15

Chapter 15

Central Plaza, Cornell Academy, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, Year 2050, Planet: Grimoire

Well, this entire conversation was taking an unpleasant turn. Officer Brinton watched all of them with uneasiness. The last thing any of them needed was to get into a fight over some personal quibble that had nothing to do with the current situation.

Director Moline sighed. "There hasn't been one in twenty years, who has lived to adulthood without serious side effects." He folded his arms. "It is ironic, the one I can think of, was the mother of the Payne and Frost children." He shrugged with an irritated scowl.

The others remained silent because they were also unable to come up with viable solutions.

Brinton wondered just where Moline was going with this topic that was so clearly going in an unwarranted direction. However, he wasn't able to really figure out a good way to stop the fight that was boiling under the surface.

Director Moline finally made the point he was getting at in a roundabout fashion. "Unfortunately, no one knew where she'd disappeared after graduation." He scowled as he threw his hands into the air in frustration. "Well, except for Lamberton's younger brother." Moline glowered at Lamberton who gave him a bland stare.

Brinton shook his head in aggravation. Yup, he obviously had a bone to pick with Lamberton. Why now when they were in a state of emergency did, he has to do this?

Even Darmono was shaking his head in disgust at the timing. Not only that but he glanced at his watch in weariness.

All of them were in desperate need of sleep. This was so not the time to start fights. Brinton inwardly fumed but had to wait for Lamberton to give his input as well. That way they could move on to the next topic at hand. Which was to find a suitable candidate who could unravel spells that targeted coercion and the like.

Lamberton was silent for exactly two minutes as he clearly attempted to contain his fury over the snide remark that was clearly aimed at setting off his temper.

At last, he did respond, but with clearly no intention of having a temper tantrum that Moline desired to have him do.

Brinton gave him credit for having more common sense than the typically cool-headed Director. Something must've happened to irritate Moline. That was a discussion for another day. Not right now though. Brinton was in agreement with what Lamberton finally told all of them.

Lamberton was glaring at Director Moline and icy rage froze all of them in place when he rattled off. "Off-topic and unnecessary provocation right now."

Brinton flinched when he heard why Lamberton was so furious.

"Be glad I'm willing to house the bunch of them, considering it is their mother who got my brother killed." Lamberton retorted coldly. "Besides, while he did father Tinroy and the eldest three, she wasn't their mother."

That shut everyone, especially Moline, into silence, and he sighed. "Right, so why did we think of her?" He shook his head wearily. "I'm so confused right now that I just went off the deep end."

That didn't make sense to Brinton.

"Her specialty, you idiot." Lamberton snapped. "She was an unraveller of impressive success rate."

That's right, Brinton recalled, Davina Glasson's specialty had been unraveling all kinds of nasty types of compulsion, coercion, and brainwashing as well. There hadn't been another one like her in all this time.

"Ah, so that is why she was referenced." Moline closed his eyes and sighed. "Honestly? I've been having nightmares about that night when I first came across Tinroy and his siblings." He shook his head wearily. "I'm beginning to wonder if this isn't a warning that we're going to come across another scene of devastation and gore."

They all exchanged worried glances. The fact that none of Davina's known offspring had that same specialization had come as something of a disappointment.

"Well, it is a rare skill after all." Commander Darmono shrugged. "I think we should be happy that they're alive still."

They all grimaced in recollection of what they'd learned about the eight offspring. Children no more, they were full-grown and planning to return to Fountain Grove to visit their youngest siblings who were now ten or so years of age.

"That reminds me. There was an unscheduled inspection yesterday afternoon," Commander Darmono recalled. "All the items inspected, ranked, and graded were immediately removed. However, no one was informed of the location where they were transported." He regarded the others who listened intently. "I confess, I'm a bit worried over the secrecy."

Brinton remembered what happened. "I was informed of that going to happen beforehand." He tapped his fingers on his desk. "I believe it was in reaction to hearing rumors of sabotage that were leaked."

Brinton hesitated. "Again, I think that one of the siblings said something to someone and it sparked a ripple effect."

Darmono shrugged. "I don't care so long as the other items are put in a safe place and that nothing really important was destroyed." He folded his arms.

Lamberton shrugged. The direction held up his hands. "I have nothing to do with it."

Hmm, Brinton eyed them all cautiously. "Is that so." That was an awkward topic to bring up, especially after the sniping that took place earlier.

"So, you were saying?" Lamberton prompted Brinton with a lifted eyebrow.

Right, so that meant they were going to behave now? Brinton was relieved. "Ah, yes, that was requested by an independent committee. They were the ones who conducted the inspection, and subsequent ranking and grading." He eyed the commander and Lamberton with some wariness since he didn't know how they'd react to what he was going to say next. "I'm pleased to report that Mr. Compton and Miss Reynolds were the ones who made sure that no theft occurred once the items were safely secured."

There was a loud sigh of relief.

"The only bad news is that it was the newcomers who were targeted," Brinton knew that was going to crush many youngsters who were barely hanging in there because of all the strict requirements. "So mainly it was the freshmen and sophomores whose items weren't saved." He shook his head in disgust at the favoritism that was evidenced.