In ‘Le Veliselu’ (Unonian, translated to ‘The Ballroom’), a nightclub in the heart of the Listonian nightlife district
“I bet I could take them all out, just like that, rain down on them and all that stuff.”
The young vulpine male cocked his semi-automatic Vekaiyun VER-185 rifle, only to pause when an older fox set a hand on his shoulder. “That bandana around your head is too tight, kid. You need to calm down - the revolution has been finished for nearly one year now, and you’re one of the few who haven’t changed one bit.”
The young fox looked up at the speaker, then back at Evesuni, who was too busy smoking to really pay any sort of attention. “I’d be careful at what you say, old man. This is a new Listonia. I haven’t changed my stance because it still isn’t the way we want it.”
“And it’s immature punks like you that prevent us from moving further. You and your damned noisy org will blow the lid clean off of the nation!”
The younger fox scowled and quickly turned his gun against the older speaker. “I’ll show you a few things about blowing things clean off!”
“Salvatoro!”
The younger fox looked up and noticed Stapen Evesuni’s piercing gaze. A quick re-focus in the darkened club, illuminated by neon lights and clouded heavily with various smoke from different substances, exposed the barrel of a well-polished glock. “That’s my friend, you stupid punk. And what he says holds some merit: Sakeyuz is far too noisy for my liking. The only reason your group has some sort of power is because we siphon it off to you, so you and your boys and girls can run around like little children with father issues, holding guns that you frequently hide behind.” He watched as Salvatoro lowered his guard. “Sakeyuz is friendly with Desert Sun for the time being. Don’t mess with that, or you’ll regret it.”
The older fox looked over at Stapen, rolling his eyes. “Eh, he’s just a dumb kid. Too wrapped up in the fun of war. He’s too young to remember the real fighting, back when we were at it, Stap.”
“I know, Leon. I remember.” Evesuni puffed hard from his cigarette, looking over the balcony of the club and watching the various people down below dancing to whatever song was playing. It was well-known Evesuni and his friends would frequent night clubs from time to time, taking a break from running the country to live like normal citizens. It was relaxing, even if the techno music blasting across the speakers was enough to keep someone on edge. Then again, it could be the air in the room which calmed everyone. Listonia’s lack of drug laws were well known, and were difficult to abuse, as very few restrictions were made on them. He liked the atmosphere, though. This wasn’t a very inviting club - it was understood by those inside that many in the club had to be criminals of some type, more likely criminals abroad than in the nation itself.
“Having fun?” Leon asked as he sat down next to his friend.
“Yeah. It’s nice to finally relax again.” He sighed. “I’m too dumb to play this politics game. Wasn’t meant for it.”
“Eh, don’t be so hard on yourself. You finally avenged the death of your family by giving them their homeland back, right? They’d be proud of you to see you like this.”
The smoke crawling from Stapen’s hands shook as his friend jerked his shoulder. “I guess. I want more though.”
“What else is there?” He motion over to one of the waitresses for a round of drinks. “Listen, Stap, you need to get this off your back, you know? We aren’t frickin resistance fighters anymore - we’re world leaders. Got the weight of the world on our shoulders, you know? Instead of showing little pricks like Salvatoro how to shoot and kill someone, we’re juggling issues with that damned corridor.”
“Oh, don’t remind me of that damned thing.”
“Yeah, you know better than me. I forgot. Would ya look at this guy, eh? Says he’s too dumb but he knows everyting!”
“Look, I’m sorry, alright? What do you expect me to do? I don’t have any nation on my side anymore.”
“You’ve been fighting for so long, you forgot what it was like to kiss ass, Stap. Everyone has to do it sometime. Well, I don’t, because no one even asks me to do such things, they can expect a call back from me in the form of a bullet to their brain. But you, you’re running with the giants now. Can’t hold them at gunpoint.”
“I know that, what do you take me for?”
“You’re not listening to me, Stap. Calm down for a moment, will ya? You have to give them what they want. They want a calm, peaceful nation with a calm, peaceful, spotless leader. You’re… not even close to any of those things. But you can look it. Polish yourself up, give those stupid world leaders what they want. Make them spread and plant your lips on their cheeks. Then, bend over and let them do the same!”
“I don’t play that way.”
“Listen, you think I care how you play? That’s what it is. Bottom line. You don’t want to play, then let people like that sonofabitchin Salvatoro run things. You want that?”
Evesuni sighed. “Where’s that waitress with our drinks?” He paused. “Shoot me. Alright, I’ll think about what you said. But for now, just let me sit and not think about this for a bit.” He started to cough, slightly at first, then practically heaving as one of his guards turned around, watching him in case the situation turned worse. “I need to quit smoking,” he finally spoke, wiping his mouth.
