Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 119942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
“You said that any Prime who doesn’t wish to be part of the new system can opt out,” called out a Prime on their left. “What if none of the Primes here wish to join?”
“It’s a very good question, since there is a possibility that it will happen,” allowed Dario. “All I would ask of those Primes is that they respect the boundaries of my territory – nothing more, nothing less. I will form a council from the demons within my own lair, and each future decision I make will depend on votes.”
“So you intend to implement some kind of system, even if it’s only within your own lair?” asked another Prime.
“Yes, because I believe very strongly that it can work; that all demons should have the right to have a say in their lives.”
“When you say that all Primes would be given their own territory, how would you measure the boundaries of that territory?” There was a disturbing amount of interest in that voice coming from the back.
“Let’s say, for instance, that the demons living within a Prime’s lair covers half of Manhattan. That will be their territory. If it covers the whole of Manhattan, all of that will be their territory. In other words, it will only expand as far as those living within their lair currently reside.”
“But what if a small number of the lair live among demons that belong in a separate lair?” Malden asked. “It’s extremely rare, since lairs like to stick together. But what if that was the case?”
“I would say the simplest answer would be for those demons living away from their lair to move closer to it. However, they could also request to switch to the lair they currently live among, or simply ask permission from the Prime of that territory to live in that area without having to join. As you say, it’s an extremely rare situation, so it will hardly affect anyone.”
“Okay, but what if demons want to relocate to a location that is within the territory of another lair?” persisted Malden.
“My answer to the previous question would also apply here. They would need to either switch lairs or request permission from the Prime of that territory to reside in that area without joining that lair.”
There was a short silence before another voice called out, “The problem I foresee here is that although many of the public may like your system, they won’t benefit from it if their Prime chooses not to join you.”
“They are always free to join my lair or another that is part of the new system.”
“That could mean a lot of demons join his lair just to have more rights,” Harper said to Knox. He nodded.
“I have a question,” declared Raul. “There are places in the U.S. that demons don’t inhabit. What if Primes suddenly decide that they want to claim those territories? Wouldn’t that lead to war?”
“No,” denied Dario. “The issue would be discussed by the council and myself. An agreement would be reached.”
Raul’s brows raised. “Without the votes of the public?”
“It’s not a decision that would directly affect the public. Asking them to vote on every little thing would eventually bore them.” That was actually true – something Isla and Malden hadn’t considered.
“All right, here’s something to consider,” said Raul. “We all know how much our kind love Las Vegas. This is where most of Knox’s demons reside, which means it would then be considered his territory. We couldn’t cross that territory without permission, could we?”
“No. But I can’t imagine that Knox would wish to keep us away. If nothing else, it would affect his businesses.”
“What about the Underground? He created this place, he runs it, so that would also make it his territory.”
“Yes, so you would need his permission to come here. Again, though, I don’t foresee him preventing outsiders from coming. He created the Underground for our kind, not for himself.”
“Let’s ask him.” Raul turned to Knox. “Would you let demons from other lairs cross your territorial lines? Would you let us come here the way you do now?”
“That would depend,” replied Knox.
“On what?”
“Whether or not having territories causes demons to see outsiders as enemies,” said Knox. “It’s true that lairs intermingling can cause conflict. But if Primes start claiming territories, that will effectively create divides. Suddenly lairs will consider other lairs to be potential enemies. I won’t have here or Las Vegas suddenly becoming a battle ground.”
A Prime to their right spoke. “Knox has an excellent point. You say your system will unite us, Dario. Instead, it could just divide us more.”
“I see how Knox may view it that way.” There was no judgment or hostility in Dario’s tone. “But I truly believe this system could work. The Primes would be working together, all demons would have equal rights, and we would be united. It would make us stronger. That can never be a bad thing.”