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~~((The Totally-Not-Random May 1st Special -- page 11 of 18))~~
"What is this man's name?" the King asked.

'His true name is Donald Elias, but the alias he used while undercover was John Wright.' Hanton allowed a beat to pass, perhaps in thought. 'To be clear, his capture was not his fault. He was meeting with Intarian agents who were also undercover, but their operations were already compromised. When the authorities arrived and apprehended them, Donald was caught up in their mess and imprisoned along with them.'

'Hmm,' mused Garovel privately to Hector. 'Elias, huh?'

The conversation kept going, however, and Hector didn't have the opportunity to inquire further. Perhaps he could've talked to Garovel in a parallel thought process, but he didn't want to split the reaper's attention. It would be better to just ask later, if he could remember.

'It has been over fifteen years since then,' said Hanton, 'but Donald was of such incredible caliber as an agent that there is a very good chance that even to this day, his captors still do not know that he is an agent of Atreya, not Intar.'

"And who are these captors of his?" said the King.

'The VMP. The Vantalay Military Police.'

At that, Hector's poker face faltered a little, though thankfully no one was looking at him. Vantalay, of all places? Really?

The King was nodding. "That is indeed a major problem, then, as you said. Are you truly suggesting that we should attempt to parley with their government in order to secure his release? And after all this time, no less?"

'I admit, the situation is difficult. And after fifteen years in a foreign prison, he is unlikely to be the same man he once was. But all the same, I wanted to at least bring it to your attention. The man was the finest spy I have ever known.'

The King made no response.