Gaston stayed with Ayumi while the Babaika Company members started their discussion. After a while, the two were invited to join the meeting room.

Lady Romanov met eyes with Mr. Mino and sat across from one another. Both sides looked at the information that Gaston was about to present, this time Ayumi activated a projector to display the information in full detail

“The United Earth Defense Force had tasked me to inform both parties of the situation,” he began. Mr. Mino's eyes narrowed at the new information in front of him. It was different from what Gaston had presented earlier. Mr. Mino might take it as Gaston had prepared this presentation since it was protocol for him to fully inform them of the full information when both parties are present. Mr. Mino only got some part of it.

“On November 10, exactly 5:00 am, at the Pacific Ocean, there were movements of the plates detected by CERN’s instruments. From the readings and data recorded, it was concluded that it was a split-realm anomaly that had opened up. According to Dr. Artyom’s collected data, and prediction based on the split-realm anomaly cases within the years,” he unlocked his briefcase, gave them the summary of said reports. “The biomass entities will crawl out of the split-realm and first hit Okinawa and its adjacent regions. The movements of the tectonic plates suggest that more of these split-realms will open during the designated time. Please refer to the prefix attached to read the full individual reports.”

Lady Romanov scanned the paper. “Interesting, so the data says that it will hit Hawaii, Okinawa, and the west of Manila?”

“And Hong Kong as well,” Jakob added.

Gaston pressed a button. On the screen appeared a map of the region. There were markers where the monsters would appear. “The American Pacific Fleet will take care of the defense of Hawaii. The Ghale Company for Hong Kong. And Manila will be handled by Free Companies.”

“Free Companies?” Lady Romanov asked. “Are they taking this lightly? Why are they allowing non-licensed companies to handle these matters?”

“Please refer to the individual report,” he handed another paper.

Lady Romanov raised a brow and took the paper with a frown. “You are prepared. Mr. Hardy. I'll give you that.”

Gaston nodded. He continued. “Although the CERN’s instruments had reported this. There will be changes in weather patterns and there will be a deviation from the predicted path of movement,” he tapped his wrist pad and brought out a news report of the low-pressure area building up into a hurricane. “The UEDF forces will evacuate the areas affected by the storm and the incoming horde.”

“This is certainly much bigger than what you showed me a while ago,” Mr. Mino commented. What Gaston showed him was what the situation of the Empire of Japan would have to face in the coming days.

“The prediction rate of the readings will deviate. There will be another set of data that will be calculated and predict the movement of the split-realms. Until then please refer to the attached reports. The Babaika Company will have top-priority jurisdiction and will be in charge of defending the Region of Japan alongside Yamato’s Armed Forces and the JSDF.”

“That much is for certain,” Mr. Mino said.

Lady Romanov scanned the papers and threw them lightly on the table. “The Babaika Company and its branch will acquire the appropriate permits and the necessary papers then. Mr. Mino, I hope that you can help us get these permits?”

“Of course, for the good of Japan, I shall.”

The presentation ended.

Since Mr. Mino and Lady Romanov have much to discuss. Gaston decided to make a conversation with Ayumi once they got out of the room. Under the warm white light, there was an air of worry on her face. She held that thick stack of papers wrapped in the leather-wrapped file folders on her chest.

“It’s going to be a long day for you, isn’t it?”

She sighed. “Of course, if there are enemies such as that coming here then it makes me worry.”

“Hmm, even if the Babaika Company is here?”

“I won’t deny that they have a track record. But the way the fight can be erratic if rumors are to be believed.”

“They did make a name for themselves during the Great Purge in Arabia.”

Ayumi went to the elevator. “You sound like you saw what happened.”

“I’ve been doing this for a while now so I have seen my fair share of troubles. I saw some of their fights in Arabia once. The mercenaries fighting alongside them were cowering when the three of them were fighting.”

They entered the elevator. She pressed a button and tucked her hair behind her ear while the elevator descended.

