Chereads / The Starved Rock Series / Chapter 24 - A Doozy of a Day; Part Two

Chapter 24 - A Doozy of a Day; Part Two

After that meeting, the Ghost was to meet with Sundeep and his bodyguard, Michael Murphy, to discuss a few things before the Ghost had to report to the Committee Council Building. The Ghost was going to grab them both lunch while they had their meeting, so it was off to Luke Blakley's business called "Luke's Substation" for freshly made sandwiches and a meeting.

As the little green S10 pickup went through town and headed across the brand new Veterans Memorial Bridge, the Ghost couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. He used to ride in the passenger seat of his Grandpa's little blue S10 pickup every summer as a kid. He smiled to himself as he turned on 1430 WCMY, just like his Grandpa used to. 

"Hey, Hey! It's Mike in the Morning! Here on the 1430 WCMY Radio Station! Now, here's Mike!" said the announcer. The now familiar, song of Ein Tag Wie Gold began to play in the background as Mr. Brisson began his morning local broadcast. 

"Hey! Good Morning to the Greater Ottawa listeners out there. Let's start things off with the weather. It was a bit chilly early this morning, it looked like 6 o'clock this morning, the temperature was forty-seven degrees. Currently, it's sunny with dotted clouds, a temperature hovering around fifty-nine degrees." Said Mike, picking up the next briefing he had. 

"Hot off the press here, Meals and Deals today seem to be booming as local breakfast joint, "Gale's Corner", is serving breakfast all the way through the hours of lunch for today only folks. So swing on by and get something good to start your day off right at Gale's Corner." The Ghost shook his head laughing for a moment. 

"Today at 11 o'clock, the Greater Ottawan Key Council will be making an announcement in person and over the airwaves in regards to tomorrow's election. Tune in at 11 to hear what they have to say." The Ghost had almost forgotten about the election tomorrow. He took a deep breath and kept listening. 

"Moving to the Traffic report, the Veterans Bridge is reporting traffic is pretty clear for this time of day, and the Two Rivers Train Station Texas Line is reporting that no train is scheduled to come in until Monday. The Two Rivers Train Service has asked me to remind all my faithful listeners out there, "Have all your documents in order before you board." I'm not sure about you folks, but those guys sure run a tight ship! Now before I put on some music here, I have a joke for all the listeners: What did Father Pizza name his son? Pete, because it's short for Pizza! Upon next..."

The Ghost shut off his truck as he'd seen Sundeep's ride arrive. As he walked up to Luke's Substation, he ordered three breakfast sandwiches. 

"Those armors were something." Sundeep said as he walked up to the Ghost. 

"They always were. Dr. Madie Sue has one of the most brilliant minds I've encountered."

"I have to agree." 

The Ghost tossed a wrapped sandwich over Michael who was guarding them both. They moved over to a park bench further away from the campus to talk. 

"So what did you wanna talk about before the Council Meeting?"

"What I am about to tell you, Sundeep, is highly classified. Can your guard be trusted?"

"Yeah, I'll vouch for him. He's a good guy."

"Alright, both of you listen up."

The Ghost pulled out a manilla folder and handed it to Sundeep. As the technology tycoon opened it up, there was a set of schematics for something big and really powerful.

"Is that?"

"Yes, it's exactly what you think it is. Project Let Freedom Ring is a collaboration between you and Dr. Sue. Can you do it?"

"I'd have to study the schematics, hell, for that thing, I'd need a factory here."

"We have the room. We can house employees too."

Sundeep shook his head with approval. "You make it hard to say no.... What about my NBA team?"

"Then don't say no. The construction guys are working on the Greater Ottawa W.D Boyce Arena as we speak, move 'em here. I'd love to stay but I'm needed at the Council Building. Any further questions will be directed to Dr. Sue. Think it over Sundeep."

As the Ghost drove away, Sundeep's mind mulled over the schematics he saw. "That thing is gonna change the world Mike. I swear it will."

Once the Ghost arrived at the Committee Council Building, he rushed upstairs and into the Committee Chambers. Everyone was chatting as he rounded the table and sat down. 

"Alright, now that we're all here, let's talk about this election tomorrow. Currently, we're adding an additional four seats to the Council thanks to the expansion. As for seats, the only people who's Council seats aren't in jeopardy at this time belong to, Councilman Archie, Councilman and Police Chief Roalson, along with Councilman Hladovcak." Reported the Secretary. 

"Additionally, at the start of this race, we had several candidates all jockeying for the Ghost's seat. However, the current outlook has changed after the Battle of Corpus Christi and the Expansion. The Ghost of Ottawa currently has only one opponent running against him. There is to be a final debate at 7 o'clock tonight." Added the Secretary before turning it to the Council. 

"If we've got nothing else to add, let's go make the announcement." Said Archie standing up.

As they got up, the Ghost readjusted his collar and walked down with them. Outside, a massive crowd of Ottawans had gathered. Even the C.T.R President and his guards were there. As the clock struck 11 o'clock on the dot, Councilman Archie began speaking.

"Good Morning everyone. As we all know, the first Greater Ottawa Election is tomorrow. The polls will open at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning, and will close at 3 o'clock that evening. As per the mandate from the Ghost, voting day is a paid holiday for everyone in Greater Ottawa. In addition to the few debates already happening, there will be the Primary Debate between challenger, Walsh Petty of Ottawa, and incumbent leader, the Ghost of Ottawa tonight at 7 o'clock this evening. It will be held at the Knights of Columbus Events Center, please join your candidate in person or tune into 1430 WCMY at 7 o'clock this evening to catch the debate."Archie said as he concluded the announcement and took questions. The Ghost looked at Brittany whose hands were covering her mouth, knowing full well what was about to happen.