The Interior Minister

Isabella next turned to Eduardo Valdés, the Minister of the Interior. The unnerving man swiveled in his chair to face her, staring unblinking into her eyes.

"Mr. Valdés," she began, her voice trembling. "How are matters in your jurisdiction?"

Eduardo nodded, his face an unreadable mask.

"It is a difficult situation, Presidente," he began. "For the time being, the cities, including Valverde, has yet to see uprisings or unrest due to the news of the ****. The day is still early, of course, and once it spreads we may find a fire we cannot put out."

"Then what do you suggest, Minister?"

"For the moment, we must maintain a strict lockdown. There must be no public gatherings, no protests, no dissent."

Isabella nodded. The common folk, at least, could be managed.

"What about the communists?" she asked. "I've heard reports that they have infiltrated the cities, even the capital. Can we truly contain them?"

Eduardo nodded again. "I think you will find that our methods are quite effective," he said, his eyes boring into hers. "But we must be vigilant. The slightest crack will allow them to worm their way in. That is why I propose increasing surveillance, both public and covert, throughout the country.""

Isabella could see the implication of his words. He meant to use the full **** of his pet project, the secret police, against anyone suspected of supporting the rebels. She felt a wave of nausea wash over her once more.

"Increasing surveillance? You mean spying on our own people, even without a cause?"

Eduardo smiled, stretching his mouth and baring his teeth, though his eyes remained cold and dead. It was an unnatural sight, akin to a creature wearing the face of a man and practicing his expressions for the first time.

"Traitors, Presidente, are not so easily distinguished from ordinary citizens. Some might even say that spies are a necessary precaution, considering the circumstances. And I can assure you, Presidente, that the Ministry of the Interior will handle the matter discreetly. No one need ever know.""