[b]Babylon - Capitol District - Congressional Hall[/b] 
----

The seating arrangement in the Congressional Hall wrapped around a small main stage in two semi-circles that expanded outward in waves. Divided straight down the middle sat BESC and CGB politicians in their own designated chairs, nearly filling up the entire lower level seating chart. Had this been a more ceremonious occasion, the president and his cabinet would also be in attendance on the upper balcony suite. Unfortunately for Illugia, this was not one of those days. 

BESC Representative Illugia Faux strutted fitfully onto the podium. He rose a hand to shield his eyes from the flash photography bombarding him from press row. Recorder drones clicked and whined, sputtering around the rotund politician, broadcasting his irritably flushed demeanor to millions of viewers across the globe. The overhead spotlights beamed down on him like a police unit tracking a suspect. Beads of sweat began to paste his already shiny forehead. For a moment he thought his hearing had gone, until he realized that the entire auditorium had been dead quiet. 

"Ahem..." He cleared his throat and shamelessly blew into a handkerchief until his nasal passage unclogged. Illugia made sure not to wipe his own sweaty forehead with the snot-drenched cloth and carefully folded it back into his pocket. "On behalf of the President, BESC prime delegates, ROC Intermediaries, and CGB politicians, I, Illugia Faux, offer my sincerest apologies to the people of Outremer. As a representative of the people, I have failed you..." Illugia's balding skull stared off into space as if searching for a miracle, or divine intervention; anything that would grant respite from this unbearable moment that would likely haunt him for the rest of his life. When nothing came, Illugia quietly sighed. 

The reports and accusations filed by CGB Politician Robert Kruschev Sinclaire and his oversight committee, are undoubtedly correct. Yes, I cosigned the order of approval for biohazard experimentation on Tindrel communities from unregistered Corporations for profit. " Recorder drones honed in. Press row erupted in flashes. Murmurs, melodramatic gasps, and whispers cluttered the auditorium. "Further information regarding the misappropriation of charitable donations are also correct. Yes, I knowingly partook in reallocating funds from charitable foundations that have supported my candidacy into activities which I will not state in a public forum."

The mob grew restless. Despite Illugia's attempt to speak louder into the microphone, the chatter would not let up. "I must express my utmost regret for how I have misrepresented the President and his Cabinet Staff, but most especially, you, the people of Outremer. My role was to give you a voice, but instead, I used it for my own selfish gain and hurt so many people in the process. Therefore, I hereby resign as BESC Representative and await a public trial with the high courts for the crimes I have committed." 

Illugia searched for pity in this crowd of esteemed cohorts, but found only hellfire in a den of dragons. The entire left side of the auditorium was clamoring out of their chairs. Fists were raised, scowls and expletives were shared, and they all were aimed directly at him. The right side, the BESC side, remained as statuesque as fear-ridden greeks staring into the face of Medusa. The deed was done. Career suicide, accomplished. BESC Security Officers reared toward Mr. Faux and escorted him off stage. He took one last look into the crowd before he disappeared into the side exit. He searched and searched, canvassing out the sea of scowling faces, but Illugia couldn't find the one he was looking for. 

"So the fucking bastard didn't even have the decency to show up, eh?" The BESC officers shoved him through the side exit and into a small corridor, locking the doors behind them.

"Looking for someone?" The slightest tinge of a southern drawl frolicked into Illugia's ear like a cursed spell. Robert Kruschev Sinclaire stood in a well-tailored suit like he always did, flashing that charming smile that blurred the line between mischief and genuine sincerity. Illugia's face turned bright red.

"Are you happy you smug piece of shit!?"He spat on the ground in front of Robert. The BESC security officers grabbed Illugia by the shoulders, but Robert raised his hands in Faux's defense. 

"Now, now, boys. Represe-" Robert rolled his eyes and clicked his tongue, mockingly chiding himself. "My apologies. [i]Former[/i] Representative Faux means no harm. He is clearly distraught from the gut-wrenching testimonial he just confessed to the entire world. I do applaud you, fine sir, for your stalwart bravery." The condescending tone in Robert's voice was ice cold, and the echoing claps of his fake applause burned something fierce in Illugia. 

"You're pathetic." Illugia grumbled. "You think this'll put you in high favor with the cabinet? You and your CGBs are piss-ants. You've got a glass ceiling over your heads and you're dumber than the Tindrels I embezzled from if you think you can gain any leverage from this. The BESC won't vouch for bipartisanship. Its sad really. You poor bastards are just wasting time and energy. "

"Oh, but I'm not..." Robert walked forward until he was face-to-face with the man, careful not to step in Illugia's spit. "Did you ever stop and think about how I had access to all of those juicy details I blackmailed you with?" Illugia grew silent. "I'm not talking about the hogwash you just spilled out there. I'm talking about the devil in the details. The stuff they'll sweep under the rug at your trial for lack of "evidence", which just so happens to be in my possession. The mutilations. The lewd sex traffick rings with unregistered immigrants. The President's-" Illugia yelled at the top of his lungs, desperately screaming out: "LIARRRR!" to drown out the rest of Sinclaire's words. The BESC Officers said nothing, but Robert could see the fire in their eyes. He turned to Illugia and stared him down with a fierceness that Faux had never seen before.

"The consequence for your wrongful doings in this world is at the mercy of my leniency." Robert reared in closer, his oaken brown eyes piercing into Illugia's shattered exterior. The man had the look of a defeated prizefighter, but Robert wasn't pulling any punches. For the past eight months he had worked to get to this moment. The trap was set long ago, and it was only a matter of time before Illugia had no choice but to off himself in it. It was the better alternative, opposed to facing more serious allegations that he went through painstakingly great lengths to keep secret. "You should know that your own compatriots played their part in priming your guillotine. I was merely the appointed executioner." 

Illugia winced at the thought of betrayal. Such an act of deception from the very loyal constituents he had broken bread with for over twenty years was unfathomable. It was frightening to think that one man could do so much damage in so little time. 

"You think I'm the only one that has blood on my hands? You think I'm the only one that's done wrong?!?"

Robert laughed affectionately, like a parent would to a temperamental child. "Did you really think all of this was just to get to [i]you[/i]?" He addressed the question as if gravely insulted.

"Why then?! Why'd you target me you son of a bitch!? You think you're some kind of fucking hero or something?!" The exit doors began to jostle, followed by loud bangs and the sound of a bloodthirsty mob shouting for the former BESC Representative. 

"Sorry Sir, we've gotta go." One of the officers said. 

The BESC officers immediately grabbed Mr. Faux and pulled him past Robert. Just as he did, Mr. Sinclaire whispered his answer. There was no menace behind it. No searing rage, or even mild contempt. All that Illugia could read was a nonchalant indifference which perhaps made it all the more terrifying: 

"I'm no hero. You were just in the way."

[url=http://youtu.be/plYCyRVGNVo]Cue Robert Kruschev Sinclaire's Theme Song![/url]