The Liberal Assassin

As expected, the stock market crashed when Luna's wealthiest man pulled out from the monoliths. Protests were heard and the city was overrun by chaos. Many Inner City citizens went credit bankrupt and were ousted into the Slums without warning.

Khronos grimaced at the live newsfeed reporting from all over the city.

"Well, this is going to shock them even more," he grumbled while preparing for the main event.

I agreed. Khronos sat up straight and leaned forward when the interview appeared on screen.

"Good day everyone, this is Io Campbell from Luna Times here with Felix Riggs. Yesterday, Mr Riggs pulled out from monoliths such as Bluetonium Research, Centurion Developments and even Luna Cryonics, causing a huge market crash. We now interview him to find out the reason for his sudden decision."

Felix adjusted his pompadour and thanked Io. "To answer your question, it was also an unexpected decision on my part. I came across some shocking rumours about the underground activities of these monoliths and decided to pull out on them as it went against my beliefs."

Io adjusted the glasses on her nose and nodded. "Could you tell us what you mean by that? These monoliths are stable for so many years, why the sudden change?"

Felix frowned. "For many years, these monoliths have affiliations with the Parliament. That's no secret. However, news so bizarre that I couldn't ignore reached my ears yesterday even if they were merely rumours. The Parliament is doing something unimaginable and I always believe that where there is smoke, there is fire."

Io leaned in closer, suddenly serious. "Could you enlighten us? What is it that they have done that resulted in such a drastic decision on your part?"

Felix hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting from Io to the camera before he dropped the bomb.

"Human experimentations."

Silence swept across the interview venue and Io did a great job of looking dumbfounded.

"I'm sorry, Mr Riggs. Do you have any idea of what you are saying? We have no grounds to believe what you say is true. It's a rather shocking thing to accuse the Parliament of doing human experimentations when you have no evidence…"

Khronos took that as a cue to disrupt signals. I did a final check on my Night Walker suit before heading out. The scientist will manage just fine. Alastair's voice could be heard just as I hit the charged orb.

It didn't take very long for me to be back out in the wonderful cold. Sable's apartment was still heavily guarded and I spotted Rush lying in wait with his boys hanging around disguised as outraged citizens.

From the communicator in my ear, I heard Nash update his status.

"Roger. Night Walker one in position."

"Runner one in position, awaiting cue."

I would have given Rush a thumbs-up if he could see me. Instead, I opted for a tap to indicate I heard it.

"Runner two in position, awaiting cue…" came Ignacio's shaky voice and I had to keep from sighing. The man was as confident as a child who'd told his first lie.

Khronos with Alastair's voice in the background came over the communicator. "All parties standby for action. Runner one and two on standby."

The silence over the communicator made the tension rise. Kevin displayed the images of Arvin's supposed location. The man was seen pacing in the living room but made no attempt to leave the safety of his hotel suite.

"Runner one and two commence operation!"

The call was so sudden that even I had to hold myself back from jumping straight into action. Rush whistled loudly and immediately the gang fell into formation. The group of five men hiding in the stairwell made their appearance to create a ruckus for the bodyguards outside Sable's house. Meanwhile, another team of men had prepared a gigantic inflatable mattress below Sable's apartment.

Rush threw snowballs at her window and I noticed how only half of them hit the target. The window opened and Sable peeked outside. Rush pointed to his hoverer and grinned cheekily, throwing her a wink that brightened her day. I was amazed by Sable's lack of fear as she jumped from the window with no hesitation. The idol either enjoyed the thrill of dying or trusted Rush too much by jumping from the fourteenth floor without hesitation.

By the time the bodyguards realised what was going on, Rush had gotten away with Sable clinging onto his waist on the backseat of the hoverer. Seeing that my job was done, I teleported to the rooftop of the hotel Arvin was in.

Stairs were a great way to travel by as nobody suspected a thing. "Kevin, show me the security around Arvin's suite."

My trusty assistant pulled out an image I could hardly believe. The walkway was clear, no human guards outside the door. Only two cameras were seen and I didn't know what to believe. I could kick down the door and shoot Arvin within two seconds. The job would be done way easier than I thought it would be.

"Khronos come in."

"Copy. What is it?"

"Could you do a thorough scan of the walkway? I don't believe what I'm seeing."

The scientist put me on hold while yelling at Alastair to go rescue Ignacio who seemed to be in a bit of a pinch with dodging Patrol Guards. Nash was still on standby as Rion made no signs of moving.

A few taps on the keyboard later, he returned to me and said it was what it looked like. "Just be careful," he added. "I feel like there is a trap somewhere."

I couldn't help but agree. Something was definitely off. Arvin was a paranoid person by nature so why would there be no one guarding him? Did he have that much confidence in Rion or did he not think that his location would be found?"

As I reached the door, I readied the laser pistol in hand. Deep breaths, Titus! It's the only way to proceed, you can apologise later.

With a powerful kick, the door came down and I dashed inside only to find it empty. Time stilled and my blood ran colder than the weather outside. Before I could get Khronos or Kevin to search the suite, I heard a familiar voice and felt an odd pressure against the back of my skull.

"Well, isn't it nice to see you again?"

I growled. "Why are you here?"

The double headed snake chuckled. "Orders are orders. As long as Sable isn't in danger, I don't care for much. Besides, there's no way you'll be able to bring down the Parliament with your petty tricks. It's time for you to end this."

There was no time to react when he slammed the side of his palm against my neck. Answering would be the furthest thing on my mind and I knew I messed up once more.

Khronos' voice faded as darkness welcomed me.