Chapter 9 - Walters condition (2/2)
”Haha. Definitely. I agree. Now let us address the elephant in the room,” said Walter. ”You remember why I asked you to join the alliance military force?” he continued in a serious manner.
”You told me that I am not ready to work alongside you. So, sent me out to go and experience the world a bit,” said Balthazar.
”And why did you wan't to work for me?” asked Walter.
”Because I wanted to avenge my parents and you were the best option, I could find,” replied Balthazar.
”Do you still want to join us for the same reason?” asked Walter.
”Yes and No. I want to avenge my parents. But I also learned that I was also meant to be dead on the same day. I intend to avenge my parents not only for revenge but for my peace of mind. The less number of people that want and dare to kill or harm me the better. As for being the best option for this purpose, I don't know if this is. But, it is the one I choose,” said Balthazar.
”Well, at least you learned to care more about your own life,” said Walter. ”That is what I wanted you to understand. You were the best fighter in the younger generation of the family unarmed and armed combat. But you always had an attitude where you didn't care for your life or those around you. A dead man can never avenge their loved ones.”
”So, what now? Am I ready to join you guys?” asked Balthazar.
”Yes and No,” said Walter imitating Balthazar voice. ”You are on probation. We will test you occasionally and decide if you are worthy of being one of our agents. You wouldn't be given most of the privileges of an agent nor their clearance to information till such time.”
”I was hoping you could have a little more detail than the shadows at that table,” said Balthazar in disappointment.
”Salazar took you to them?” asked Walter. ”I guess they would have called for you,” he continued.
”Who are they?” questioned Balthazar
”They are somewhat similar to the council of elders. But they hardly get their way around anything important. They are a bit of sticklers to unnecessary formalities. If not for the occasional intervention of the advisers on my behalf, they would be extremely tiring. As you have already met them, you are to be considered formally joined us and that is good,” said Walter.
After that he got up and walked towards Balthazar and sat on the table with in front of him. ”In the last report of your recent adventure at the moon, you mentioned the knights of the old republic, but all your sources that could verify it conveniently died. Also this person Dave, he appeared out of nowhere,” said Walter.
”I can't tell him about uncle Max before I know how he would react. At the end, Max is still his son. Even if tell him, I need conclusive proof to convince that Max is a traitor. Especially, since Max is on the council of elders,” thought Balthazar. So, he could only stick to the what he mentioned in the report.
”So, was the explosion at the moon. Clearly, I misjudged the situation. If Jane was alive, we could have gotten more details from her,” said Balthazar with a passive expression with no trace of guilt.
”He clearly lied and by his expression, he knows that I know it. He has no regrets in the death of Jane and is openly expressing it. She couldn't be his source and is probably just a patsy. He is still keeping his source confidential. I guess, he has no conclusive evidence and is just playing it by his hunches. Well, at least he trusts me and that is a positive behavior, I guess,” thought Walter.
”Salazar would be your mentor during your probation. Any doubts, you can contact Salazar,” said Walter. ”Also another thing, this can be considered your first mission. In the family, we always laid emphasis on the fact that one needs to earn his keep and every child would be encouraged to get a job once he becomes an a.d.u.l.t. You have a successful career and have become colonel at the age of 22.”
He got up and walked around to a rack of weapons. ”That is good,” he continued. ”But, to serve this outfit, you need to have a source of income in this sector of the universe that would provide you cover for any operations here. This is usually a simple issue for most. But, you also serve in the alliance military and have moderately strong presence at the frontier. By the rules of the alliance military forces, you wont be able to seek alternate employment. That leaves you only one option. By three months, you should be able to own at least a part of a minor legally recognized organisation or firm. Failure to do so will result in the immediate expulsion. Though you can ask your sister for help. You have strong fighting skills and also no small amount of contacts. I would strongly suggest you to rather create something of your own.”
”You may leave now.”
Balthazar got up and went through the door.
”Best of luck, Bel. You chose a path similar to your father. I hope you live longer than him,” said Walter talking to himself.