The Elitist Supremacy: The Elite and the Rogues, #1

By Niranjan

Alexander Selwood is hiding many secrets. Being the first immortal is only one of them. He is also hunted by the despotic ruler of Cynfor, Cesar Thaxter -the man ruling the galaxy for centuries.

 

Unknown to Alexander, the group of rebels who had been fighting Thaxter in secret is also seeking to use his company to build a safe haven. He would do anything to keep himself from falling into the clutches of either the Resistance or the Supreme Ruler. When the consequences of his actions cascade into a torrent of events that threatens to engulf him and everyone he cares for in danger, Alexander can't sit on the sidelines any longer.

 

Having stayed out of the conflict for this long, he has to make a choice, but can he handle the repercussions of that decision?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Geetha Krishnan
• Release date: Jul 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781386947462

Niranjan

An author and editor, Niranjan’s biggest ambition is to have a character named Garth in every book they write. Niranjan writes books rooted in mythical worlds, and their stories are often a combination of magic and futuristic technology. When they are not writing or editing, Niranjan can be found cooking or just lying on their couch watching or rewatching C Dramas and writing fanfiction.

Book preview

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MARVIN GRIFFEL STARED AT the wide screen on his wall as it played the news. He couldn’t do anything except stare. The news reporter’s words were raised in excitement and the cameras panned out to scenes which made no sense to him. People were talking on the screen, but the words were a meaningless jumble. He muted the screen but kept staring at it.

Lane had survived. No one knew how. It was inconceivable. No one ever survived a lethal injection. The newscaster had said that a new experimental drug was used on him instead of Zhidium, but once it looked as if it was not working, they had switched to Zhidium. For someone in Lane’s condition, the effects should have been instantaneous, but he had survived. How? It was unheard of, unprecedented. It shouldn’t have happened. Lane was supposed to die. Wasn’t that how he’d justified in his mind the deal he’d struck with the man? That Lane would be dead soon, so it didn’t matter?

He switched off the screen and started getting dressed. He had to get to the hospital. He had to know what happened. All he had now were guesses. His compound, the one he had sold to Lane... damn it! He had been so certain that Lane would die. But his compound was a genetic modifier. After all, Ashkii’s was a genetic disease. Had his compound acted in a way not intended? That was likely, but he wouldn’t know until he had all the data.

It was as he flagged down a taxi that his brain started to calm down. What was he doing? What did it matter how Lane had survived? It had nothing to do with him. He had to find a cure for Ashkii’s. That was the priority. Why was he so worried about this?

Because it is my responsibility. If my compound had anything to do with this, I’m responsible for letting this monster live.

He was the one who had decided to take money from Lane in return for the compound, the compound he knew would not have helped Lane. He had taken advantage of a dying man’s desperation. Was he no less a monster?

I took the money for a good cause. If I can develop a viable cure for Ashkii’s, think of all the lives I’ll be saving.

The taxi stopped, and he jumped out. After paying the driver, he ran into the large building. Sixth floor. That was where Lane was kept. Surely, someone there would be able to help him. He had never been more relieved that he looked like a respectable person now, or at least dressed like one. Looks could be debatable, but the doctors wouldn’t be calling security to throw him out as soon as they saw him. Once they knew who he was, they might even co-operate.

Marvin was under no illusions as to his standing in the scientific community. He had been respected once, but he had been more or less a recluse the past so many years, ever since he had lost Holly... but that shouldn’t matter. He had credentials, and if he could convince at least one person here, he could get the data he needed.

Perhaps with that data, he would know for certain if he had been responsible for this.

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THEY’RE WATCHING YOU. The voice on the phone was soft, and the words were spoken in a whisper. Alexander stiffened.

Since when? he asked, his fists curling around the glass of water, before he placed it on the desk.

The Ruler ordered it yesterday. I would have informed you immediately, but I was not in a position to call you. The man sounded apologetic.

That’s okay, I understand. Alexander’s mind was running through scenarios. It was no less than he had expected after all. The only surprise was it had taken Thaxter this long to set his hounds on him.

Yesterday. He had been in his office all day. Nothing the State could use against him there. He was fairly safe, no matter how much the State watched him.

Do I need to be worried? he asked.

The man at the other end sighed. I don’t need to answer that, do I? Just be careful. The Ruler is determined that you shouldn’t slip through his fingers again. They can’t watch you while at home since officially, you don’t own a Sentient.

Is that going to stop them?

Probably not, but with the kind of materials you’ve used in constructing your house, it’s not like they have an option. They can’t watch you at home, and at the office only because of the Sentient. Of course, they can always watch while you’re using public transport.

