Targets? Ten potential pinpoints - from the plaza to the outskirts. Time? Around dusk. Completion? None out of ten. I watch the sunset while my other vision - the left one is surveying my lead and eyeing one of my targets. Basking under the shades of a canopy, as I sip my tea. Sitting in a four-figure stretch. This chair is solid for a wooden material. I commend such artistry.

“Ah! O Fort Quogsagihaxee’e, you are so good to me.” I sigh out of contentment, praising hymns of this place.

Then apparently, my momentary peace has been disrupted by these buffoons.

One of the hooligans kicks the nearby chair, demanding: “Pay up. Protection. The deadline is today.” as they are undertaking to mug me. Mugging who - me? How presumptuous, indeed.

I take a gander at them, one-by-one. Evaluating them with side glances and condescending glares while I am calmly sitting on this cozy furniture and enjoying my premium-crafted ‘Quogsagihaxee’e Special’. I am raring for another sip - the comfort, the warmth, and the aroma.

I then take my stance, asking: “How may I assist you in this fine eve, gentlemen?” as I straighten my posture, sizing myself up with the forefront lad - without baring my contempt, as I hide it under my smile.

“Didn’cha hear what I say? Ha!” shouting, as this insignificant guy doesn’t back down.

“Astaghfirullah,” a sigh escapes from my mouth out of annoyance, “I didn’t know these small fries are much of a vermin rather than a nuisance.” mumbling, I look away.

“Ha! What in Kigal did you say? Ha!” he raises his voice, neither of us flinches.

“You are not my objective. So please, better make way. And off you go, gentlemen.” I make definite threats since they are obstructing my mission, as I try to smile.

The problem is these five crooks don’t know how to predict the possible outcome of both sides. Fortunately, I can drop them down in just a matter of a blink. They are just genuinely relying on intimidation, per se. This formula only works when the victim-object is too frightened to fend off the threats. I inhale a deep breath and once again take my seat, allowing myself to bask a fluttering moment of tranquility before diving into the ruckus that is unfolding before me. The bustling plaza has transitioned from the lively muse of day to the more subdued symphony of dusk, lit by the warmth and the initial glow of street lamps casting elongated shadows that dance on the cobblestones. I feel the soft breeze on my skin, a gentle reminder of my surroundings.

“Look, fellas,” I begin, my voice low and steady, “I appreciate your... entrepreneurial spirit, but I’m not interested in your 'protection plan.' In fact, it seems you’re more in need of a lesson in tact.” I negotiate for the second time - third time will be their demise, as I am holding on to my anger.

“Ha?!?” he instigates with his dim-witted followers behind him. Right, I should have known - he can only utter that syllable, two-letter word, one consonant followed by one vowel.

I initiate a handshake, expressing: “... my name is Ash. Or you can write like this…” on a table napkin, inscribing ‘Æ’, “Y’all hungry? Want to eat? It’s on me.” the five of them laugh, but for me, I don’t want to probe into needless killings.

I bargain a third time, this is my maximum threshold - where my stress level reaches daily-high, my patience could hold my fury no more, and the right side of my conscience grows fading. For all of that, this ‘Ha’ guy spits on my offered hand. He stands by his choice. I wipe my smeared hand on the person who spat it. I smile then I chop his throat. Dodging stabs and attacks. I redirect the blade to one of their own… the most fortunate spot is the thigh that has landed. One of them picks up a chair and attempts to hurl at me, under split-second decision, I grab one of these stooges to shield myself from the flying chair. Moments later, as the bedlam subsides gradually, I couldn't help but offer a final taunt, cackling: “Consider it as an infirmary fee.” out of spite to not bother when they see me once more, I pay up the ‘extortion’ and their healing bills.

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Concluding: “Send my regards to ‘Captain Leonis’. Tell him, I’m underway.” I tell them, whereas they shriek upon hearing the ‘name’ and after tasting my fists.

“What?!?” the voice cracks are apparent, they shriek, pissing on their pants.

If Captain Leonis hears about this incident, these five pests are dead to the captain himself. He himself is the judiciary and the enforcer of this island. I know him just a bit, working under his command - it has been a couple of months since then. Technically, I am one of his men. His favorite execution method is ‘off their heads’ using a blunt blade for maximum pain. Therefore, it is better to give them a little bit of extra. It is a little gift for me. Deeming it a parting gift for their funerals as well. It would be a great show for tomorrow… also my favorite kind of entertainment - public execution in broad daylight.

“Please, forgive me! They forced me to do it!” as the forerunner of this gang is crying for forgiveness, ditching his other friends.

Another one follows, claiming: “No, sire. He is lying down to his throat. He is the one who told us how to win a quick coin, so he followed him.” as I read him - ‘lying down to his throat’. Look who’s talking.

“Don’t believe them, mister. I was dragged along with them. Stating that I will get paid if I gang up with them. Unknowingly that we are conducting an extortion.” as this other one is either colluding with them if the mugging is successful or snitching them out if things go off the road. This lad deserves to die. What an opportunistic scoundrel.

“Dung! All of you - dung!” another screams out of regret.

I bellow, playing: “It might be early but: ‘Good night, boyos!’” as I give a huge whack to each of their heads, all the five of them.

Major issue, they are intervening with my investigation. And first of all, they injured my wrist - desite beating them up but I demand either compensation or arbitration. Second of all, they initiated the commotion thus I am the victim here, it is all self-defense. Finally, it is a proactive defense rather than waiting for me to get real hurt... luckily, I only got this wrist trauma not because they harm me or whatnot but it is because my punches are connecting to their faces and jaws. My minor complaints are: there should be a distinction for part-time militiamen in this de-facto pirate republic, every bounty hunters in this island should be part of the defense of Fort Quogsagihaxee’e, and the captain should also have his captain-lieutenant instead of being Habaraef as his sole deputy she-captain.

In the end, I am also apprehended by the on-the-second men as I raise my hands head-level. I greet, “Good evening, officers.” cinching my fingers together behind my head.

“Ash?” one of the response peloton grabs my wrists, shackling with cuffs - together incriminating with the ones whom I beaten.

“Yes, I am. I identify myself as Ash.” verifying myself, I speak, my voice is rather tranquil.

“Well, I’m sorry about these good-for-nothing young lads.” he follows, as in his stead he apologizes for the actions of the troublemakers.

“It’s alright.” I do forgive the indecency of Fort Quogsagihaxee’e first-handedly, gasping for air.

“And about the Captain’s order, that too - I’m sorry.” he expresses it in a low tone.

“Oh, yeah. I nearly forgot about that, really.” the voice is rather or either on the sardonic side or barely annoyed, “None taken.” I grunt.

“That stooge is ‘Harper Harrison Hatton’, the ringleader of this ragtag crew.” as the on-the-second man officer introduces me, while he is yanking my cuffs leniently. So, the ‘Ha’ guy, huh? Such a peculiar and befitting name - *Ha*rper *Ha*rrison *Ha*tton.

“More like: Ha… Ha… Ha… I got the last laugh?” I respond, whereas the officer whom I am conversing with shares a titter.

“Haha… that’s a great one,” praising my pop talk, “... after all, if Captain Leonis is in uplifting spirits - might these vile fools be marooned instead.” as he redirects the conversation into a serious one.

“What about me?” I ask, then I follow, “Will I be marooned as well?” aligning my gaze to his, continuing: “Or worst, sever my head… ?”

“I doubt that, sir Ash. It is just that some people know who you are and some people don’t. Ignoring this fact might have some setbacks for both you and me. You do your part as I do likewise. You, the Captain’s ears and eyes. Me, as part of the response peloton.”