Opulence was in the air. A party like no other. Only the great entrepreneur, Karl Mandible, could be expected to put on such a show. The who’s who of Chimney Island were all here. Simply put, if you mattered, you got an invitation.
The island didn’t have a kingdom like that found on Lvneel, but it did have its kings. These kings were the winners of the current economic climate. The owner of the World Economic Newspaper, Mr Mandible is included of course. The other heavyweight was none other than a man by the name of Mr Yan Tiller. The head of the Tiller family, he owned the Northern Trading Company. This company was massive, to say the least. They were based on Chimney Island for its geographical usage, being the gateway to the Grand Line. From here, the Tillers would spread their ships and cargo as far as they could. Chances were, if you were sending something via ship to or from the North Blue, they would have had a hand in it - and taken their cut.
It was this family that were the main targets of Virginia’s scheme. If the Revolutionary Army could bring this company into their fold like they had with the World Economic Newspaper, their potential for growth would exponentiate. The raw economic and logistical power was on another scale. Just over half the jobs on Chimney Island were created by this company. Five times that number in the rest of the Blue. Still more in the other seas. And Jin Walker had the audacity to think that she could bring such a beast to heel.
This was the place where it would begin. The first move would be made among the reverberating string instruments. Would anyone spot the lies among the banter?
Karl had spent a fair few dimes on this setup, but he seemed more than happy to. It took place in a mansion to the west of the main trading port, amidst the forest. A great estate had been hired out. Chefs and serving staff had been imported specially. Prize-winning cattle and pigs were put to slaughter to fill the bellies of the distinguished guests. A famous quartet had been hired to play throughout the night. The halls glittered with golden ornaments in the candlelight. Money could buy class. This was the taste of the ‘new money’. Economic opportunity which had led to a shift in socio-economic standings of a few lucky and talented individuals.
Not only were there the businessmen, but also the upper crust of various institutions. The Chief Judge of Chimney Island was here. People like him were of great importance due to the prominence of rule of law in the World Government’s rule. Yes, judges were people who resided over criminal cases and gave their verdicts, but they were also people who judged the law itself. Judges who climbed to the top had enough power to influence rule of law. A structural cornerstone.
No doubt this is why Captain Kane had selected the judge to be the first target of the Spirit Division. More specifically, it was the assignment of Lieutenant Andre Fields to infiltrate the judiciary system. He had been working in the law field for a decade now. After all this time, he had become the chief’s secondary.
Judge Roman von Gopplar was his name. A stout man with a naturally wild grey hairdo. His personality was a little bit silly compared to his very serious job. From what Jin had been told, the man loved a good natter. He loved it even more when the conversation was with someone of a high standing in society. Apparently he would lament to Andre about how he would wish he was given the promotion he deserved. To be whisked away to a big city with lots of other important people. At least this party was exactly his sort of scene.
Jin was perched up on a balcony, overlooking the festivities. She had on the white shirt and black waistcoat uniform of the serving staff as well as her usual green wig. She could see Judge Gopplar shooting the shit with some equally enthusiastic partygoers. Part of that same group was Agent Grey. He was also laughing along with them. It was interesting to see her superior act in such a way on the job.
Also in the hall was a large consort of Marines. Marine Commander Taron Dans was the head honcho. A brute of a man. He was the highest ranking officer stationed on the island. He had a particularly bad rep. Nasty fella. He was accompanied by a few of his favourite lieutenants. Jin watched as he ankle tapped one of the waiters, causing him to trip and fall, smashing the tray full of crystal glassware on the floor. Howling laughter erupted from the lieutenants. So needlessly childish.
Agent Christine “Yellow” McMahon had been assigned to the Chimney Island Marine Corp. Her reports validated his reputation. Her disgust of marines seemed to only grow underneath this commander. That is one person Jin wouldn’t be going near this evening.
