Alien Deception by Tony Ruggiero Page B

of delegate's aide on the Council. He moved through the ranks quickly by keeping his eyes and ears open to what was going on in the Council, as well as outside of it. He stuck to his philosophy and made it his business to know everything about anyone he dealt with. All, interestingly enough, usually had some type of skeleton in their closet, if they didn't, he would masterfully put one there for them. He had used this method throughout his career, and still continued it. That was how he had become the Leader of the Council. Now that he had the power to control and manipulate through fear and intimidation, he planned to keep it.
    He swiveled his chair to face the window, and reclined into a position where he could look out into the night sky as the Zirean atmosphere glowed in its strange colors. The stars couldn't be seen through the mixture of gases that remained in the poisoned atmosphere. He missed the stars and the travel to other worlds, he thought in a rare burst of nostalgia.
    But that's going to change, he said to himself as he slammed his fist down on the desk. I have some plans for this Council and for this galaxy. It's time for me to become innovative and creative. He then laughed evilly at his own humor.
    He returned his concentration to the matter at hand, his plan to take down Leumas and tie up some loose ends at the same time. These loose ends could hurt his position as Leader if anyone ever found out about them. But no one was going to find out because he would take care of all of them at once.
    "Damn historians," he snorted derisively. "They have to record every little thing. I'm surprised they missed my nosebleed back in ninety-four."
    When Copolla had discovered that records existed of his supposed secretive dealings in the previous contact with the planet Earth, he had had the majority of the incriminating documentation removed. He ensured that he left just enough data to carry out his plan, or enough to be perfect bait for someone, more specifically someone like Leumas.
    "Happy fishing, Leumas," he chuckled. He felt quite proud of himself in the way he had maneuvered the Council into the selection of the two subjects from Earth .
    It had almost been too simple, he thought, smirking. Plant a member here, a member there, promise them a little something they want or something they don't want to get out. How gullible some of these Council members were, he thought cynically.
    Earth's computer records were so primitive that the normal Council criteria could not be used in selecting the two new subjects. Of course, he had known this; so he formed a committee to presumably search archival records in order to locate two subjects who did meet the criteria.
    The subjects had to represent a viable cross section of Earth's sociological and cultural beliefs and had to have the potential to adjust to the assignment as directed by the Council. He had handpicked the committee, so when he suggested two individuals, the selection was already made. It had required some minor substantiating and adjusting of files before presenting the information to the Council. He had expended quite a few resources and used up plenty of favors in locating the two Earth subjects he wanted.
    He rose from his chair and walked around the desk to his liquor cabinet. He poured himself a stiff drink of Antarian whiskey, and watched the yellow liquid steaming briefly as it left the protective safety of the insulated bottle. He raised the glass in a toast to himself and then downed the drink in one quick gulp, closing his eyes in pleasure as the liquid warmed his massive body. He placed the glass down on a table and moved to the center of the room.
    He spoke aloud to no one, an evil smile playing about his lips. "Once my plan comes to fruition, all the loose ends will be tied up, and I can move on to the next phase. I, and I alone, will redefine the UCDW's role in the cosmic scheme of things." Nodding his head in agreement with himself, he continued,