Chapter 7
It's been over two weeks since they started rebuilding the hexgates, but there has been no progress. The builders are skilled, but they don’t know how to construct something capable of holding this much magic. The three scientists who were mostly involved in the design are gone.
"That's what we've been talking about today," Sevika tells Caitlyn. They are in Caitlyn's office, discussing the council meeting. "The builders don’t know where to begin."
Sevika hands Caitlyn a stack of papers. "What about Zaun?" Caitlyn asked, flipping through the documents.
"You scared them off good last month," Sevika replies. "But they’re willing to help with your funding and invest some money."
Caitlyn nods thoughtfully. "Are they still holding a grudge against you?"
Sevika rolls her eyes. "What do you think?"
Caitlyn puts the papers down on the table and pulls a file from her drawer.
"Enforcers found two shimmer factories still producing shimmer. Anything you know about it?" she asks.
Sevika reaches for the file, but Caitlyn stops her with a hand. "No. I don’t know about it. But I’ll get some people to investigate."
Caitlyn chuckles. "This is why they still hold a grudge against you."
Caitlyn places the file back in the drawer. "Are you trying to say something, Piltie?"
Sevika stands, narrowing her eyes. "I’m saying nothing. It’s just that the money I gave you to help with the Undercity probably went to rebuilding the factories."
Sevika scoffs, ready to defend herself.
"So when the hexgates start working again, you can expand shimmer across Runeterra while earning yourself some money," Caitlyn adds, standing as well.
"Are you trying to repeat history again, Lefty?" Caitlyn places both her hands on the table, leaning forward.
"I did it as a backup plan," Sevika defends herself, "just in case you people are screwing with us again."
"I give you two weeks to shut the factories down," Caitlyn says coldly, sitting back down. "If you don’t, I’ll take matters into my own hands."
Sevika flicks her tongue, the motion sharp and quick. "Vi must be doing something good for you to suddenly be acting like this."
Caitlyn smiles, the expression tight. "If there’s nothing else I can help you with, you can leave."
Sevika turns toward the door but pauses. "Almost forgot," she says, her voice quieter. "I found the keys to The Last Drop, a bar Vi's old man used to own. It’s burned, but maybe she can do something with it." Sevika places the keys on the desk. "I wanted to give them to her myself, but... then she might punch me because... of what happened."
Sevika walks back toward the door, her shoulders tense.
"Thank you," Caitlyn says softly, holding the keys in her hand.
"Yeah, yeah," Sevika replies, waving her hand dismissively before closing the door behind her.