Chapter 419 - Thempa and Kendy (2/2)
”We had too,” he slowly glanced over to Thempa, ”-you were the ones who opened fire first.”
”Is that true?” he glanced seeking answers.
”Yes, boss.”
”I did give the order to shoot if necessary. So, Mr?”
”Winey, Winey 'Lock' Gafro.”
”Mr. Lock,” stood Staxius, ”-I do apologize for the less than inviting welcome. Blood was shed needlessly. I wish to only be amiable; return to thy leader, tell them Phantom has occupied the mansion. Tis but a warning, for tonight forth, the area around this mansion will be kill-on-sight. Relay it to the people of the town; if anyone dares to cross into our property, then, a bullet is what they shall see last.”
”Y-yes.”
”Let him go.” The once-spotless white suit had splatters of blood turned into a reddish-brown color.
*Click,* the door shut, ”-Thempa,” called the Boss.
”Y-yes?”
”Good job,” smiled he walking to the window, ”-a very good impression.” Lights from Winey's car dashed to the center of town. ”They know we're not going to sit and follow their lead.”
”What are your orders, sir?”
”Kendy, I want you to take command of the other soldiers who are to come tomorrow. Coordinate them to have a safe perimeter, I want the buildings closest to us cleared. Be peaceful – if resistance is met, kill them.”
”Yes, sir,” saluted he.
”Thempa, I want the Black Unit to infiltrate the common folks. We need intel, do what thee know best. Contact headquarters for any requests for supply, weapons, or manpower.”
”Yes, sir.”
'Winey…' laid fully onto the chair, the two broad figures disappeared into the long hallway. 'He was nothing more than bait. The factions are suspicious. The gunfight earlier should have them think twice before starting anything. We need more information on the town and the allied factions. Someone is pulling the strings and I need to know who.'
”Master.”
”Éclair?”
”It's concerning the AN-U. The group isn't being disbanded. The fake-evidence was thrown aside.”
”What of the media?”
”They rejected the scoop; said they didn't want to get involved into matters not concerning them.”
”What of operation Malk?”
”News of Hero Luna and the Jester are the most searched terms for the past few months.”
”Status on the AHA, did you find any links yet?”
”No, still searching sir. The data is locked behind tight encryption. Either I get physical access to the servers or we have to wait a while longer.”
”Physical access,” he paused, ”-care to elaborate?”
”The servers at the AHA headquarters. Any means inside their network will suffice. I'm sure I can break into their darkest secret that way.”
Upon those words, a memory came, an interview with a representative of the AHA which happened a few weeks after Jester's second appearance. Many questions were asked. One sentence, in particular, stood out, '-the AHA will do anything to have Hero Luna. We're willing to work our hardest to meet her needs. The veil of her identity has us on edge just as much as the populous. Her arrival was a godsend, we truly thank her for the voluntary service. A true hero who helps without care for his own. She only needs to visit the headquarters. Hero Luna, if you're watching this, the AHA will be grateful to have someone of your caliber to combat crime. Public safety agrees so.' The representative later went on to elaborate on how being in touch will help to save countless other innocent lives.
'That's it,' *Ancient Magic: Teleportation.*
”Intherna, Gophy, heed my voice for I call on thee.”
”It's about time,” said a lady materializing with a burst of flame.
”I shudder to think of why thee have called,” said another followed by dark mist.
”Hero Luna and Jester,” smiled he, ”-you've done well.”
”Well,” *Snap,* the outfits changed to match those on newspapers and television, ”-we have a job to do,” said Gophy, ”-why though?”
”Operation Malk was set in place to skyrock Meldorino's fame. To have the infamous Hero Luna unconsciously endorse our brand. It worked but not as much. My butler stayed over the Arcanum and filled forums with conspiracy theories. The only link to Luna's identity was our brand. People love a good mystery, and we gave them one. That purpose has been served. Color me impressed, Intherna, you did amazingly well to sell the Jester. The bombs, New Year Wrecker – a villain who has a good ideology. You went after the AHA, the fake heroes – people who the populous are starting to question. A charismatic crazed man. You even have a Fanclub, imagine, someone who's killed to be taken seriously.”
”Operation Malk was fun,” said Intherna leaned over the kitchen counter.
”Yeah,” replied Gophy pouring whiskey for three. ”Why did you call on us?”
”Time has come to put an end to the Jester and Luna,” smiled he.
”Already?” said Gophy slightly disappointed, ”-wasn't the point of Luna to take down the AHA and those within?”
”That she will,” he laughed, ”-the last act will be at Arkta, a final send-off.”
”Is this in preparations for the coming underworld conflict?”
”Yes,” said he adding ice, ”-Cleopatra's mission is nearly completed.”
”Oh her…” Gophy's eyes rolled.
”Yeah, her.” Following cheers; the duo began to brainstorm the last act.
'Time to end the many schemes around Alphia. There's too much on the plate. Luna and Jester served their purpose. I need to know if the Patek's are involved with Cimier – the only link is the AHA. Worry not, Son-in-law, I'll make sure this idyllic continent remains so.' Translation: Who's making all that noise?Translation: Let's goTranslation: Sir?Translation: Yes, sirTranslation: Idiot!Translation: Speak!