Which I don’t usually, Alexander said slowly, sitting down on the edge of the desk. The line which they were using was highly secure and encrypted and out of consideration for each other’s privacy, they refrained from using holograms, only voices.

Be careful, in any case.

I’m not doing anything they could take me in for, Alexander said.

They’re not waiting for you to break laws, or anything, the voice said. You know this as well.

They’re waiting to see if I have a weakness, something they can leverage against me, Alexander said. It made sense. The State had never been able to take him in, because he always had a plan in place, and even when he wasn’t warned in advance, he had managed to escape.

They think David Flett is one such weakness. They’re watching him too.

Alexander tensed again. He didn’t want anything to happen to David because of him.

Well, good luck with that, he said, trying to sound flippant. David’s the most law-abiding person you can find. Which was true in any case. David was the last man in Cynfor who would break a law, and not out of fear, either.

So, all of McManus’ Corp’s claims against him are false?

Alexander wasn’t surprised that the lawsuit was known to the man on the other side. It would have been disturbing if it wasn’t.

It’s a matter before the courts, but yes. He spoke evenly, though his anger at McManus Corp was threatening to come to the fore. They stole his work and tried to screw him over. Probably expected him to take it lying down, too.

But he didn’t. That’s not what interests the State. What interests the State is that you hired him, in spite of the kind of references McManus Corp gave him, and it is no secret that you’re the one funding his lawsuit.

I don’t deny the latter, Alexander said. David’s a friend, and he needed my help. As for the former, my HR Department makes decisions regarding hiring and firing. I don’t interfere.

You don’t have to convince me. I’m on your side, remember?

I was just saying, Alexander said. Are they watching my assistant?

No. the voice was as flat toned as ever, That’s something that hasn’t occurred to them yet. I’ll try to keep them off the boy’s back for as long as I can, but you might try to find him another position if you don’t want them to know who he is.

Alexander caught his breath, a slight frown between his brows.

You know. It was something he hadn’t anticipated. It was a danger.

I do, but I’m not going to tell them. He’s an innocent after all, and I’ve more in common with you than them, which is why we entered into this arrangement in the first place. So, I’ve no interest in exposing his secrets.

Alexander had no choice but to believe it. For the moment, Nolan was safe, and by extension, Mason, but he couldn’t be certain how long that would last. The man stood to gain a lot by revealing the truth, after all. Alexander didn’t ask him about Niek. If he knew, he would have mentioned him, and if the State was not aware of Niek, Alexander was happy to let it remain so. The only ones who knew about Niek knew out of necessity. There was no necessity for this man to know.

I’ll be going to Houghton’s house tomorrow evening, he said instead. The man wanted to see me.

Elliott Houghton? The legal counsel for McManus Corp?

The same. I would prefer if whatever transpires between us does not attract the State’s attention.

Houghton owns an April, the man said. But I’ll see what I can do. Aprils are quite unreliable these days. No wonder the model is not being manufactured anymore.

Thank you, Alexander said. I appreciate everything you’ve done.

He meant it. The man could have exposed him any time, but he hadn’t. He knew as much about Alexander as Thaxter did, if not more, but he had never tried to use them for his own ends. There weren’t many with that kind of power over him who would have chosen not to use it. Not that Alexander couldn’t take care of himself, but he also knew he was at his most vulnerable currently, which made it all the more imperative that the man didn’t find out about Niek.

And you should, the man said. I’m not getting anything out of this except the satisfaction of thwarting Thaxter, but I don’t see an end to his rule yet.

I don’t have the ability to depose Thaxter, Alexander said. I’m done with the Resistance.

Just ask yourself if your stubbornness is doing good or harm.

It may not be doing any good, Alexander said, But it also won’t do any harm. Thank you for the warning. I’ll be careful. I’ve no wish to end up in Cryo.

I may not always be able to warn you in time. The Ruler hasn’t told anyone who you are, but that doesn’t mean that he has forgotten.

He’s an immortal. He won’t forget, Alexander said. Thank you again for the warning.

Once the line disconnected, Alexander sighed. His contact was useful, but he asked too much. He was not going to be involved with the Resistance again; he had learned his lesson. Even the thought of the Resistance filled him with anger.

Quinn, reactivate Miley, he said.

He waited a few seconds, picking up the glass of water and drinking it before saying. Miley?

Yes, Mr. Selwood. The cool female voice was expressionless.

Set me a reminder for an appointment with Elias Houghton at his residence at 2100 tomorrow.

Reminder set.

Alexander sat down behind his desk and the panel on his desk beeped. What is it, Ivan?

A holographic image of a thin, bespectacled man appeared in the middle of the room.

