The Silver Bullet Reloaded [Ranka]

[Ranka]

''You're right.'' Ranka answered almost immediately.

''I wanted you to know so you'd understand Isafaro's actions in the future.'' He said, half reminiscing about the little coup he had staged at Sparda's behest back in Domino city where he had forced the knight to save a number of innocent bystanders from a carefully calculated explosion he had set up himself. ''I also want you to be the correspondence between the nation and Hallowton. As regent of the Queen it will allow us to communicate openly without attracting any attention - I'd like you to be my eyes and ears in the court - and I'm hoping this will eventually facilitate in negotiating a political alliance between our countries.'' He explained matter-of-factly, reaching for the bottle as he neared the bottom of his own scotch.

''Once that happens, I want to bring you back at my side.''

[Sparda]

A liaison? Sparda had to admit the plan was sound. However long it would take, having the incredible might of Isafaro on their side - with Ranka at its helm - would help bring a lasting peace to Jherra. But the task wouldn't be easy by any stretch of the imagination.

"You'll have to rebuild from the ground up," Sparda countered. "Isafaro as it is now is rife with corruption. Purging its military and law enforcement will be incredibly difficult."

He sipped his scotch. "But if anyone I know can do it, it's you. I'm with you every step of the way. I only wonder how I'll get Her Majesty to trust my judgement on the matter when Isafaro gutted her city and killed her mother not too long ago."

[Ranka]

Ranka nodded at his friend's comment.

''Isafaro will have to prove itself and try to repair the damaged caused by my predecessor.''

The car passed a security checkpoint before entering a private tunnel leading into the heart of the central district of the city. The crimson glow of the subterranean lights strobed into the cabin before a soft fluorescent glow emerged from the edges of the floor, allowing the two to still see each other without any discomfort.

''Knowing Hallowton's track-record, I'm certain opportunity will rise in the near future.'' He continued before also sipping from his glass. Noticing Sparda nearing the end of his drink, he extended an arm to the bar, inviting the Dark Knight to serve himself anything he wanted from the selection.

The car quickly made it past the tunnel and was greeted by the view of the central tower. Ranka took a moment to look at it. Vulture's old fortress, and Isafaro's seat of government. He hadn't had much opportunity to see it in a manner that didn't warrant him to obsess over it's blueprints and defensive layout. Now that he looked on it, he could sense the appeal it had held in it's former master. There was something imposing and theatrical about the structure, almost like a visceral sense of vertigo even as one looked at it on the distinct Isafaro skyline. It was beautiful.

The view was quickly blocked as the car slowed beneath it and into a parking lot. Ranka was the first to get out of the vehicle, still holding his glass in hand as he directed Sparda to a near elevator.