The day after the team was sent on the monthly collection mission, GM and MC went to meet with Gil at The Organization headquarters. The Organization headquarters building was a decent way across town from their clubhouse to a part of town he hadn't been to since his return to Stronginzburg City. MC took in the sights of the buildings and recalled his childhood among them. He noticed that the buildings, while seeming to almost touch the clouds above, still seemed smaller now than the way he remembered them from his childhood.

GM drove as usual. The car made a sharp turn into a parking garage and went up three stories before finding an open spot. “I still can’t believe that all this parking is all for The Organization,” said MC.

“That’s right. Don’t forget that we’re actually a pretty large business,” said GM as he got out of the car.

Signs led MC and GM through the parking garage and to a sky bridge that connected the parking garage to the building. MC looked over the railing as he walked and observed the streets below. Busy traffic and the hustle and bustle of people shuffling around creating an almost dizzying site.

At last they came to a door to enter the building on the third floor. GM placed his hand on a screen beside the door. A red light scanned his palm from top to bottom and then lit up green. The door unlocked with a subtle clicking sound. They walked into the building which seemed like it could belong to any regular business in the city. The hallway in front of them went straight for a few hundred feet before turning out of sight. The floors were decorated with a thin blue carpet. “Let’s get in an elevator. The bossman is on the top floor,” said GM.

As they walked down the hallway MC observed several rooms to either side. Most were empty, but a few were filled with groups of people in business suits sitting around tables and showing powerpoints.

“This place really is a business isn't it?”

“Of course. On a plain basis what we do is business,” said GM as he continued guiding them towards the elevators in the distance.

“Who were those people in suits in that last room?” asked MC.

“Not really sure. Most likely financial analysts or something. The Organization selects a few candidates from top colleges every year and offers them jobs. We’re able to pay more than most other general business positions around the city so we actually have a pretty good team of business nerds.

They approached the elevators and GM hit the button to open the doors. The elevator dinged and opened up. A huge hooded man in dirty black clothing straightened up from leaning against the back wall of the elevator and walked out past them. A jolt of a feeling hit MC as the man passed by. He had an aura about him, but it was more than just that. A weak but filthy scent wafted into MC’s nose as the man passed. It was like a rotting animal. They entered the elevator and GM pressed the button for the top floor which was labeled with the number ‘twenty-four’ and the doors closed.

“Who was that guy?” asked MC, still noticing a hit of the man’s lingering stench.

“Oh that guy we just passed? That was The Vampire. At least that’s what everybody calls him.”

“That guy had something strange about him. Almost like the air around him felt cold when he walked by or something. It’s hard to describe.”

“I know what you mean. He’s been with The Organization for quite a while now. He got his nickname from the way he operates on his missions. Always seems to leave a bloody mess and you’re lucky if he actually gets the mission done. I think at this point Gil is afraid to fire him to be honest. He’s one freaky fucker. Probably best to steer clear of him.” MC took a mental note.

After a short elevator ride they arrived at their destination on the top floor. The door opened to a small room where a receptionist sat at a desk. Her long blonde hair contrasted against her dark gray business suit. GM approached her and said “Hello, I’m here to meet with Gil.”

“Great to see you, GM,” the receptionist replied with a smile. “Go on in.” She motioned to a door on her right. GM and MC walked through the door into a large square room. The floor was made of dark polished marble that met a red decorated carpet resting under a desk. Behind the desk sat a wall of large windows overlooking a portion of the city. The walls of the office were lined with filled bookshelves that were dimly illuminated by a standing lamp next to the desk. Gil sat facing the window, shrouded to GM and MC. Rain poured down the window causing an opaque like effect. The city glowed yellow and orange against the dark gray sky.

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“Gil, you wanted to see me? I’ve brought MC as requested.”

