April 9, 2056
Upon entering the city, it became evident how things had spiraled out of control. Smoke filled the air, and the distant sound of breaking glass and angry shouts reverberated through the narrow streets. Up ahead, we traverse around a building being set ablaze by a mob of rioters but not before having a Molotov thrown at our vehicle. It explodes into a ball of fire that causes the Shard next to me to jolt away in surprise.
"Some Rambell hospitality," A cheeky Sentinel across from him cheers. "We do hope you enjoy the warm welcoming!"
"Yes well... it's very inviting... I'll say that." He clears his throat.
He goes by Flash and he's a 2nd. Lieutenant in the Company. He has light skin, short brown hair, and inherits Nova Union's unique purple eyes. I'm not particularly close with him but he's a good friend of Frost so I occasionally bump into him here and there. We're... pals... I guess.
"Долбаные дикари. Я отрежу им орехи за осквернение моего родного города." A sentinel across from me curses while gazing out the window.
"What did he say?" Alice nudges my shoulder.
"You don't want to know..."
"You're lame..." She pouts at me before sinking back into her seat.
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After this she later goes on about explaining the conditions on the meetup. Apparently, S would only agree if no more than three Vics entered his compound. The rest of the convoy would be on standby a few blocks away while we negotiate terms.
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The Vics trailing behind us soon turn off on to other roads until only three remain, including us. The streets are now dead silent, with only the roar of our engines filling the void. The riots were all but behind us now but couldn't help but feel a sense of uneasiness driving through the nearly pitch-black streets.
"Why are the lights out?" I ask turning back to the Sentinels.
"Power grid was bombed last week. They haven't been able to make repairs due to a shortage of workers," One of them explains.
Even city workers aren't turning up. Just how bad could things get in such a short period of time? How can one person appear out of nowhere and have such a huge influence over so many? Whoever they are, they clearly know what they're doing.
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Before I know it, the convoy starts coming up on the F.D.O.S. compound which manages to retain its power. To enter however, we first stop at the gate and an armed guard wearing a vest over a tan suit comes up to driver side.
"Working with dogs now Rams?" He asks.
"Only the good ones," The driver jokes. "We're here to talk to your boss."
The guard takes a glance at everyone in the Vic and looks back at the driver. "Bring your convoy into the parking area. Don't keep him waiting." The gate slides open, and we enter. The Vics park and we dismount. I look around to see more guards stationed around us. We're outnumbered without the rest of the convoy and with the gate closed there's no way out. I nudge Frost and he nods.
"They won't do anything to us. We'll just get what we came for and leave." He reassures me as Alice comes up behind me and nudges my shoulder.
"Look, here comes Bone head." She gestures.
I turn around and see a man wearing to be what seems like a pristine white suit tailored to perfection and emitting an aura of sophistication. This by itself makes him appear to be someone of authority and power. However, look up and you will come face to face to the striking skull mask that conceals his face.
"Is that him? Why did you call him that?" I whisper to her.
"Just a nickname he's gotten over the years for wearing that mask. But don't actually call him that in his face. I heard the last person who did ended up getting flayed to the skull," she says right as he reaches Macy and Josh.
"Well, that's... good to know." I whisper back.
"Welcome, Black Shard and Sentinels. I believe you've come for your Intel?" He says with his hands behind his back.
"That is correct, Mr. S," Macy answers. "But I had presumed we were to have our discussions indoors?" She adds and this makes him chuckle.
"Yes, well you see, I don't want your dirty boots staining the interior of my building. No offence of course! I hope you understand that, da?"
"...None taken." She happily plays along.
"Good!" He then snaps his fingers, and two guards bring out a table, along with chairs, and they set it between him and us.
"Shall we begin with the talks?" He says, while gesturing for Macy to take a seat.
For the next fifteen minutes, whenever Macy asked a question, a nearby Shard would text a message into their phone which would shortly notify someone at a desk to send the appropriate funds to S's account. I didn't have the full details but from what Frost told me, we were giving this guy around eighty thousand dollars for each piece of intel. And based on how many questions she asked, I was beginning to wonder how much Atlis was willing to put into this versus how much intel Macy could get out of him. Eventually, she finally decides that she's got what she needed and ends her questioning.
In summary, S described how The Feds came to FDOS first during the first few weeks of the newly appointed leader, asking for supplies and armaments. At first, they wanted nothing to do with the insurrectionists and their movement. The investment was just not worth it considering The Federation's goal seemed unplausible and would just end in failure. There was also the threat that Rambell would severely cut back on their deals with FDOS and also increase the tariffs on their exports had they landed aid to the Feds. However, three weeks later from their first interaction, a new man was sent by the Federation which brought up the same requests from before, but with a new offer on the table.
The Federation at this point had gained more followers along with more provinces that supported their cause. They had also become too big for Rambell keep its authority within the revolting area. This plays into the next part, which was that in exchange for weapons, The Federation was willing to house FDOS assets within its provinces and grant them tax immunity and no fees on exports and imports. As anyone could guess, they took the deal and have supplied the Feds with countless amounts of weapons, tanks, and anything else an insurrection could use.
The main piece of intel that Macy was really looking for was the mentioning of the man who came up to them the second time. Apparently, he is an officer within The Federation and has made numerous contacts with S through exchanges. After throwing another eighty thousand into his bank, S provided us a location of interest where the officer has been staying.
Probably could've started with that question first Macy...
"I think that'll do for now, Mr. S," Macy states as she gets up from her seat. "I truly thank you for your cooperation and hope you'll continue to aid us in this crisis.”
“No worries, Shards. We are friends here are we not?” He says before extending his hand to shake Macy’s. “But… let me ask you one thing.”
Macy tilts her head but let’s him proceed with the question.
"Is this crisis not justified in the eyes of you? These people have been oppressed for a long time and have finally snapped, isn’t that something you’re familiar with as well, Shard?”
For a moment Macy stays quiet with an unchanging expression on her face before abruptly pulling away her hand and turning to face away from him.
“Stay out of trouble, Mr. S. Goodbye.” She finishes saying before ordering us to enter our vehicles again.
When we're in the Vic, we remain silent until we're out the gate where a Macy is first to break the silence.
"I’m not going lie, I may have gone over the budget Atlis gave me. Whoops.” She rubs the back of her neck.
"Who cares, it’s not our money,” Frost adds, “Let’s just hope that intel of his proves to be useful.”
As we regroup with the rest of the convoy, we start our journey out of the city and towards the Federation hideout S gave us. But not before some of the shards take it upon themselves to create a betting pool on whether or not the intel was good or not...