“Dispatch. What is your code word or phrase?”
“Black Heart,” Julius said.
Julius was transferred directly to Alexei.
“Boss, it looks like Gregor has started a war with Black Iris.”
“According to my research, Gregor created a bounty on the Black Iris board but later recanted. After Gregor’s apprehension, it was discovered that Gregor hacked their site and stole vast amounts of Digibit held in escrow for other bounties. Gregor also set Nigel up again. The kid was nearly killed this time. They sent Hunter!”
Alexei said nothing for a long time.
“We need to meet with the opposition leaders and explain that Gregor is a rogue agent.”
“Already on it, Boss!”
Using covert channels, Julius was able to set up a meeting between a high-ranking member of Black Iris and The Collective. Only two members of each side were allowed. Alexei chose Julius to represent him as his second. The meeting was to take place physically on neutral ground.
“It is done. The meeting will be held on Phantom Island in two days,” Julius said.
“That will take at least a full day of travel, so we better leave soon.”
Julius immediately headed to the airport and booked the first flight to Lisbon. He met Alexei at the airport. Julius sent the secure beacon from his burner phone. Within minutes, his phone rang.
“Your car is waiting, Mr. Shcherbakov. Ensure that Breven is with you.”
“Ten-four, good buddy,” Julius said.
An unremarkable black sedan pulled up. The driver stared at Julius for a moment, then signaled for them to enter. The back of the car had tinted windows. As soon as Alexei and Julius jumped in the car, the windows polarized. They couldn’t see anything outside after that. Approximately thirty minutes later, the car pulled onto a boat and the voyage began.
“Merry Christmas, Boss.”
Alexei was not in a celebratory mood, but he acknowledged Julius's good-natured attempt at cheering him up.
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About an hour into the journey, the doors unlocked. Julius opened his side of the vehicle. He could see the ocean waves smashing the side of the vessel they were on. Smoke billowed about the deck as the wind changed positions. Soon, a large man approached them.
“Hello, I'm Captain Ramsey, captain of the Shadowstar.” He held out a large black hand. Julius shook it and made introductions on The Collective side.
“What happened to you?”
“Part of what must be discussed with our mutual friends.”
“I see.”
“Come up to my captain’s quarters. I have tea and scones waiting.”
“Lead the way.”
Captain Ramsey led them to his quarters. Alexei’s stomach growled as he smelled the scones. The captain poured three cups of tea.
“Phantom Island is about a day’s sail west,” Captain Ramsey said. “The actual location of the island is a bit tricky to find. It is deserted, but has some passable roads. It is our Bermuda Triangle. Instruments go haywire, and you can only navigate by the stars. We will get to the edge of the chop, drop anchor, then wait for nightfall. The Shadow Dealers have many remote outposts. We have settled disputes between criminal organizations for years.”
Ramsey chuckled.
Alexei had a strange feeling as enjoyed his tea and scones.
“Where is Black Iris?” Alexei asked.
“They were picked up by another vessel and will meet us on the island. We do this for everyone’s protection,” Captain Ramsey explained.
Alexei nodded.
“Now that we have broken bread together, we should go over the rules.”
“Will Black Iris be forced to follow the same rules?” Julius asked.
“Everyone does. Offending members will be blacklisted and their reputation tarnished!
“The rules are as follows: One, no communication with anyone not on the island under any circumstances. Two, participants must not interrupt each other during opening statements. Three, if a resolution cannot be made within seventy-two hours, both parties must agree to a five-week truce before negotiations will begin anew. During this time, no communication or business between parties shall commence. Four, the Shadow Dealers get paid no matter the outcome. Five, declarations of war must be made off Shadow Dealers’ territory.
“Do you agree to these terms?”
“Yes,” Julius said.
“Agreed,” Alexei said.
“Now for the legal stuff.”
Captain Ramsey produced a long scroll that looked ancient. Alexei and Julius signed the document. Captain Ramsey reviewed it, then placed it back in its protective covering.
“You will receive a copy once we arrive at the island. No copy machine here.”
Dusk would be upon the vessel soon. The waves were getting rough. The ship was not small by any means, but it was beginning to get tossed around like a toy.
“Time to change navigation,” Captain Ramsey said.
Alexei and Julius followed Captain Ramsey onto the deck of the Shadowstar. They could barely keep their balance due to the torrent of waves and rain.
“Where did this weather come from?” Alexei shouted.
“Our Triangle! Now get inside!” Captain Ramsey bellowed.
By the time the members of The Collective were back in the cabin, they were drenched. Alexei remembered Captain Ramsey saying that he navigated by the stars and wondered how that was possible in their current predicament. Several minutes later, the weather stopped as abruptly as it started. Alexei stepped outside and couldn’t believe his eyes. The night sky was completely clear, and there were more stars than he had ever seen in one sky. Alexei was mesmerized.