“From the archive, it looks like Lady Romanov was a fighting figure back then. She had recently started to handle the matters concerning the management of the company and doing it instead of letting their secretary do it. While Ms. Hilda and Mr. Jakob had been fighting to elevate the reputation and prestige of the company. They were a startup company after all.”

“That they were. Their performance with those three in the lead gathered a lot of interest in their company. They had support, subcontractors, and even sponsors who were willing to fund their purging around Arabia. The oil money that they gathered in Arabia then the government subsidies they signed with the Russian Prime minister for a few years made them incredibly rich from what I heard.”

Ayumi fell silent, looking at the number of floors as they went down. Gaston carried his briefcase with his left hand and shoved his right fist in his suit’s jacket. “It seems like they are doing well enough to be called here.”

“That, they are, they won the bid after all,” Gaston said. “You saw how they could afford those ships now. Their activities in earthside had started to less after they began their raids in the split-realms. The split-realms are terrible, but if you have enough gear, resources, and fighting men and women. You’ll have quite the profit to gain.”

“Have you ever thought of entering the split-realms?”

Gaston looked down for a moment. His pause made Ayumi’s eyes wander, probably thinking if she had stepped into a landmine.

“I had entered one split-realm once. It was purely an accident and I barely made it out if it wasn’t for a timely rescue from the UEDF.”

Ayumi nodded her head. Even she could sense that the topic was not something that could be continued. Gaston smiled at her understanding. They exited the elevator and walked to the lobby where there were tables set up. The two placed the items they carried on the table and sat across one another. Ayumi ordered bubble tea while Gaston ordered cookies and cream.

“So, Ayumi, can you recommend a good place to stay?”

“Ah, Ibarra-san had told me to recommend this place to you.”

She took something out of her file folder. It was a brochure that had information about the district and the house they were recommending him. The area that they recommended was in Nishi-Azabu, in the district of Minato-ku. An area that was part of the former Azabu ward. What interested him was that there were twenty embassies near the area. The area retained a village-like appearance and was rather filled with bars and restaurants frequented by locals. With many of the embassies gathered around the area, international cuisine was popular.

“Oh, it looks like most of the area around is taken by other foreigners.”

“Indeed, we recommend this area. I would try to offer you a hotel for your stay. But considering that you might stay here in Japan for a long time. I suggest that you rent an apartment. The Consortium will pay for the rent.”

Gaston eyed the brochure. The contract that he got from the UEDF was for two years. That was how long they estimated the problem regarding a biomass nest was going to take. Even if it’s the Babaika Company dealing with the problem. There were many protocols and research that needed to be done to enter the split-realm, find the nest, and destroy the biomass entity’s hive mother. Not to mention they were talking about the Pacific Ocean. It will take a long time to do a full scan of the ocean.

It wouldn’t be done within a few weeks or months. Not to mention that if the Babaika Company was here then it meant that they would have jurisdiction over the split-realm and all the belua that would be coming out in the open if the local defense force could not handle it.

This was a troublesome contract. Nonetheless, it was profitable and he had always wanted to visit this part of the world. He just had to take this contract with a dash of optimism.

Gaston returned his thoughts to the brochure and flipped the page. There was more information on the website so he typed in the website URL, and browsed the 2DK apartment. Other than the bathroom, it was quite satisfactory for him. Gaston had always lived alone and wasn’t picky as long as he had a quiet place to live.

“So close to the train station as well. Hmm, I would prefer to live closer to the branch. But it seems like there aren’t any apartments nearby.”

“Well, there are people who heard rumors. We were wondering why there were so many Independent Breakers and PMC’s coming to Neo-Tokyo lately. They must have heard CERN’s prediction. They have a lot of brokers who sell the info in the market.”

Gaston had been told that the prediction came three weeks ago. He had been debriefed about the imminent horde that would soon spill out. Three times he was told to consider this mission since it would take time and effort. Not to mention that even though the UEDF wanted to attach a third-party Adjudant to this cooperation. No one was willing to attach themselves to the Babaika Company whose reputation made them infamous among Freelancers and Bondsman Agents.

