Chapter Seventeen: A Shameless Bribery in the Toll Regulatory Board

"What do you still want? The substance has successfully been transmitted to the pirates. It is more than enough for one month's use."

The person speaking is Luis Spiralhood, the incumbent Chairman of the Toll Regulatory Board, who was reluctantly conversing with his special "clientele" regarding a strictly business matter within the confines of his good office at the City Center of Planet rue Dominard. Chairman Spiralhood seems annoyed by the consistent efforts of the other party to cross the line of what has been previously agreed to, and he is now concerned with the credibility of his office being tarnished, as acts of corruption has already been effectively committed.

"We need a new route to continue this activity until we have achieved what we have set out to do."

Chairman Spiralhood was tremendously shocked by the audacity of the request, and his voice offers the hint of ridicule. 

"It is normal for the Ministry of Space to react when something wrong happens, even if it was declared an accident. The route that you wanted to do business with has been consistently being patrolled by the Space Police from the previous days, and it is expected to be under close monitoring in the days to come."

The Clientele seems not to care at all. He needed to get what he needed from the Toll Regulatory Board, and he is making sure that his request will be granted.

"Then do something about it."

The Chairman was bewildered now. "What do you want me to do? Break the law even further?"

The Clientele showed a wide grin. "If that's what it takes, surely."

Chairman Spiralhood cleared his throat. His words were mixed with disgust now. "I cannot do that."

"Who told you that you have a choice? I will inform the Dark Angel of your refusal to cooperate and you will be in serious trouble. Do you want to be investigated by the Combes Plenary for graft and corrupt practices? We can initiate the trouble, if that's what it takes."

"I have no further intention to do business with you, anymore," Chairman Spiralhood simply said. He has made sure to show his regret for getting himself involved into this situation.

"There is no way to escape the power of the Dark Angel. You know that Mr. Spiralhood."

The Chairman looks defeated. There was no possible way to escape once someone was unknowingly lured to the temptations of money, and he will need to learn this lesson in a very painful way.

"Well?" the Clientele said, who was showing signs of impatience already. "Are you willing to grant our humble request?"

"You do know that the Toll Regulatory Board has its own limitations. I cannot help you beyond to what the Board can reach."

"That has been agreed from the very beginning," the Clientele said. There was a taunting smile.

The Chairman has no other choice; he just needed to be very careful. He is now deeply soaked in the mud of the quagmire he helped created, and a viable safe escape is impossible at this point. Every action that he had taken was all incriminating by virtue of the authority of his office.

He took a deep, frustrated sigh. As long as the music is playing, he might as well dance.

"Very well," the Chairman said. "Tell me what your plans are."

x---------x

The Chapter is made possible by Adidas.