Some protesters have again gathered in front, Mr. Selwood, Ivan said. Martin has called the Defenders, but I think it’s time we made a public statement.

Saying what? Alexander asked. Why we make prisons? Or that we do a lot more than just make prisons?

Both, Mr. Selwood.

I don’t see what good it will do, Alexander said drily. If people cannot understand that prisons do not create criminals, that they only help in locking them away, what’s a statement going to do?

Perhaps they just need us to point it out, Ivan said.

Alexander chuckled. Not very likely, but if you think it’ll help, go ahead. Let’s issue a statement; be sure to emphasise that our Food and Farming Division is responsible for feeding the entire planet, and half the solar system.

Will do. Ivan smiled.

Alexander sighed again once the hologram disappeared. Protest against companies was all people had freedom to do, and so they took it overboard. Even then, they should understand that the companies like his did so much good. It wasn’t their fault that the State used their technology to imprison dissenters as much as criminals.

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SERGIO MARTINEZ SMILED AT his assistant as he entered his office. Good morning, Kaya. You look especially lovely today.

She smiled, thanking him, blushing prettily and fluttering her lashes at him, reminding him of a playful kitten, like the one he had as a boy. Despite the playfulness, Kaya Richards was the most efficient assistant he had had, and if he had been twenty years younger, their relationship might have gone beyond professional. It wasn’t just his age or health that stopped him, though; it was the responsibilities he had. He had no more time for casual flings than he did for committed relationships.

Kaya, would you ask Nolan if Mr. Selwood’s in his office? Ask him if he can meet me?

It was Monday morning. Sergio wasn’t certain his employer would be free to meet with him. They might be old friends, but in the office, their relationship was strictly professional. He would no more barge into Alexander’s office without an appointment than he would into that of any of the other executives of Selwood Corp. It was early, though, not even eight yet, and Sergio hoped Alexander would be free right now.

Kaya, he said suddenly. Connect Nolan to me, okay? I’ll ask him myself.

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Kaya, but that he didn’t have the patience to wait for her to bring him the details. It could be his age, but time seemed to fly by these days, and he had so much to do. He saw Kaya’s pout but ignored it. She probably wanted to flirt with Nolan, who was tall and handsome but also gay. He seemed embarrassed every time Kaya or any of the other girls hit on him. Sergio suspected the girls did it just for the fun of it. After all, everyone in Selwood Corp knew Nolan was gay.

Nolan’s waiting on the line, Mr. Martinez. Kaya’s voice was brisk as she connected the call.

Mr. Martinez? Nolan’s voice was equally brisk.

Nolan, can I meet Alexander now? Is he free?

Mr. Selwood has informed me that he will be reaching late today, Mr. Martinez, Nolan said. He has an appointment as soon as he reaches.

Sergio frowned. Alexander was never late. In any other person, he would have assumed he was ill, but with what he knew of Alexander, he knew it was an impossibility.

Did he give any reasons why he would be late? Would he be available over the phone? He would have preferred to discuss it in person, but he didn’t want to wait.

He said he won’t be available till he reaches the office. Nolan sounded apologetic. I didn’t ask him for reasons.

Of course, Sergio said. But the meeting with Mr. Beltram this afternoon is still on, isn’t it?

Of course, Mr. Martinez. Nolan sounded confused now.

All right, Sergio said, marginally relieved. I just wanted to make certain everything goes without a hitch.

He disconnected the call and mopped his sweating brow. Stress was not good for him, as Dr. Rodd had reminded him during his last checkup. She had even recommended Alexander retire him, and Alexander had told him he should consider it.

You’re 67, Sergio, he had said. You should be sitting home and enjoying yourself. Selwood Corp does provide pension for its employees, you know.

I can’t sit home and dwindle into senility, Sergio had said. I like to work, Alexander. I’m still doing as well as I ever did. You know that.

I know, Alexander had said. I’m just worried.

Sergio had been touched, but he couldn’t afford to retire. Not yet. If Raul could convince Alexander to finance his invention, then perhaps Sergio could retire. Until then, he had to be here in Selwood Corp.

Sergio’s pad beeped, and he took it, tapping it. A message appeared.

Is everything arranged?

Raul is meeting Mr. Selwood at 1500 today.

Will Selwood bite?

If Raul does as I told him to, he will. This is a good deal for his company.

If he doesn’t, we are going to be in trouble, Sergio. the message came again. We’ve sunk everything we have into this. If this doesn’t pan out, we can bid our goals goodbye. Starving men don’t make good soldiers.

