s see how it would go with your help… Right, isn’t Terka’s integration within your dreams? So, better act swiftly, respected President.” Fox nodded, watching Esmeralda and Nala talk below the tree. This was far from Fox’s limits.

  “I… ugh… You’ve given too much power to an officer, who might take your role of commanding the army after your return.” Luis complained. Fox shrugged, watching the two women’s talk intensify a bit. “The Lymocan forces are for the Lys. As soon as he gives a quirky order, it will be the second-in-command to put bullets through his body. All soldiers and officers alike know it.”

  “I… guess you’re right.” Luis looked at the person before him, wearing a helpless expression. Fox then heard what made his eyebrows go up for a bit, “Would you like to speak to Vanessa?”

  “She’s there with you?” Fox asked. On the other end of the call, Vanessa widened her eyes, lifted her eyebrows, and leaned over a bit. “Can I? It’s your call, president. I shouldn’t bother you and the Senior Minister from something important.”

  Luis rolled his eyes a bit. Who couldn’t hear the pride and gladness between her words and the opportunity to talk with Fox this way? From an ‘intimate’ call with Luis, to one where Luis passed the phone to her so they could talk. It seemed like nothing, but it mattered so much…

  Even Fox smiled a bit when hearing Vanessa’s words. His previous, small frown from not being able to hear what Nala and Esmeralda were discussing went away. His senses were always this good, after all.

  “Fox?” A woman’s voice sounded from the other side, vastly different from Luis’s. It was concerned, yet glad. Loud and clear, yet soft. Fox just felt warmth when hearing it. He answered, his voice low and his eyelids relaxed low, “Vanessa? Hello. I see you’re busy working now.”

  “You seem to be busy, too.” Vanessa smiled a bit. Luis looked around, seeing the few people taking their high-end, small cameras to take pictures of them. He ignored them, not even given them a second glance.

  “How have you been, Fox?” Vanessa asked, her voice sounding a little sweet, but still from the Supreme Justice Minister. Fox replied, no doubt. “It’s starting. Everything is getting ready. Oh, I’m planning to engrave the names of the workers in Terka’s territory’s new capital. I won’t just pay them money and lodging.”

  “I see.” Vanessa nodded gracefully, even though Fox couldn’t see. Fox added, feeling like he couldn’t stop telling her things. “I am comfortable with Nala here. Everything is peaceful, so far. The palace is a visual, too. It… might be good to come and take a look. All Ly palaces were destroyed by the Leaftree back then, so checking this one would be a remembrance to the past.”

  “I would like that, Fox.” Vanessa smiled from ear to ear, thinly. She added, jumping her eyebrows for a moment, “I heard it was rebuilt with the previous images and infrastructure known in the rulership of the Lylaco Empire’s palaces. Maybe I’ll check in one month from now. I still have to see what your… President has to say, offer, and guarantee.”

  “Ah, yes. That man will not give me to you, so don’t waste your breath unless you want to break some ice… or tension. I trust you will be fine— facing each other?” Said Fox. Vanessa nodded gracefully again before lifting her eyes to Luis, speaking in an elegant tone, “Working together is tough. But for… certain matters, I will remain patient.”

  Luis cordially nodded, letting them continue speaking. At this moment, Fox made a slight pause, which Vanessa didn’t mind, before Fox scratched the back of his head and went, “I was planning to contact you later, but since you were in a meeting with Luis… I and Nala are looking for a place to stay. And live. You know… for the future.”

  “Mmhm,” Vanessa became engrossed after the initial slight frown and wonderment on her face. Fox elaborated, “I am looking for a nice place near Proteros City to build a mansion, and another for the city, business-related.”

  “I understand.” Vanessa nodded and narrowed her eyes.

  “Alright. I’ll show you around when you do come. If there’s anything you like, maybe tell me. There could be a good thing coming from it.” Fox said, making Vanessa nod with a light hum, much like… a mother’s.

  “Very well. Take care, Fox. I… if it isn’t too much, and unwelcome, bring my greetings to Nala, too. I’d… maybe I’d like to meet her someday.” Vanessa said before bidding farewell to Fox with simple, smiling ‘bye byes’. She gave the phone back to Luis and looked at the President in gratitude.

  “How is it going with my daughter? Is she doing great?” Luis asked as soon as he got his phone back. He seemed jealous of hearing them bullshit, wanting to hear from his daughter at last.

  Fox narrowed his eyes, listening to the extra layer of something under the worry in Luis’s tone. “Yeah, she’s more than fine. We’ve barely started, but she’s moving everything I planned before the first week ends. Rather, I have thought of some things, President.”

  “What is it?” Luis’s voice became strangely sharp. Fox smiled for a bit before relaxing his lips, watching Nala return, with Esmeralda having just talked with her with what looked like a resolution. “I’m not talking about Vanessa, so don’t mistake me, and don’t even think about it. But, man… you need a wifey.”

  “…” Luis was baffled. After those words, Fox suddenly hung up! Trying to recompose himself, he looked at Vanessa and pressed his lips into a smile with a slight nod. “Should we order? This kid is going to be only more troublesome, so let’s not bother with him anymore. It will be a pleasure to be patient with you, Supreme Justice Minister.”

  Seeing Luis’s serious trait through his smile, Vanessa politely smiled thinly and spoke. “I repeat those words to you, President. I am also rooting for you to find a ‘wifey’.”

  “…” Luis looked at his phone and stored it in his pocket, slowly returning his gaze to Vanessa to smile in an attempt to hide his embarrassment. Vanessa added, picking an eyeing the menu, “It seems the President has really grown. This is a surprise, since you were already quite the role model. Let’s cheer with a good buffet to our cooperation. I suddenly feel in a good mood. Hmm~, let me see, ooh~…”

  …