A call began somewhere.

“Lot, talk to me. What’s the word?”

“Esau, you hear me?”

“I do. Lay it on me.”

“Intel says that Lionel’s crew is making their exit soon. Don’t know what’s in the case, but things got complicated.”

“How?”

There was static. Esau waited patiently.

“Got a third-party involved here.”

“HVT?”

“Sending you the file.”

Esau waited for the download. The data link was connected. He got a new file with ten pages worth of content. Most of them were redacted and blackened out. Most of the files were censored other than a few lines.

“This doesn’t say much.”

“Contacted many intel. Only thing they got is this. Codename Diable, he goes by the name of Gaston Hardy, graduated in a now defunct military academy, had served, completed special operations training, joined Mossos for four months, then vanished for three years, probably participated in ops around Europe, and had been working as a Freelancer for seven years Vanished for two years within that time, he’s listed as one of the people who got trapped in the Golden Gate incident so we can assume that he spent that long inside the Golden Gate. Recently contracted by the Babaika Lions and was seen fighting during the Sitra Ahra Cult’s Ritual.”

“So it’s true Lionel’s crew got tangled by the Lions.”

“It’s proof. But keep away from Diable. Don’t touch him.”

“Why?”

“Orders.

“Orders?”

“Boss said don't touch him. He is UEDF and Consortium affiliated. It’ll be troublesome if they come after us after touching this guy”

“Didn’t think the bosses would be intimidated by this guy.”

“Don’t try anything. He has that witch Bruna acting as his bodyguard for now. It’s all paperwork, but keep our eyes on him.”

“Copy that, will be keeping an eye on him.”

The call ended.

***

Bruna wore full gear with a casual polo shirt underneath her vest and plate carrier. Strapped with T2 assault rifle equipped with a grenade launcher.

She was inside a car alongside Gaston Hardy who had buttoned up his suit. He was tinkering with his bracer while seated on the back of the car. The one driving was Falsal who had been sure enough to bring a sturdy car.

Bruna had a feeling that Falsal was a bit concerned with this run. He usually handles all the matters regarding Lionel’s business here in the middle-east. Him being part of this didn’t make sense to him.

Bruna eyed Gaston in the mirror. The Catalan was nonchalant about this work. Despite the whole place being disrupted. He didn’t show any kinds of discomfort or plausible fear. Most of those who are disrupted, after being used to the strength of ichor flowing in their veins, would have this kind of panicky feeling. It’s the same as losing one of your senses. It was intimidating and only through practice that one can overcome the sense of dread of losing one’s senses.

That prickly fearful feeling was still in Bruna. Still, she had somewhat trained herself not to feel that discomfort or rely on the strength of her bioenergy.

She had worked with Gaston before. At that time he was working the same role, but was partnered with Janna Forster. One of the monsters of the UEDF and was an outspoken woman who every mercenary and breaker knows after the incident in Belarus.

The two were childhood friends who had grown up in the harsher days. From young they were already doing better as slayers who made monsters their source of income. She heard this from an associate who had somewhat been associated with the two.

Before there were breakers, there were Exemplars. Naturally born Breakers who were molded during the Breaking. Hunted down because of their natural born powers. Only a few survived and you could barely count them with ten fingers. Bruna wasn’t supposed to find out, but it was Janna Forster who showed them the difference between the natural and serum-created.

Damir who held arrogance was beaten down after his flirtatious behavior pissed off Janna Forster in a very bad time. If the man wasn’t a Breaker, he would have been paralyzed from the beating.

Of course seeing their crewmate get beaten down like a dog didn’t sit well. She could remember them trying to beat her down only to feel the strongest fist she had felt in her life.

Janna Forster is a monster. She has the brute strength that shouldn’t even be possible considering her weight and size. Lionel had been laughing hard at the sight of his crew. It was only when Gaston Hardy returned from a paperwork run that he had to subdue her.

Between the two, Gaston was the most peaceful one. He had a perpetual calm to him that showed terrifying intent. You couldn’t hear him walking because of how he rolls the balls of his feet. He has a quiet breathing. Bruna recalled how swiftly he got a hold of her. Janna was strong. She could easily lift a car if she could. But seeing Gaston stop her made Bruna note to herself never to piss Gaston off. It was very hard to piss him off.

The two’s relationship was a mystery. They were partners but the kind that was vague and had no idea where to go. It doesn’t help that she was a lady killer. She had more relationships with girls that Bruna sometimes wondered if she just preferred ladies. Then again, she also saw how she looked at Gaston sometimes.

They were weird. Bruna didn’t want to ask and despite how courteous and blunt Gaston could be when answering. He was always mute when it comes to how things are with Janna Forster. And Bruna had enough tact to mind her own business. She wasn’t in the habit of asking and she didn’t want to experience a hard lesson again. She can still feel the bruises when she sparred with Gaston. It wasn’t a good feeling.

Plus, it wasn’t her business to ask.