Zain, it will work. I know Alexander. Raul just has to convince him of the viability of his invention. If he can manage that, I’d be able to convince Alexander to finance the project. Once it is finalised, I’ll be the one in charge, so we can have our safe habitats away from Thaxter and his surveillance.

You know him best, but what if he finds out that Raul is involved with the Resistance? Isn’t he aware of your allegiances?

He believes I cut all ties to the Resistance when I changed my name and started working for him. I’ve a feeling he’s personally not sympathetic to the Thaxter, but Selwood Corp’s major buyer is still the State. As such, I think we should be cautious. Still, nothing in Raul’s history links him to the Resistance. I think we’re safe.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Raul convinces him. All our plans, our very survival, depend on it.

Don’t worry. Sergio tapped out the message. How’s Amir?

He’s well, sends his love and regards.

Give him the same from me. Sergio typed before terminating the open connection. He knew that keeping it open any longer would attract the attention of the Sentient as well as that of Ania, the head of their tech security.

Sergio knew it was a dangerous game he was playing, but he also knew he had no choice. As grateful as he was to Alexander, as attached as he was to the man, there were things that were far more important than friendship and personal loyalty. He had a half smile on his face as he thought of Amir. Sergio had never had children, but Amir was like the son he hadn’t even known he’d wanted.

Mr. Martinez? Kaya’s voice came through the panel on his desk. The data you asked for is on your desk.

Sergio looked at the figures and charts for a moment without understanding them. His head was whirling, and his breath was coming in short gasps. He put his hand in his pocket to grab the bottle of pills, and swallowed two, spilling the water on the desk onto the panel. The panel was water resistant, so he wasn’t afraid it would be damaged. Once his breathing slowed and the dizziness passed, he said.

Miley? Please clean up my desk.

Certainly, Mr. Martinez. the cool female voice of the Sentient spoke, and the water disappeared, leaving his desk dry. Sergio thought ruefully that for all his understanding and intelligence, some things would always baffle him.

As he bent his head to the report Kaya had given, Sergio hoped that his heart wouldn’t give out before he had finished his task.

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THE OFFICE BUILDING SURPRISED Raul Beltram. He had expected another sterile environment, all glass and metal and people indistinguishable from bots and the same generic Sentient as he had seen in several Corporate Offices. Selwood Corp was nothing like he had expected. Sergio had told him they were different, but Raul had heard that before, too. Being here was a revelation, and it gave him hope, hope that their mission might yet be accomplished. The reception area was colourful, with a whole wall adorned with art made by the employees or their families. The receptionist’s desk was not metal, but wood, dark brown in colour, and the large glass window was tinted to keep the sun out and to make the ugly cityscape look beautiful.

While walking to the lift, he could see that though there were cubicles, there were also people outside of them. The bots were all in their designated places, but it seemed the humans refused to be put into boxes. It was surprising that Alexander Selwood should encourage such behaviour; his success and reputation had led Raul to think of the man as something of a machine himself, though little was known of him outside what Sergio had told them.

Once inside the lift, he said, Mr. Selwood’s office, please.

Please place your palm on the sensor, sir, the Sentient said, as the lift doors closed. Raul complied. The doors slid open, revealing a corridor, at the end of which was another door.

Welcome to Selwood Corp, Mr. Beltram. I’m Miley. You’re at Mr. Selwood’s office.

Thank you, Miley, he said, lips twisting in a smile as he walked towards the door.

It was a wooden door, he noticed, as he got closer, but painted the same colour as the walls. If not for the sensor on the right side where a doorknob would have been, no one would realise there was even a door. He placed his palm at the sensor, and the door slid open. He entered a large office. A young man sitting at a desk to his right stood up.

Mr. Beltram. Mr. Selwood is expecting you.

He led him into an inner office, which was even larger. The first thing he felt as he looked at Alexander Selwood was surprise, and his first reaction was that they had miscalculated. Damn Sergio! If not for his reassurances, he would not have sought this meeting. He tried not to squirm under the scrutiny from those piercing green eyes. Alexander Selwood was younger than he had expected, slightly older than him, perhaps. But how was that possible? Selwood Corp had been in existence for over twenty years, and this man was at the most in his forties. He was tall and athletic, but slender, and his black hair was cropped short. The few blurred images they had managed to get their hands on did not convey the shrewdness of his gaze or the intelligence in them. It was only to be expected, and Sergio had warned them, but even then Sergio had also somehow conveyed the impression that Selwood could be easily won over. Raul doubted it. Selwood made Raul wary. It was possible that their plan would fail.

Raul squared his shoulders. He had come too far to give up without a fight, and that too because of doubt and fear. However clever Alexander Selwood was, he was still human. He must have a weakness that they could