Page 31 of Dark Gambit Reliance

"What about that super-secret project you've been pushing forward? Are you done with that?"

"It's done." Kalugal smiled like a Cheshire Cat. "Have you heard about the new social media phenomenon that’s sweeping over the world's teenagers?"

"Instatock? No way, it's yours?"

"It is."

"Wow." Kian leaned back. "I'm impressed. Cheryl is obsessed with it, but as far as I know, it's not monetized yet. What do you plan to do with it?"

"Take over the world." Kalugal puffed out a plume of smoke. "I'm not in a rush, though. For now, the app is just collecting information and subtly manipulating those youngsters' opinions to nudge them in the direction I choose, but soon, I'll start monetizing it by launching an advertising platform. After that, I'll launch a slew of games that will require tokens to play, which will bring in even more money, and when those teenagers grow up, their information will grow more valuable with them." He smiled. "Information, influence, and money equal power. You can never have enough of any."

That was absolutely brilliant and terrifying. Why was Kalugal telling him about it? Just to boast?

"You scare me, cousin."

"You have nothing to worry about. My intentions are to do good for humanity." Kalugal let out a sigh. "You must be wondering why I’m sharing this with you."

"I am."

"It's Jacki's fault. She managed to convince me that no one should hold so much power and that it would corrupt me. In her words, absolute power corrupts absolutely."

"Actually, the quote is attributed to Lord Acton, a nineteenth-century English historian."

"I didn't know that." Kalugal took another puff of his cigar. "I tried to convince her that my intentions were good and that I was only doing it for the betterment of humanity." He smiled. "And for a profit, of course. But she wouldn't budge. Her suggestion was to nominate Annani, you, and your council as a supervising board to ensure I don't run amok with it. Naturally, I want an equal number of board members to be my people, starting with myself, Jacki, Rufsur, and Phinas. I don't want you and yours to have all the power. The money goes to me, though."

"That's fair. Thank the Fates for Jacki and her wisdom, and thank you for listening to her. Having checks and balances on power is crucial. It reminds me that I need to call a council meeting and update them about the new developments with the Kra-ell."

Kalugal smirked. "You keep forgetting to meet with your council. Maybe you need someone monitoring you as well."

22

MARCEL

"Goodnight." Roxana hugged Sofia. "Will I see you tomorrow at class?"

"I'm not sure." Sofia looked at Marcel. "I might be needed for that special project I can't talk about."

Roxana pouted. "There are only four days left in the retreat."

"I know." Sofia sighed. "I'll have to visit you in Washington."

The woman's face brightened. "That would be awesome. And if you are still with this scoundrel, bring him along."

"I will."

"Thank you for the roundabout invitation." Marcel offered the woman his hand.

"Nothing roundabout about it. You are invited." She pulled him into her arms, squashing him against her ample bosom. "I'm counting on you to bring Sofia to me. A friendship like this doesn't happen often." She wiped a tear from her eye and waved them off. "Just go before I start crying."

Sofia hesitated, but when Roxana walked back into her room and closed the door, she let out a breath and took Marcel's hand. "She's right. We did form a great friendship in a very short time."

"Maybe it's the affinity at work." He led her toward the back door of the lodge.

"Do you really think so?"

He shrugged. "Who knows? If her talent was real, I would be more inclined to believe that she might be a Dormant, but she might just be likable."

"She is." Sofia leaned her head against his shoulder. "I'm so tired. Do you have a bathtub in your bungalow? I could use a long soak."

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