The car arrived at an office building. It was heavily guarded, surrounded with apartment blocks. Bruna scanned the area before her eyes landed on a glint. She surveyed the area before taking a step next to Gaston.

“Looks like we got five watchers.”

“Six actually.”

Gaston said to her. He pointed with chin to one of the spots. Squinting, she saw someone looking at them with a scope and a ranger finder.

“Let’s get in.”

The two arrived in front of the building. The guards of the establishment tried to pat Gaston. Bruna intervened by showing the special access ID issued by the owner of the building. Gaston’s eyes remained on the guards. His dull eyes staring down their souls.

After the security check the three headed in. Welcomed by the office assistant. The three of them followed the assistant to the top floor of the office building and entered a large office room. Falsal nodded at the man in-charge before introducing Gaston.

“Gaston Hardy, affiliate of the United Earth Defense Force, and the Earthside Consortium. I understand that the good sir has prepared the documents?”

“Regarding that—”

“I am not here to negotiate, good Sir.”

He raised a hand. Unlocked the briefcase and handed a document containing the papers that needed to be signed.

“This is non-negotiable. However, we can make an agreement for the new one.”

The businessman was in charge of supplying the components to manufacturers. Sand and limestone was an important component for many products even now. This man was one of the many businessmen that have been contracted. Lionel was an arms dealer. But he was also one of the few people who have enough charm to work together with the UEDF in exchange for being their main contractor. This was usually Lionel’s work. But with how he was carrying an object that many are interested in. They couldn’t risk going around the city.

The business deal needed signing. Gaston got the man to sign the papers. They moved to discuss how the man would increase his prices and at the same time raise the amount that he will be transporting to the designated manufacturers.

Bruna can understand that the businessman was hoping to increase the quantity while also bartering for a higher price. Gaston. Bruna had thought that the businessman would somehow be able to hold it in. But it seems like under that kind of gaze and the blatant use of his affiliation. The man probably didn’t want to risk it.

It came strange to Bruna how easy it is for appearances to change the mind. Everyone has a plan until they feel the fear of being punched in the face and make a grave mistake. The talk between the two went surprisingly smooth. They ended the talk with a shake of a hand and an exchange of numbers. Falsal chatted with the man for a moment before leaving together. The three didn’t stay long in the office and went to check on the other businessmen who were waiting.

Falsal drove them around the city. Most of the businessmen that wanted a deal with the Consortium were eager to renew their contract with the consortium. The others who wanted to get more from the Consortium were hard pressed to convince.

Gaston remained calm despite the outburst of the businessmen. Bruna guessed that the calm, polite, and toneless way that Gaston responded to them made them realize that in front of him. There was no use in stirring emotions.

Seeing the sudden changes made her inwardly think about how difficult these businessmen are. She thought to herself that she didn’t have the patience to deal with these fools.

“I take it that you agree?”

“I have to. However, you assure me that the shipment will arrive?”

“I can at least assure you that I have enough contacts. They’ll consider entry in the Strait of Malacca. There is a need for a fireteam to clear the docking areas. I can recommend hiring the Lions.”

“They are expensive.”

“And so is losing your goods and missing out on the profits. Your products will be sold at a higher price and with how things are in Japan, believe me in this, but it’ll be good for your business. You don’t want to miss this chance.”

“Good, I shall believe you, Mr. Hardy.”

The two shook hands. The three went back to the car. Gaston checked his briefcase while in the car and was about to order Falsal to head to the next direction when a distant boom was heard.

Bruna shot a glance at the direction and saw black smoke rising followed by gunshots.

“Bruna, are you copying?”

“Lemmy, I copy you.”

“Take Gaston to the airport. We’ll be moving now.”

“What’s happening, over?”

“Switch to a secure network.”

Everyone in the car switched to the secured network.

“Got a few thugs here hoping to kill us. They aren’t affected by the disruption for some reason. We’ll be taking the armored truck and the .50 cal. I want you three to go to the airport.”

“We are taking Falsal with us?”

Bruna casts an eye on him.

“We do. He’s a douchebag, but he’s part of us. Ask if he wants to get in.”

“Fuck you too, Lemmy. I’m in.”

“Good. Gaston with you?”

“I’m here. Lionel said that you might have not reached the last list. He’ll send someone later to take care of it. We’ll be moving out of this country and then transferring back. Can you and Bruna handle the defense?”

“I’ll try.”

The comms got disconnected. Gaston rubbed his hair and then signaled Bruna.

“You take point, Bruna.”

“Not taking the lead?”

“Nope, I'd rather not.”

Gaston pressed on his bracer and the exoskeleton attached on his spine extended to his fingers and covered his mouth with a mask that had a rebreather on it.

There was a static electricity that sparked in his eyes. For a moment Bruna saw a flash of memory. That memory that reminded her of trouble a few years ago.

She blinked and then grinned, “Thank you for the chance, teach!”