Gil slowly turned around in his chair. The sides of his face hid behind shoulder length hair. His dark suit was flawless. The last wisps of smoke floated up into the room as he smashed the end of a cigar into a clear glass ashtray. “It’s great to see you, GM. Thanks for coming all the way out here. And MC too. Please sit.”

MC noticed his surprisingly inviting voice and mannerisms.

They sat down on red velvet chairs decorated with fancy carvings on dark maple. “It’s been a while since you’ve asked to see me in person, Gil,” said GM.

“That it has. It feels like yesterday when you and I were in the field together. I miss those days, you know. Sometimes I even consider getting out into the field to join you again.”

“I’d like that very much sir. I’m sure you're as keen and agile as ever,” GM joked. Gil emitted a laugh.

“Hey now, I may not be what I once was, but don’t discount me as some sort of nursing home-bound geriatric,“ Gil said with a smile. “Anyway,” Gil turned and grabbed a tan folder off of a large stack and opened it in front of him. He opened it up and skimmed over its contents. “What’s this about a scuffle out back behind the chinese restaurant?”

“It seemed that some low-level thug group had been posing as the Black Diamond. They were pressuring the restaurant for money. We took care of what needed to be done,” said GM.

“Doesn’t seem like there was much to it.”

“Correct. We were able to handle the situation with ease.”

MC forced a smile. Speak for yourself. I got my ass beat.

“So, other than this, MC how are you doing? Is The Organization treating you well?”

MC paused briefly before answering as if trying to choose his words carefully.

“I’m doing quite well. I’m appreciative of the hospitality that I have been offered as part of The Organization.”

“Splendid. I know you're in good hands with GM. We’re glad to have you as part of the team. Let me get a good look at you.” Gil got up and walked around the desk to inspect MC. He leaned in close to his face. His breath was hot and smelled of tobacco. His presence was overwhelming and MC felt the urge to look away. After the brief inspection Gil returned to his chair and turned to GM. He does remind you of him doesn't he? William, I mean.” said Gil.

“Yes, quite a lot, sir.”

“It’s not just his appearance either is it?”

“It’s much more than that.” GM cleared his throat and changed the subject. “Training is progressing smoothly. We are using similar methods to when I was in training for old time’s sake,” said GM.

Gil looked up from under his eyebrows, “In that case I sure hope MC has had his tetanus shot. If I remember correctly there were junkyards and dogs involved.”

“Your memory serves you well.”

MC winced at the thought of those junkyard dogs.

“Perfect. I’ll leave GM to oversee your missions as he sees fit. I recommend taking a few days to rest and then getting moving again. Jin has been a thorn in our side for far too long. I have high hopes for you, MC. I believe it is your destiny to finally rid this city of that son of a bitch. If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask. I’d love to do anything to help you along your journey.

GM sat in a recliner chair with his feet up while Sora layed on the couch in the living room of the clubhouse. GM’s big toe stuck out a hole in his sock. The subtle clanking of metal weights being lifted and set down came from inside MC’s room.

“Everything on tv these days is bullshit,” said GM.

“Then turn it off,” said Sora, not taking her eyes off her handheld game.

GM grumbled and continued to watch the news. “The media is blowing recent events out of proportion like they always do, telling people to lock their doors and stay out of the streets after dark. In a general sense they’re right to do so, but it’s not like the Black Diamond are going out of their way to target random people for no reason… well maybe some of them are.”

“Who even cares, GM. God you’re so annoying,” said Sora, adjusting the pillow under her head.

“I need a drink,” said GM. He got up and made for the fridge. To his dismay, they were out of alcohol.

Just then, MC came out of his room heading toward the shower room. He was shirtless and covered in sweat.

“MC! Perfect timing. I need you to run to the store for me. We’re out of beers.”

“What? No way. Go get it yourself.”

“I’ll have you know that this is part of your training.”

“Like hell it is. Go to the store yourself. I’m going to shower,” MC said as he walked off.

“It was worth a shot,” said GM, closing the refrigerator door.