Locked Away

]

Mas Amedda did not look happy. Then again he never did look happy, and Locke thought that must have been by design. Avoiding speaking to someone guff was a good way to keep people from speaking to you at all, and with hundreds of Senators at any given time wanting to speak…well a hard exterior only made good sense. Mas had called Locke’s name it was finally his turn to present his data regarding the donations from Cantonica. Locke took his time getting up, as two very lovely were showing him attention and had this not all been for show he would never have left their side for something as mundane as intergalactic politics. “Yes?” He acted as if he had no idea why he had just been called to speak.

“Do you have the data you promised for review?” Amedda was not tricked into showing annoyance.

“I do.” Locke transmitted the file Halycon had provided earlier. He knew it was fake, he expected Amedda knew it as well too. “And if anyone else would like to review…”

“That’s not necessary.” Amedda cut him off, and Locke noticed his microphone was muted, his pod retracting back to its official position. “An independent audit has already been performed, and similar audits will be conducted for ALL Senate-represented worlds. To ensure data integrity, future reportings will be direct and confidential. This should bring an end to wasted time over improper financial affairs, and allow all to resume our more important duties.”

A quick smattering of applause echoed throughout the Senate chamber, and it began to swell as more Senators found reason to like this new measure, or at least appear to like it. Locke saw it for exactly what it was, obfuscation and control. He thought learning how to understand the politics of it all was going to be more complex than this. It all came down to who could talk a good game, spin the best story and get public backing. Though unintentional, Locke had been used to cover up information, rather important information, and instead of demanding transparency, everyone seemed to cheer this new dictate as a good thing.

Locke knew then what he had to do. He raised his glass to Amedda and offered a quick wink. The blue-skinned Chagrian didn’t respond in any way, the consummate politician and tactician in every way. Locke played his part, Mas played his.

] [

Locke Fluzhi sat at his desk and read the report. It consisted of three lines.

| Subject investigated
| Zero data available
| No fee

It had come from Locke’s newest unofficial employee, Kube. The newcomer had promised the world, but all Locke wanted was some dirt, or background on Archduchess Lori Halcyon. Kube had been unable to find anything Locke didn’t already know. At least he didn’t have to pay this time.

Locke had hit a solid wall, and when that happened there was usually only one thing to do. “Let’s go drinking.” He suggested to the two women who had served as eye-candy in the senate. They didn’t looked thrilled to be going out again. “I’m buying.” That got their attention and smiles. Always did.