WHO IS LILLIAN DANTI?

By L.M.Taurus

7/7/0029 UWC

2 days before headline

A band of howlers pulled up at the estate established by Lillian Danti in Haiti. There was a large crowd of civilians and reporters camped outside as the world military leaders and Mexico's president arrived to congratulate Lillian Danti for her help in taking down Dependency.

Inside of Delfina's howler were Esme, Fyn, Aracely and Delfina herself. "Impressive estate this Lillian has," said Delfina as she looked out at the mansion.

"Thank you for doing this for us," said Esme.

"I still think having me come to her is a show of weakness," said Delfina.

"We have to have the meeting at her place," said Esme. "We suspect she kidnapped a reporter and if we're going to find any evidence of that, we have to come to her home."

"I don't know why you think you'll find any evidence here. The reporter is probably dead."

"The reporter is still sending articles to the United Global. Did you see the puff piece that came out about Lillian Danti."

"Lillian is probably sending the articles herself."

"Then there should be evidence of that at her home. A forged letter."

"I still can't believe this woman is part of Dependency. She basically threw them away like simple trash. What was even her play?"

"I'm assuming her rise to power," said Fyn. "I wouldn't be surprised if she runs against you for president in your next election."

"The Mexican people would never vote for a foreigner."

"Even if that foreigner is famous for bringing down the terrorist group Dependency?"

Delfina grunted. "I see your point. Maybe you should just let me kill her right now. We can say she made an attempt on my life."

"That's not how we do things," said Esme.

"Shame," said Delfina. "You know how many problems you'd be able to solve if you just did that. Say what you want about Jacmel Saint, that man was on to something. Real shame I couldn't recruit him into my royal guard."

Esme and Fyn glared at Delfina.

"Oh right," said Delfina. "Your squadmate is in the hospital fighting for his life. My apologies, that must have sounded in poor taste."

"Let's just do this," said Esme as she exited the vehicle.

Everyone got out of their vehicles. Esme and Delfina brought a large group to the Lillian estate. All of Delfina's royal guards and Mexican soldiers were present. Her husband Andres was also present as he went to join Delfina side.

From the world military leaders who were present were Kara, Irma, Yelena, Cairo, Luan and Celeste, who was now wearing her world military armor. The world military soldiers surrounded the estate. There must have been hundreds of people gathered there.

Lillian had a fanbase since it seemed like she was the one who took down Dependency. She also provided shelter for the Haitians. In reality, Lillian's public persona had done more for the Haitian people than Delfina had.

The world military leaders gathered behind Delfina and her royal guards.

"Cairo, Irma, Luan and Celeste," said Esme. "I want you four to stay out here and make sure we don't get any unexpected guests. The rest of us will go meet Lillian Danti."

"I want to go inside," said Celeste. "I want Lillian to see my face."

"I'll swap with Celeste," said Yelena.

"Alright," said Esme. "Let's go then." Esme, Fyn, Kara and Celeste stood next to Delfina, Andres and their royal guards. "Whenever you're ready."

Delfina looked at Celeste. "Welcome back, Celeste," said Delfina. "I heard you were slumming it."

"Something like that," said Celeste.

"You could have solved this problem a long time ago. I'm disappointed in you, girl."

"Funny, I don't remember you being there."

"Can we move," said Esme.

"Yes," said Delfina. "Let's get this over with."

The group entered the estate where they were greeted by Lillian Danti at the main hall. The group were surprised to see there were reporters inside the house. They realized this was a tactic just in case they decide to try something on Lillian.

"This is not a good sign," whispered Fyn as he looked at all the reporters.

"This woman is clever," whispered Delfina. "I see how you've struggled with her."

"Stick to the plan," whispered Esme.

"Welcome to my home," said Lillian with open arms. "I hope you don't mind the reporters. I thought an occasion like this should be recorded." Lillian came forward and stood in front of Delfina and Esme. "I don't know how I should greet you. A handshake or a kiss on the cheek. I don't know what the proper etiquette is here."

