Chapter 117 - Convincing Hector (1/2)
Ichigo didn't respond to Hector's proposal and simply looked at Balthazar waiting for his response. Winston, Evelyn, Xander and Victor also did the same. Winston was a bit surprised when he first heard Hector, but it immediately turned to happiness as he realized that Balthazar would be safely protected. Despite knowing the dangers that plagued his grandson and granddaughter, Winston didn't want him to be the person investigating it for he considered it to be very dangerous.
The others also expected Balthazar to immediately accept when they heard what was being offered to him. It was really a very tempting job and if he played his cards right, he might end up in Ichigo's job after a few years. It was a great opportunity for an upcoming officer in the armed forces. Evelyn was the only one who doubted it when he didn't reply immediately.
For a moment, even Balthazar wanted to accept it. If this was an offer he got during his college or before the attack on his station at PK-170-B, he would have gone crazy with joy and immediately accepted any posting related to the Scions of Minerva. Sadly, he had changed a lot after the attack. His aims and goals have completely changed after that.
”I am really honored that you are willing to provide me with such an opportunity,” said Balthazar looking at Hector as he got up.
”Very good. I guess that brings this meeting to an end,” said Hector without giving Balthazar a chance to finish. He only stopped when Ichigo who laid a hand on his shoulder.
”Sadly, I can't do that now. If this had happened a few months ago, I would have joined it immediately, but right now I can't let go of the operation I undertook,” he continued.
”If you are worried that Evelyn or Winston might get angry, you needn't have any such concerns. I am sure that they will be glad to support you for this,” said Hector looking at Evelyn whom he expected to be the main reason for the refusal.
”No, they aren't responsible for this. I don't care about Evelyn's opinion any more than you and my grandfather would rather see me working with you than her,” said Balthazar.
”I would appreciate it if you weren't so candid, kid,” said Evelyn who was irritated by his words. It hurt her pride a bit when he said that he didn't care about her opinion. She knew that he just told those words to make a point but didn't like it yet.
”Then, what is your problem?” asked Hector loudly irritated by Balthazar. He had never seen anyone at Balthazar's age and his position refusing him like this. Especially after he ended up leading the Scions of Minerva, even his own brother rarely talked back to him.
”I expect that you need me to be in good physical and mental health after a couple of years for me to be a worthwhile test subject, right? I can't be in good mental health, if I give up my mission now,” said Balthazar. He had quickly realized that the best way to persuade Hector was to convince him that this decision serves his own interests.
”Huh! What do you mean?” he asked calming down and sitting on the table.
”My family and I have a death threat from someone. They tried to kill me in a military establishment. So, I am sure that they have personnel working for them. They also attempted to hurt my brother and sister. We caught one of their members and came close to finding out their plans, but failed to do so,” said Balthazar.
”These guys also attracted the apes to make that attack on the citadel of PK-170-B moon and disabled the targeting system. Luckily, I found out about it and we won that fight,” continued Balthazar. ”What I want to say is that, I have already managed to get a lot of information on them which none of you ever got and as that they are trying to kill me and also have people in the armed forces working for them, I can't trust to be alive in most places. So, even if you don't accept and think that you can provide us protection, I am not willing to put my security and my family's wellbeing in your hands.”
Hector looked at Winston and Evelyn as he heard Balthazar. ”Is it true,” he asked them to confirm. The both nodded agreeing to his words. Even Ichigo nodded his head and said, ”the part about the attack on the moon is true.”
Hector took a deep breath. ”I agree that you might be in danger, but that makes even more sense for you to stay in my protection. You cannot have a better protection detail than what I am suggesting. Few hours ago, I wouldn't have considered offering this to you, but the new readings that Victor showed me are extremely promising. We need you for this project,” said Hector.
”You misunderstand, Sir. I don't need protection. I am quite capable on my own and with the resources provided by my family, I am not worried about myself. I want to continue my work under Evelyn as it is one of the best chances, I could get to find out about my enemies right now. The more I delay this, the harder it gets. I do this, so that I don't have to live under protection for the rest of my life. Do you think that constantly being protected would keep me in a health mental condition?” he asked Hector after explaining why he wasn't going to accept.
”Impulsive behavior and narcissistic tendencies. Do you think that apart from you no one else can track these culprits down? This is borderline sociopathic behaviour as we have in our reports. It might not be very advisable to consider him, brother,” said Victor Constantine suddenly. Victor could never tolerate anyone disrespecting his brother and the way Balthazar refused Hector irritated him more than it did Hector.
”I have no problems with that. I am also willing to participate in your experiments for the bio-feedback warframe, but I am just not willing to wait in protection till that time. That is ridiculous,” answered Balthazar standing up in response.
”Also, you might have never considered this, but you might need to relax your requirements for sociopathic tendencies considering the purpose of your experiments. The armed forces work at the edges of civilization and most times, the normal social behavior might cause more problems. Moreover, to fulfill the missions a certain amount apathy and fearlessness is required. If you don't consider this you will fail to make good use of the technology you create,” added Balthazar.
”You! What nonsense are you talking,” shouted Victor in anger. He hardly ever expected the kid to comment on his work and the suggestion to rectify his procedure was like a pinprick to his pride as a researcher. He looked at both Evelyn and Ichigo, but they seemed to have accepted Balthazar's words. What was most shocking to him was that even his brother seemed to be in mild agreement with the kid. The only person in a similar state to him was the kid's grandfather.
”I would also have to agree with his suggestion, Hector,” said Ichigo. ”I would never make such a statement publicly for obvious reasons, but if your research is to progress at a proper pace, we best keep this in mind.”
”General Ichigo?” said Victor in surprise looking at the lieutenant general his eyes almost bulging out as he heard the old veteran agree with the kid.
”Hmm. I will take it into consideration,” said Hector as he put a hand on Victors shoulder and pulling him to sit beside him on the table.