2 Months ago, “Lebensbierhalle” on the outskirts of Zuberg
“I’m telling you, it’s a verdammter joke” he said slamming his mug on the table, spilling some beer. You know his type. Spending every second night at the police station for drinking and yelling a few too much insults about the Duke, government and mothers of everyone there, sometimes for getting in a fight with some minority. Dreaming about ‘brighter’ future of his beloved nation. Kuba Salsschatz was exactly this type of person. You knew from the moment you saw him, not to get into talks with him. Especially politics. Especially when he’s drunk.
“That damned Duke does nothing right!”
“Or nothing at all” said with a smirk one of many others drunk in this god-forsaken bar. Many laughed.
“You are laughing! But he IS right!” remarked Kuba. “First those furry creatures come here, and he did nothing! Then they wanted equal rights, and he did nothing!”
“Not true, he gave it to them.”
“Even worse! Everybody in the region is gearing up, and Duke does nothing! And now, it’s been a year since someone murdered our Prime minister, and what does he do?”
“Nothing!” exclaimed a few of them. Then they laughed. Not with happiness but ridiculousness, even though noone knew who they are laughing at. Maybe even themselves.
“Let me tell you, if I was Duke…”
“…everything would be better, wouldn’t it? Now, just what would you do, what would it take to make you sit in his throne?” said a voice from behind him. When Kuba turned, ready to yell and probably hit the one who dared to interrupt him, he saw a middle-aged person in nicely-fitted suit.
“What you lookin’ here for, fancy guy?”
“Nothing, except maybe for a drink, and finding a way to help you.” said their new guest, while taking a seat.
“Believe me or not, there are people who would like a change in government. Hell, most of us want it right now. But I can - anybody cared for a cigarette? No? Anyway, I can arrange that YOU will be that change. And the people I’m working for would like that.”
“Yeah? Like who?”
‘Fancy guy’ released smoke, and placed his lighter on the table. On an engraved “S” there was a flickering flame from the candles.
“What’s Serenitech business in that? You are the reason, why our military is so weak.”
“What Serenitech, what are you talking about?” he said winking. “Can we go outside for a moment?” he said already standing up. Kuba followed him. “We made an offer to the Duke and he took it. Believe me or not, if we have not sold it to him, your army would be in worse shape then it is. It’s not our fault he completely stopped financing army.”
“So what do you want from me?”
“You look like someone who would gladly repay us with some lucrative deals, and terrains. Of course public would only see that as a payment for armaments that we provide to your government, all brand new. And until you seize power… Well, let’s just say we have some weapons, not made by us, or ones that you cannot track back to us. It would be terrible if they somehow fell of the truck, and into hands of an individuals like you, wouldn’t it?” he said smiling.
“Like what?”
“What are you leaning on?”
“It’s… Is this a tank?”
“Acutally it’s a highly mobile armored car with a cannon, that makes you think about the complexes that some of the Alleghenian engineers have. Yes, it was made there. That is enough to make sure you know you can relate on it. Take it as a gift.”
“But one armored car is not enough to overthrow the government!”
“Ah, but we have more. Unfotunately we cannot give it out left and right. We must see that you are worthy of our time. You can find a lot people who would agree with you in these grim times” 'Grim ‘cause we are helping scum like this’ he added in his thoughts. Better to leave it there. “Start a party. Gather the people. And when the time is right, I’ll contact you.”
“Oh, I almost forgot. Keys.” he threw them to Kuba, who was still standing voiceless. “Nice talking with you” ‘Fancy guy’ strutted away. A small smile on his face. The bait is laid. The only thing now to do is wait.