The Solution (2nd Edition)

Stephen

Tensions had finally evaporated. The post interview was over. It was a success and everyone in the Holding Room relaxed.

    This included Chon's AV-Holo Crew stood at the center. With glee, Sarah and Michael verbalized reassuring banter while stood behind the correspondent.

    From our peripheral viewpoint, I'd used my right palm to pat Ji-Hye and Ji-Eun's shoulders and pulled Ling into me with my left. My embrace with the beauty was joyous as always.

    We were all jubilant because, genuinely, another part of Xen's intricate plan had played out in our favor. Also, because Xen and Chon no longer seemed at loggerheads. "Xiōngdi, I'm sorry for letting your weaknesses overshadow your strengths," Chon had said quietly. He did so while hugging Xen and whispering into one of our visionary's ears. "With the scandal aside, I never should have doubted you."

    "Brother, it's okay-"

    "-No, Xen. Let me finish," Chon interjected. "Mùqīn was right. You are the political prodigy; the greatest thinker of our time; and redemption is yours. You've given this world more than I thought you ever could. So, know that I'm proud of you, and that fùqīn's spirit is eternally free. More now than ever, I am with you until all of this, ends."

    "Thank you, Chon," Xen said solemnly.

    As a spectator, the moment did make my heart skip an emotional beat. "Now brother," Xen boomed, "it is time to introduce you to the man who I believe will politically anchor The Solution from the Far East..."

    The Jong Brothers, Ling, Xen and myself knew what was coming... One of China's presidential candidates was about to enter the fold... Xen lifted a wrist and beamed out a holoscreen in front of his little brother. "...Hello Chon," Lee Mishina said with omnipotence. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. How are you coping with Xen's epic proposal?"

    "To be honest, Minister Mishina-"

    "-Please Chon, call me Lee."

    "Sorry, of c-course," Chon stammered - overwhelmed by whom he was talking to. "To be honest, Lee, it's all happened so quickly, and I haven't had time to process it all."

    "Well," Lee inhaled, "that's to be expected, no matter how professional you are. More significantly, Chon, that interview was just the beginning of your opportunity..."

    By the way Michael, Sarah and Chon all looked at one another, we all knew they were impressed. They were also lost for words.

    "Chon, for now though," the candidate concluded, "your team's work in Frankfurt is done. The Xi-Land awaits your return and you and I will meet in person, very soon. Until then, farewell."

    "Farewell," Chon said with a waving hand, his acknowledgement almost mute.

    Chon's next course of action was relatively obvious. While scowling, he'd turned to his brother and enquired. "Xen, you're not going to tell us a thing, are you?"

    "Chon, if I did," Xen responded with a grin, "what would be the fun in that?"

    "For you, no fun at all," Chon seethed.

    Once the brief silence had abated, small talk broke out between the BTV Trio and ourselves. Michael bombarded me with question after question, and they ranged from Land and Aviation Technologies, to the interconnected dreadnaught itself, Earthian Star. This was until Xen broke away and stuck his head out of the Holding Room, perhaps to mobilize his entourage and ready them to leave. "Xen, hold on a sec," Michael said, while clutching onto the visionary's shoulder. "Can I preach to you for a second?"

    "Gigantor; for you; I'll allow a minute."

    Michael cracked a geeky smile, while Ling and I observed.

    "Now Xen," he started. "I know you just went 'Back To the Future' with The Solution 'n' all, but seriously, it just doesn't work."

    "What doesn't?" Xen asked.

    "Well, the assignment numbers for a start! I mean, dude, what kinda Freighter code name is '001'? They're not secret agents! In fact, what they currently are, is abysmal!" Michael explained. "Listen, Xen, if you need some suggestions from a GGE, then shit - just say the word - but it'll cost you..."

    "A 'GGE'?" Xen said puzzlingly. "What's that? Like a step-up from 'Fanboy' or something?"

    "You damn straight," Michael acknowledged, his expression fixed and stern. "I'm a 'Geek-Guru-Extraordinaire'."

    "Okay, Mikey, okay," Xen chuckled. "So why does your creativity come at a cost, eh?"

    "Well, Mr. Secretary, if you're good at somethin', one should never do it for free."

    "Alright, I got it," Xen quipped, possibly intrigued about what Michael might suggest. "Walk with me..."

    The pair had moved out into the corridor and sauntered past the entourage of ex-militia - all of whom had stood in defensive formation. Michael and Xen were gone for approximately five minutes, then returned with smiles on their faces. Clearly, a deal had been struck. Moments later, everyone got ready to leave the Holding Room. Once at the rear exit of the Convention Center, the Jongs, Ling, myself, and Xen were pushed into a motorcade of long black hovermobiles by the entourage. As the BTV Trio entered theirs, I'd overheard conceding words from Chon. "Team, the Xi-Land awaits. It's time we headed home."

End of Chapter 13