Even Gaston had to think thrice before accepting the position. He had seen how the Babaika Company fought and how dangerous they were. Nevertheless, Gaston was lacking credits, and the loans he had to take to pay back the raid team that rescued him in a split-realm wasn’t going to pay by themselves. Not to mention that he had to pay the interest for the exogear that he usually wore under his suit.

“I guess they are going to take some of my credits with this.”

“Unfortunately, they will take the credits.”

Gaston shook his head then gave out a long sigh. Ayumi sipped on her bubble tea and said nothing. Gaston had a feeling that the sweet apartment they were offering was laced with poison. At least they were willing to cut him some slack here and let the Consortium handle the contract. Nonetheless, it also means that he had to watch as his credit plummet and rise like the stock market. He suppressed his indignant smile and drank his cookies and cream drink.

“It should be close to the station, a five-minute walk. I usually take Nogizaka Station’s Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line.”

“So your house is close enough, eh?”

Gaston gave Ayumi a stare. She nodded her head and explained she was close to the Roppongi Station which was a five-minute walk from her apartment. Ayumi gave a small description of her apartment.

“The Consortium pays well.”

“Well, I do handle secretarial work for the Neo-Tokyo branch.”

“Ayumi, do you mind showing me around?”

“That is,” Ayumi took a sip of her bubble tea again. “I can spare the time. I was in charge of taking care of your stay, so I will accept.”

“Thank you, I’m unfamiliar with this place so having someone local as a guide would be beneficial to me. When will you be off?”

“By Seven.”

“The schedule must be quite harsh, eh.”

“It is. Still, it should be close to eight now.”

“Overtime must be quite natural here, huh.”

Ayumi laughed bitterly.

Gaston looked at the mechanical clock in the lobby. It was already nearing eight. He arrived here at five. Outside the rain had subsided and the lights outside of the city were in full blast. If there was anything that he had noticed here in Neo-Tokyo was the huge amount of advertisements and neon signboards that are mounted on the side of the buildings. He heard that United Korea had way too many neon signboards as well.

“I am going to punch out later. Also, you better check in with the Babaika Company,” she reminded. Gaston had already thought that so he once finished his cookies and cream he walked back to the top floor’s meeting room where the meeting was still being held. Mr. Mino came out first and urged Mr. Ibarra to follow him back to the office.

Inside the meeting room, Lady Romanov, Ms. Hilda, and the newcomer of the Babaika Company, Ms. Houki Yumina seemed to have started an interview. Jakob Stoll noticed Gaston’s presence and walked to him. “Sorry about that brother, the Lady and the Miss are interviewing the new cub. Ah, it must be late, right?”

“It is. Can I have your contact information, Jakob?”

“I understand what you’re trying to say, bro, say no more. I have mine here.”

Jakob passed down his contact ID and retreated inside.

Gaston had more sense than to interrupt their affairs at the moment so he went back to the lobby, punched out, and followed Ayumi out of the building.

***

The rain had settled down. There was still moisture on the ground but there were no puddles or flooding in the lanes because of the excellent drainage system. Ayumi called out for a taxi. Gaston entered the back seat with Ayumi.

“Where to?” The taxi driver said in English.

“To the train station,” Ayumi replied in their local language. Gaston had an idea of what they were saying because of the wrist pad he wore on his left that was connected to the headpiece that gave his eyes a heads-up display. The AR-module was a convenient piece of technology for him.

As the taxi drove through to the station where they were going. Ayumi started to explain where the landmarks are and the streets that he had to cross unless he wanted to walk to the station. Other than that he was going to use the GPS to give him directions. It might be fun to wander around, but then again he barely would have time to do so when there are already outputs of the monsters appearing left and right in this nation.

Their trip to the train station didn’t take five minutes. It would have been far longer if they had decided to walk. Along the way to the train station, they stopped at a convenience store and bought a few beer cans and snacks to go along with the drinks. Gaston made a rather interesting expression as he followed Ayumi to the station. He had honestly thought she would be far timid but considering that she works in the Consortium, and is constantly dealing with Evolved Humans. This outgoing and welcoming personality was not that far off from her usual business-like demeanor.

