Stepping into his communications room, Inkedge was greeted by a large screen displaying an older, stern-looking gentleman.

“Look who it is, Holton. It’s good to see you my really old friend,” Inkedge said, his voice dripping with feigned pleasantry. “What pleasure do I have for this unexpected call?”

“Cut the crap, Inkedge. You know damn well why I’m calling for,” Holton responded. “About an hour ago a group of my scouts were found dead, after they had reported something unusual on my land.”

“What the hell does that have to do with me?”

“They were impaled with flags bearing your name. I want your army off my land, and to stop building that tower they dubbed Sand Castle. If not, then I’ll take that as a sign of war and be forced to destroy you.”

Inkedge let out a slow, amused laugh. “Is that all you want? You ask for too much, my fairy king.”

“I’m not joking with you!” Holton yelled, slamming his fist on his chair. “I’m serious!”

“Clearly, my friend,” Inkedge replied, his tone dripping with arrogance.

“I’ll give you until ten tonight to leave, after which I will send missiles to destroy your sand tower, so don’t test me.”

“I hear you loud and clear, and I look forward to your next call. Goodbye.”

“You’re such a little prick! Just like that bigger prick, Lord Tinkedge.”

“I said, goodbye.” Inkedge turned off the monitor and took a seat, talking under his breath, “Fuck that bastard!”

The screen turned back on, and One appeared.

“One, the man I’ve been waiting for. Is the package ready for extraction? I need it, urgently,” Inkedge demanded.

“Yes, sir,” One replied with a small nod. “We’ll be in position to secure the package soon.”

“Good. Once we pull this off, a war is sure to erupt. When I come out on top, I’ll have more money than ever. I relish the sight of people dying and blood spilled everywhere.”

“Yes, sir. It will be… great,” One responded, his tone betraying a hint of uncertainty.

“Exactly. That’s why I want you to retrieve the package yourself and take excellent care of it. I want it so badly.”

“Are you certain you don’t need me elsewhere? Like at the sea of Whiteland, or helping with the materials?”

“No, Big D has that covered, and Frost has the other matter in hand. Just do as I say and take care of that package.”

“Yes, sir. You can count on me. I’ll call with any other updates.” One paused, then added, “One out,” before ending the call.

“Oh yeah!” Inkedge leapt to his feet, dancing wildly. “I will be unstoppable! No one can get in my way!” But before he could finish his declaration, another call came through on the monitor. “Who the fuck is it? I’m busy!”

Rocket appeared on the screen. “Sir, sorry to bother you, but I have a problem in Blacktin Town that needs your attention.”

“What is it?” Inkedge asked, slightly annoyed. “You’re the one I rely on to handle all the issues in that area.”

“Well, someone didn’t pay your taxes. And on top of that, the bastard shot me in the back. What do you want me to do about him?”

Inkedge’s eyes narrowed. “Do what I pay you for, kill him. But if he’s tricky, send Cane. Let him deal with the nobody prick, he’s got nothing better to do.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll call that lazy ass right away.”

“Good. And next time, only call me for something extremely important, you idiot,” Inkedge snapped, hanging up on Rocket. “Sometimes I feel like I work with a bunch of dumbasses,” he said as he resumed his wild dancing.

…