Is this destiny?

"Good!", Sarah exclaimed, happy that Elder Gavril backed down. "Now, back to the topic of trading information with other organizations. I believe that no one would jeopardize us on purpose, however… accidents happen. That is why people present in this room who have access to classified information will undergo a small test of loyalty." Everyone stiffened and Sarah continued talking like she didn't notice. "I will ask each of you to follow me after this meeting where we will discuss your recent communication with other organizations, what you revealed, and what you got in turn."

"What do you mean?", Elder Milan asked Sarah. He didn't understand what does 'discuss' include. No one will talk openly without some incentive. Is she going to torture them?

Sarah smiled and responded with an earnest expression. "Any exchange of information that impacts us as an organization should not be done secretly. We need to be aware of what others know about us. I want to know if you are capable enough to determine the value of what you give and what you receive in return. I heard that Ivan traded information about me without getting much in return which is disappointing. I mean..." Sarah's finger made an invisible line that connected every face in the room. "What if one of you is a Voronin? Information that I am there under a different identity should be traded for information of equal value, possibly revealing Voronin spies that are high in our ranks, yet Ivan acted on his own and missed a good chance to get some benefit for our family."

Elder Bozidar looked at Sarah like she is making a fool of herself. "You will ask us what we spoke about to the outsiders? How will you know if we are telling the truth?"

Sarah shrugged like it's not a big deal. "It's all in the eyes. And my sister here…", Sarah glanced at JoAnna. "Has the power to make people speak their minds. You will be recorded for everyone to see. I believe that we all agree, if someone took steps that are disadvantageous to the family, they will be punished. If you disagree with the punishment, that can be settled in the arena."

No one had objections and they were all confident. Who would be stupid enough to admit their mistakes just because JoAnna asked them about it?

Sarah glanced at her sisters and they exchanged smiles. Things are falling into place and by end of the day, the number of Elders will dwindle further because Sarah has no intention to keep anyone who is driven by greed, which is most of them.

Konstantin was curious to see what is coming and Sarah promised him a good show. So far, things are going as the Hill sisters predicted.

Konstantin supports that anyone who acted against the interests of the Lebedev family should be banished. It's not that he didn't think about that earlier, but he didn't know how to go about removing Elders or how to manage the organization after that while avoiding people to rebel. However, with all the people that came with Sarah and Sophia's planning abilities, Konstantin believes that they can manage the organization without a hitch. If they don't destroy it first.

…

If Elders thought that this will be done privately, soon they understood that they are mistaken.

They entered the arena to see that is jam-packed with people. Sarah told them that people in black uniforms are her personal army, but no one knew that there are so many of them! And why are they here?

In the middle of the arena were two chairs with cameras pointing their way, like an interview is about to happen there.

A number of chairs were arranged in the fighting area, behind the cameras, and that was obviously for Elders and their assistants while they wait for their turn to chat with JoAnna.

"Here, we will have a question-answer session.", JoAnna announced. "It is handy to have it in the arena, in case any disputes need to be settled. Who will go first? How about Elder Gavril?"

Elder Gavril confirmed with a nod and sat in front of the camera, where JoAnna indicated. The sooner they start, the sooner they will finish with this interrogation nonsense.

"What's with the cameras?", Elder Milan asked.

"Great question!", JoAnna said cheerfully. "This is being broadcasted live to other bases. We want to be transparent about what is happening here."

"What other bases?", Elder Gavril asked suspiciously while rubbing the back of his neck, thinking that a mosquito pricked him, unaware that the invisible drone delivered a dose of truth serum.

"All of them.", Sarah responded while taking a seat next to Aiden who cocooned her with his arms. "We want everyone to know how firm leadership of our organization is, and how we deal with traitors. It will be a great example of our unity, don't you agree?"

Who would dare not to agree? Even Elder Gavril smiled awkwardly, not understanding why is this organized. To him, it looked like a circus and he had no intention to be the monkey.

Everyone took their seats and the crowd quieted down as JoAnna stood in front of the camera, her face showing on the big screens that are on two opposite walls, and also in many other locations across the globe.

"Hello! My name is JoAnna White, your host for tonight, and I am the assistant to the Grand Elder…", JoAnna spoke cheerfully making Sarah giggle.

"She is enjoying this…", Aiden murmured only for Sarah to hear.

Sarah hummed in confirmation. "She always liked showbusiness."

JoAnna beamed at the camera. "We gathered here for one exercise of loyalty and you can see on your screens names of Elders and other high-ranking officials that are present in order to participate in this activity. Elders and their assistants will be asked an array of questions and based on their responses, we will bestow the corresponding sanction. If they object, they get a chance to settle it in the arena. It's that simple. Watch carefully, because we will be asking for your opinions later! The Elder who volunteered to be first is…" JoAnna gestured toward the man who was sitting next to her. "Elder Gavril!"

JoAnna turned to face him and asked: "Now… Elder Gavril… Would you be so kind to tell us about your recent encounters with people from outside our organization where you disclosed confidential information?"

Elder Gavril lifted his chin, thinking about how this is ridiculous. And other Elders thought the same. Who would admit their wrongdoings like that?

One by one, their faces fell and turned to shock as Elder Gavril started talking.

"Six days ago, I've had a phone call with the second in command from Black Pythons. I told them about the shipment… schedule of guards…", Elder Gavril could not believe that these words are coming out of his mouth. He thought that the process is stupid, but it seems that he became stupid himself.

Elder Gavril wondered if they drugged him somehow to loosen his tongue, but that was impossible because he didn't eat or drink anything in more than an hour, and he was perfectly normal during their meeting. What is going on?

Elder Gavril's eyes nervously moved over other Elders who gaped at him, but he was unable to stop talking. This was a nightmare!

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