Contents
VII. Relativism — Callum
Overview
Parisa summons Callum in London, reveals Atlas is dead, and escorts him to a clandestine Alexandrian Society board meeting. She engineers a no-confidence vote and seats Forum leader Edwin Nothazai as governor, using Callum to mute a nominee’s suspicions. Leaving abruptly, Parisa arms Callum and declares they’re going “back.”
Summary
Callum arrives in London after Gallows Hill at Parisa’s summons, noting her purposeful composure and a muted grief. She informs him Atlas is dead and leads him to an unmarked building: the Alexandrian Society’s Board of Governors.
Inside, Parisa seats them apart from the table while Callum senses the members’ ennui and politics. A young nominee, Aiya Sato, enters; Sharon from admin quietly briefs Parisa on two vacancies. The board proceeds to a vote of no confidence in Atlas, oblivious to his death.
At Parisa’s request, Callum dampens Aiya’s suspicion. The South Asian man—revealed as Forum leader Edwin Nothazai—pitches “bridge-building,” and momentum gathers. Parisa hints she nudged a Canadian governor earlier; the board votes and confirms Edwin as a new governor.
Callum realizes Parisa could have done this without him. She implies the move is a calculated compromise, not a victory, and that Callum has changed more than she has. As they leave, Parisa thanks Sharon and moves with urgent purpose.
Waiting for the lift, Parisa tells Callum they’re going back. She presses a pistol into his hand, refusing further explanation, and they depart to act on an unstated, imminent plan.
Who Appears
- Callum NovaEmpath summoned by Parisa; mutes Aiya Sato’s suspicion; observes board dynamics; armed for an urgent return.
- Parisa KamaliMastermind of a board coup; reveals Atlas’s death; installs Edwin Nothazai; gives Callum a pistol to go “back.”
- Edwin NothazaiForum leader positioned and confirmed as a Society governor after Parisa’s machinations.
- Aiya SatoYoung nominee to the board; her growing suspicion is deliberately dampened by Callum.
- SharonSociety administrative staffer who discreetly feeds Parisa key procedural details.
- Alexandrian Society Board of GovernorsMixed international members; vote out Atlas and seat Edwin, largely pliable to influence.