The Industrialist

Chapter 71: Vicious Circle

That night. Underground Rebel Camps. Southern Wall.

***

Joe was rather ecstatic about another opportunity to farm. His Zelkian farming was growing, almost doubled its capacity for over three months.

"Plant nursery, boss? Is it possible?" Joe said as Lance disclosed his Aiveez farming plans within the camp.

"Yes. It needed space and I will be transferring to Hypervista," Lance said.

"Wow. Mid-classer now!" Joe tapped Lance’s shoulder. "You have grown fast, boss! Don’t forget to invite me for a meal, eh?"

Then the rebel turned back to his farming. Joe used his metallic gloves to pick one Rattus from the cage to feed them to Zelkains. Without the gloves, they would gnaw one’s hand.

Lance had decided to increase Joe’s compensation from 100 units to 200 units per month. The fair exchange provided a win-win situation and Joe accepted without further dispute.

The Rebel camps continued with their Rattus harvest inside the confines of the tunnel. Also, the farm doubled its demand for food supply. Thus, the rebel members would garner 200 units total of captured Rattus on average per month.

He had been inside the Rebel camps countless times and the members treated him fairly like a full-blooded rebel, a Truthseeker as what they called themselves. However, he had no idea about the Rebel activities or their schemes against the Government.

"George, do you happen to know their plans within the walls?" He asked. They stood right before the array of metallic caged farm Zelkians and were entertained by how Joe deftly held the Rattus for the Zelkians to feed. At first glance, the scene would churn stomachs. Despite of, Lance tried feeding Zelkians too, and what happened was rather embarrassing.

The Rattus creature wriggled and managed to free itself from the kid’s grasp.

"Not really. Damian knows much about the activities. But I heard the soldiers about infiltrating another robotic police manufacturing industry in SteamHaven."

"Infiltration? That’s dangerous." Lance said.

"You know them. Jefferson wanted to weaken the police force through these attacks. I don’t know if it’s effective but the soldiers believed so," George responded.

"I have heard stories that the Corporation is planning big." George continued. "Large sum of Government money was allocated in Weaponry Manufacturing. Jefferson has been anticipating the location of that weapon. He is afraid that it is for mass destruction."

"Here in the City? It can’t be?" Lance asked.

"Not within the walls, but for the Outsiders."

"The Outsiders are no threat to them. Why would they do that?"

"I don’t know. Ask Jefferson. All I know is the Government is preparing for an all-out sweep of all Outsiders, citizens that are unregistered by Axe Central."

"Well, I have a lot of things to talk about to Jefferson. I too, feel something is going on big in the high ranks." Lance said.

***

Jefferson called for a council meeting. Lance had suggested that they should be involved too in any business meeting, especially involving rebel members. Jefferson was a good leader. To lessen his stress from leadership, he somehow delegated the decision-making to the Rebel Council, especially if matters not pertaining to military schemes.

"Thank you, council for your presence. This meeting calls for a Council’s decision and Lance had been a great contributor to our cause." Jefferson announced.

"How much is the rent?" Lance asked

"200 units for the Zelkian, and your nursery also at 200 units. That’s 400 units in total per month." The councilwoman said.

"Done. Sounds fair to me," Lance said. "Well, I am here to open another opportunity for us, for the cause. If you want to oblige."

"What is that?" Jefferson asked.

"Chopped food wastes. Homestead Green wanted a supply of chopped food waste as they used it in farming. Maybe our members can accommodate the collection and I will handle the delivery and trading."

Smiles streaked onto their expressions. They were rather enthusiastic when they smelled money.

"How much would be per weight?" Jefferson asked.

"According to my source, she purchased them for 4 units per kilogram. But we can offer it to 2 units per kilo just to appease their budget constraints."

"What is their expected volume?" One councilman asked.

"They have an existing supplier and she can squeeze me of about 1000 kilograms per month. That’s a gross profit of 2000 units. I can offer 50-50 for our monthly transaction. I will handle the delivery fees and the rebel members, my comrades, will handle the collection."

There were curt nods between the councilmen and some indistinct whispers and conversations. They tend to talk more to themselves than to decide what they need.

"It’s a fair price." The old councilman finally said after a few minutes. "We have decided that we can go with the transaction. I will have the men collect the food waste in Commoner sectors."

They had an agreement. After that, they had minute conversations that Lance had little stake in it. They ended the meeting but after everyone dispersed, Lance opened something.

"Do you all know about ’The Circle’?" Lance asked and it halted everyone.

"How did you know about them?" Jefferson asked.

"I heard from someone else."

"The Circle." Jefferson hesitated. "We call them the Vicious Circle. They are the ones responsible for everything happening in Axe Central City. They are the reason why the Rebellion should fight even further."

"Who are these people?"

"I think he needs to know," the oldest councilman spoke.

"Ok, Lance." Jefferson continued. "We are not certain of anything yet but we heard this from your father. These are the people responsible for why Erik joined the rebellion. Levi Menks is one of them, probably the leader of the Circle. Then there’s Governor Lassiter, then Chester Leric, Secretary of CBD.

The members of the Awards Committee, of course and some Government officials that we are trying to identify."

’Jaqi’s father is one of them!’ Lance cursed inwardly.

"Something wrong, kid?" Jefferson asked.

"Then what is our next move?" Lance asked. He was more inclined now to join the cause, to be more participative in their endeavors. His blood boiled hearing his name - Levi Menks.