Caleb and Lololoshka (Dave)

“Are you kidding me?” Caleb spun around. “Your people from the Radiance have sabotaged the system. Void is going crazy. My career, Kate’s safety, and your head are at risk!” Dave didn’t move, only bowed his head slightly. The Raya module glowed blue on his wrist. “You’re silent?” Caleb came close, leaning against the table. A grin twisted his pale face. “Of course. Dave never says anything unnecessary. Dave just does it. Builds garden beds, smuggles contraband, destroys the Empire. But if Void gets to the bottom of it, I won’t jump under fire. I’ll give you up first.” The Commissioner slowly raised his hand. Caleb instinctively jerked back, but Dave merely adjusted the frame of his glasses and then pointed a finger at the projector. The status of an incoming cipher was blinking on it. Caleb exhaled, swiping away the notification. The tension gave way to a debilitating weariness. The cynical manipulator was gone, leaving only an exhausted man who had been playing a double game for too long. “Okay,” Caleb said quietly, moving to the window. “There’s a shift change at Checkpoint 4 tomorrow at three o’clock. I’ll personally sign the invoices for the medical units. There’s pure concentrate for filters in there. Your rebels will take it.” Dave stood up. His movements were smooth. He walked up to Caleb and briefly placed his hand on his shoulder. A brief gesture of support. Words were absent, but the Secretary understood everything. “Go away, Dave,” Caleb muttered without turning around. “We’ll both pay too dearly for this mistake.” The Commissioner turned and left silently.