They boarded the train heading to Minato-ku. Gaston expected a rush hour during this evening, but it seems like the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd was truly suffocating. Ayumi sat in the side while Gaston stood out and blocked the people that were surrounding them.

“Quite the crowd.”

“It’s the usual thing. Rush hours are no joke this time.”

Gaston didn’t say much until they arrived at the station in Minato-ku and went to the Nishi-Azabu where they immediately found the apartment. Ayumi had already contacted the owner and had it rented so all Gaston needed to do was go into the apartment. Arriving in front of the apartment, there was a housing agent who was waiting with a folded umbrella. He gave the keys to Gaston, then left without saying another word. Gaston didn’t mind the attitude of the agent and entered. Entering the door he saw two rooms. There was storage in the front and the north of the apartment was the dining and kitchen room. To his right were the living room and a bed.

“I seem to have a guest room,” Gaston muttered. Overall, the apartment was satisfactory. He was living alone but he might have a use for the guest room later.

Gaston placed his briefcase on the bed and dragged the folding table on the middle of the mat. Ayumi sat down and placed her beer cans and snacks on the folding table. She placed her bag on the side and cracked a cold one.

“Work must be stressing you, Ayumi.”

“You couldn’t believe it,” she seemed to have snapped. “You know how hard it is to work in the Consortium? To listen to Breakers and Independent Associates? You couldn’t believe how much I have to take it up for this.”

“You know, Ayumi. If I didn’t see you opening that can of beer. I’d assume you couldn’t hold your beer well.”

“Why not? It’s rare to have a foreigner listen to your nagging.”

“Ah, so that’s why you are here.”

Gaston realized that he was just being used as an ear for her to vent. Gaston gave up on stopping her from complaining. Instead, he turned on the flat-screen television mounted on the table and watched the news. The news was about the state of the nation, the region, and the district for a while. There was celebrity gossip and the likes, which was filled with Evolved Humans who had taken the path of being a star and making use of their powers for entertainment. He was about to switch the channel when there was a sudden change in the broadcast. A newscaster appeared and the relaxing tune that played was replaced with no audio.

“Attention to the residents of Yokohama and civilians near the coastline of Tokyo Bay. Areas around Kamakura, Hayama, Miura, Yokosuka, Kyonan, Futtsu, and Kimitsu to Sodegaura had spotted type two and three monsters. Citizens residing or in the areas are advised to evacuate to the nearest shelter. The JSDF shall take care of the defense of Tokyo Bay,” the announcer repeated.

Ayumi paused her venting. She took her mobile pad from her bag and called Mr. Mino immediately.

“Branch Manager, have you seen the news? Shall I deploy the Breakers? I’m currently with Adjutant Gaston.”

She turned on the loudspeaker of her mobile to let Gaston hear.

“Yes, let the JSDF handle the threat for now. I’ll let Constable Yu handle the situation with the PMC’s. If it doesn’t work then let the Babaika Company have complete jurisdiction. Those lions are hungry and they would come sweeping in. Mr. Hardy, I hope that you will come and assist Secretary Nara.”

“I understand.”

“Thank you. Sorry to bother you this time Nara-san.”

“It’s alright Mino-san.”

The call went out. Ayumi gave an exasperated sigh. Her demeanor had a chance as she changed from outgoing to professional. It kinda scared Gaston how she could change her demeanor that fast. “We’ll have to take a helicopter to Tokyo Bay. There will be one waiting in Hardy Barracks, Roppongi Helipad.”

She typed on her mobile and arranged it. “Do you have a gear on you?”

“I only have my sidearm and an exosuit under my suit.”

“Hmm, I’ll arrange for a T2 Gear then.”

“That would be helpful.”

Gaston didn’t dare to refuse any gear provided by Neo-Tokyo’s branch. After sending for arrangements, Ayumi took one hell of a sip with her can of beer for one last time and rinsed her mouth on the sink. She took a mint candy from her bag and started towards the door hurriedly. Gaston followed and outside of the apartment, there was a humvee already waiting for them.

Gaston wanted to rest for today, but it seems like the day wasn’t ending yet.