The Chief of Defense met again with the Dexter family. They assembled in the warehouse, which the siblings used to propose their deal to Barry. Unlike their first meeting, there were two distinct differences: Theodore was absent, and Amber was present.
The tension was palpable in the warehouse. No one was happy to be here, from the apathetic stares of Harvey and Amelia to the upset expression of Amber, who matched their gaze. Even their men (soldiers and mafioso) seemed unusually serious.
"It's funny, isn't it," Harvey said, attempting to break the silence. "The reason why we're meeting here."
Amber and Barry listened with expressions of contempt.
You're not wrong about that. Amber thought. But I can't say I like this.
"Quickly explain the reason for this meeting," Barry said. "Explain why you wanted to see Amber. I am a busy man."
"Hmpf, how crude, especially since you guys are in the wrong," Harvey said.
"Hmm?"
"Despite our differences, we decided to work with you guys to contain criminal activities so you can focus your efforts on Jack," Harvey continued. Suddenly, he pointed at Amber. "But she, your soldier, attacked my brother, who simply was managing his business."
It was obvious why you wanted to see her, Harvey. Barry thought. You couldn't help but vent your frustrations.
Barry's gaze then shifted to Amber momentarily. He could observe the rising anger upon her face.
Sigh, I'm sorry for bringing you into this, Amber. I'm sorry, but you have to bear with this.
"Okay, I'm sure you don't care about the moral complications of Theodore's 'business management,' do you," Barry said. "So then, it'll be a pain for this 'alliance' to dissolve while dealing with Jack and the S-Class criminals. So what can we do to put this behind us."
"She attacked one of our brothers, so naturally the recompense amount would be high," Harvey responded. "But for the good of the alliance, we'll be lenient. Relieve that woman of her duty as a soldier of the Enlightenment Program."
"...What?" Barry uttered with a shocked expression.
"She attacked my brother who never did anything wrong," Harvey repeated. "A soldier that attacked a civilian who wasn't committing a crime, if that doesn't warrant a relieving of her duty, I don't know what does. I also think she should apologize for her actions."
Okay, that's the last straw. Barry said. There's no way--
"You...want an apology for attacking your brother?" Amber suddenly said. "How about your brother apologize to Dave for being so selfish?"
"...Huh?" Harvey uttered.
"Have you...Have any of your group actively focused on protecting citizens from crime?"
"What...are you talking about? Of course, we have--"
"Liar..." Amber bluntly stated, which visibly annoyed Amelia. "Containing the crime rates? Relieving some of the work on the military to focus on...Jack? Don't play that card!"
"...What do you mean by that, Amber," Harvey asked in a deep and strained voice. It was obvious that his annoyance grew as Amber spoke.
"I heard the deal you made with Mr. Barry. You cared not about quelling criminal activities. You're just taking advantage of...Jack's presence and the surplus in crime," Amber said.
"...I take it that you won't apologize?"
"I understand the threat Jack imposes on this country. I understand very clearly," Amber said, which caused Barry to look at her with sorrow. "He's vile, sinful, wicked. There are not enough words I can use to describe him. But you guys are no better! You all are just as horrible as that demon!"
Hearing Amber's words and seeing her ire-filled demeanor directed towards them, Harvey and Amelia clenched their fists in anger.
"I will never apologize to selfish and corrupt people like you! Never!"
In a burst of anger, Harvey slammed his hands on the table before standing up.
"...I'm sorry, Harvey. Relieving Amber of her duties is impossible," Barry remarked. "She had attacked Theodore out of good intentions. Protecting the people is a soldier's duty. Therefore, she will receive no punishment."
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"...What?" Harvey muttered.
"Besides, your brother conspired to sell Dave's organs. That and the property damage he caused would put him in the wrong," Barry reasoned. "If anything, I'll be the one that overlooks your blunder for the sake of the alliance."
So you never planned on accepting our terms, huh, Chief? Harvey thought.
"...We have nothing more to say, then," Harvey said as he, his sister, and their men exited the warehouse, leaving Amber and Barry.
"...That went about how I expected," Barry said.
"...Thank you, Mr. Barry," Amber suddenly said.
"For what?"
"...When I heard you dealt with the mafia, I was kinda disappointed. For the person who gave me a space in the Enlightenment Program to deal with the enemy was...surprising," Amber explained. "Even though I knew Jack was the priority. But I'm glad that you were on my side in this meeting. So, thanks again."