Delfina offered her hand. "A handshake will do."

"Of course," said Lillian as she shook Delfina's hand. She went down the line and shook the leaders' hands. She didn't even hesitate when she shook Celeste's hand, not reacting to her appearance at all. "Follow me. I think we should have our meeting in the backyard. The weather is nice for it."

"Lead the way," said Esme.

Lillian waved everyone to follow her as she took them to the backyard.

Fyn lagged back as everyone walked past him. A staff member of Lillian's approached. "Can I help you, sir?" he asked.

"Yes, please. Can you show me to a bathroom."

"Of course sir. This way." The staff member led Fyn down the hall and to a small bathroom on their right. "I'll wait for you here to make sure you find your way back."

"That's not necessary," said Fyn. "I'm sure I can manage."

"I insist, sir."

Fyn didn't try to argue with the man as he went inside the bathroom. Fyn looked at himself in the mirror as he wondered how he was going to ditch the staff member. He wasn't sure if the staff member was just doing his job or if he was involved in all of Lillian's schemes.

"Screw it," said Fyn as he opened the door. "Yo," he called to the staff member. "Is this supposed to be like this?" asked Fyn as he pointed inside the bathroom.

"What exactly?" asked the staff member as he entered the bathroom.

Fyn grabbed the staff member from behind and put him in a sleeper hold. "I'm sorry for this," whispered Fyn. The staff member was out in mere seconds. Fyn let him down softly and locked the bathroom on his way out.

Fyn sneaked around the estate, having to hide in corners every time another staff member would pass by. He made his way up to what looked like a study room. He searched through her paperwork, looking for any evidence that she was writing for Lois Taurus. There was nothing in plain sight or stashed in the drawers.

Fyn stood in front of the large bookshelf. "Would she have a secret room?" he asked himself. He started picking off the books hoping one would open a secret path. He emptied the entire bookshelf and nothing happened.

"That would have been too cool," said Fyn as he looked at the mess on the floor. "I don't have time to clean this." Fyn looked out the window and saw the backyard where everyone seemed to be talking in a sort of interview manner.

Fyn left the mess on the floor and made his way downstairs. He continued to avoid the staff members when he found a door leading to the cellar. He went down and found a group of five playing cards in the middle of the wine cellar.

They all stopped when they saw Fyn. "What are you doing here?" one of the guys asked.

Fyn didn't answer as he looked around the room. He noticed a door at the end of the hall. What's down there?" he asked as he made his way to it.

"Hey," said one of the men. "You're not supposed to go down there."

"Why not?" said Fyn as he continued down the hall.

One of the men went over to Fyn and grabbed his arm. "I said you're not supposed to go down there." The man pulled Fyn's cloak a bit off.

Fyn looked down at the man. "Do you know who I am?" The man pulled back as Fyn let his cloak fall, revealing the world military armor. "Now is there something I should know before I go down there."

The men shook their heads as they stayed back. Fyn continued down the hall and opened the door. He was disappointed to find an empty room. He entered the room, but all that was there was a stone wall.

"Why were you guys guarding this door?" asked Fyn.

"We weren't guarding the door," said one of them. "We were just playing cards."

Fyn was about to leave the room when he heard something. "Hello," said Fyn as he looked back into the room.

"Hello," said a faint voice from behind the stone wall.

Fyn walked over to the wall and put his hand on it. "This wall is fake." Fyn pulled the fake wall off as he felt something from behind.

Fyn ducked as one of the men swung a sword at him. Fyn pulled his club out as the five men tried to rush inside the cramp room. Fyn punched the man in front of him with the hilt of his club. Fyn swung the club with full force and struck the man on his side. He moved forward as he dodged and counterattacked his opponents.

Behind Fyn, the fake wall fell revealing a cell with a woman in it.

Fyn knocked out each man one by one, striking them hard with his club. None of the enemies were able to land a hit on Fyn before they all went down.

Fyn turned around and went over to the cell. "Are you Miss Lois Taurus?"

"Yes."