"...Well, it's not like I ever wanted to work with them. But I would never choose their side over yours," Barry declared. "You're not only my soldier, but you've gone through more than enough in your life."
"Yeah."
* * *
On the outside, Amelia and Harvey were escorted to a parked black sedan.
"So, there's no way we're letting Amber off the hook after her display a while ago, right?" Amelia asked.
"Of course not. I knew Amber wouldn't have apologized if she stood up to Theodore in the first place," Harvey said. "But to think the Chief declined to discharge her. Oh well, we don't need to kill her ourselves."
"We're using 'him,' nice," Amelia said.
"Yes, in this situation, it's best to use our hitman," Harvey replied. "He'll get rid of her quietly, and we won't have to worry about them finding her remains."
"Great. We should go to a restaurant," Amelia suggested. "I'm kinda hungry."
Their mafia associates chauffeured the bosses away.
The coming days were filled with peace for the soldiers of the Enlightenment Program. They had daily interactions with each other without distractions to deepen their bonds. They undergo continuous and rigorous training for their growth.
And, of course, they continued patrolling areas to suppress criminal activity nationally. Everyone had luck defeating criminals, even Amber, who stopped many criminals.
About three days after the meeting between Amber and Harvey, she was seen on the streets defeating a criminal. She had restricted his movements as she pinned him to the ground.
All the civilians were watching with impressed looks.
Phew, that's another criminal taken care of. Amber thought. I wonder how the others are faring now.
All eyes were on Amber as they felt respect for her. However, there was one individual who contrasted with the civilians' cheers and positivity. He stood on the edge of a dark alleyway, the dark obscuring his facial features. While this individual's intentions were unknown, the ominous vibe that he gave while standing in the dark was not helpful. If only Amber knew she was being stalked.
As busybody as she is with her desire to bring criminals to justice, Amber spent the remainder of the day searching for criminals. She spent so much time that the moonlight shone over the earth.
"It's getting pretty dark now," Amber said. "Although I told Mr. Altius I'd spend more time searching, I should head back now."
I hope I'm doing well, my god. I hope you're watching...dad, mom, brother. Amber thought. I'll continue saving people as much as I can!
Tap...tap...tap...tap...tap...tap!!!
The sounds of footsteps were audible as they quickly became louder.
"Huh, what's that--"
BAM!!!
Out of nowhere, Amber felt a sharp pain in her back before she was suddenly launched across the block.
"AAAHHHHHHH!!!" Amber yelled as she violently rolled several times on the asphalt road. When she finally came to a halt, she coughed up a lot of blood.
"Wow, you're still conscious?" An unfamiliar voice said. Simultaneously, a man wearing a black suit walked up. His suit design was similar to Theodore's due to the overcoat he wore. He also donned a pair of shades, which complemented his low-cut black hair and goatee. "You're a strong one, huh?"
It appeared that this person had struck Amber from behind.
"Well, I was watching you throughout the day. I could tell you were a bit strong with how you effortlessly took down those bad guys!" The man said as he approached Amber. Strangely, Amber found it difficult to pull herself back to her feet after receiving that blow. "My name is Harold Lucas, and I'm here to kill you."
Ugh...what just...happened? He struck me in the back...It hurts! Amber wondered in her delirious state. Did he say...he's here to kill me...?
"Sorry, nothing personal. It's your fault for upsetting the mafia," Harold stated.
The...mafia... Amber thought. Those guys...again...
Amber struggled and mustered the strength to stand once more. With her radiant yellow gleam, Amber also activated her blessing.
"Oh, you got to your feet too?" Harold said with a look of surprise. "But could you fight me in that state?" He said as he noticed Amber was unable to stand straight. Amber's vision was still slightly disoriented. Her mouth and chin were covered with the blood she coughed up.
H-He's right...it hurts. I haven't got enough time to recover...
"Don't worry, I'll try to make this quick!" Harold declared as he charged, much to Amber's panic.
Out of nowhere, however, Harold was suddenly struck in his right side and sent sliding several meters, surprising both him and Amber.
"W-What?" Amber uttered as she realized who had saved her in time. It was none other than Aiden.
"Oh?" Harold uttered as he slightly rubbed his side.
"I wanted to spend more time today surveying the area. It looks like that decision was the right choice," Aiden said with a smug smirk. "I came just in time."
"Aiden..."
"Heh, looks like there's a nuisance interrupting us," Harold stated.