TFA1 2.6 - Officer of A Clandestine Unit
South Magwurt City
18:10, 28 Feb 2025
Inside a simple hut, a middle-aged man with a thin body and tattered clothe sat while enjoying a piece of chocolate bar. Several centurions from Tuscan Guard several times came to persuade him to immediately move to Amethyst Merchant Camp, but he insisted on staying in his rickety hut as long as possible.
After enjoying the last piece of chocolate in his hand, the man took a deep breath before looking at every corner of the hut he had used to live for the past seven months. During these months, he collected information about Magwurt City and Tuscan Region. The people who live in it, environmental conditions, living standards, beliefs and traditions, and other things that could help the negotiation with Tuscan Region's authority.
Sometimes, he would also guide personnel from Agriculture Development Group who came to check the farmland. Now, the tiring and mentally draining task had been completed, and he had just received order to regroup with Amethyst Merchant in Magwurt City.
"I'd better hurry. I'm starving."
After locking the door, the man then walked towards the southeast of the city, carrying a bundle of rags on his shoulders. Without checking it, no one would have thought that the bundle contained a radio, maps, compass, and various other tools. People would also never suspect that a Glock 43, a silencer, and two extra magazines were tucked at his waist.
Tuscan Guard was not too strict when checking people who were entering or leaving the city gates, especially the people who their appearance and clothes were as shabby as most residents of Magwurt City.
With feeble steps the man walked down the dark streets, and he had to make several detours because the road he intended to pass was under heavy construction. When he finally arrived at the front gate of Amethyst Merchant HQ, the man waited for two guards to approach him.
"Good evening, Sir. Is there anything we can help you with?"
Asked one of the guards and in a casual but dignified tone the man answered.
"Major Petrov, IDG 3rd section, Lieutenant Colonel Slane asked me to come here, please confirm it."
One of the guards was about to grab the radio over his shoulder, when his senior partner stopped him. The senior guard then looked at the man in front of him carefully before saying.
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"Major, welcome back."
The senior guard saluted before opening the gate, and the shabby man walked in before asking, "Do you know me?"
"Counter-observation class, three times you came to teach while I was in attendance."
The shabby man gave a small nod before walking in, this time with the steadfast and dignified steps of a middle-ranking officer in an elite unit.
---
Dining Room, Amethyst Merchant HQ
After washing his body and changed his clothes, Major Petrov rushed to the dining room, and he was welcomed by Chef Bianca personally.
With a friendly smile Chef Bianca handed over a 1/4 cooked steak, two slices of wheat bread, and pure orange juice without sugar, which all she personally prepared.
"Major, this is welcome greetings from Lieutenant Colonel Slane."
Major Petrov immediately smiled at Chef Bianca, one of the best chefs in Amethyst Merchant while saying sincerely, "Thank you, Chef."
Without delay, Major Petrov then hurried to an empty table in one corner. And not long after he started savoring his dinner, Major Shade walked into dining room and went straight to his table.
Previously, Major Petrov had helped him make a list of residents who needed serious medical attention and where they lived, so Major Shade intended to thank him.
"Thank you for fulfilling the request from Medic Quarter," Major Shade said as he sat down across from his old comrade.
"No worry, XO had agreed so it is part of my job."
"Still, the intel you provide helped Medic Quarter to work more efficiently."
Major Petrov gave a small nod before changing the subject, "What have I missed?"
Major Shade cheerfully explained, "Last week, MCG completed the construction of South High Road and the FOC's protecting it, followed by construction of other facilities starting from the southern end of Southeast Triangle.
However, the level of threat in the area is higher than the initial estimate. So Harley Quinn increase the number of GCG personnel who securing the construction."
Major Petrov downed a mouthful of orange juice before asking another question, "Do you know why they pulled me back two weeks earlier?"
"I heard a thing or two, but can't say for sure if that was the reason." Major Shade cleared his throat a little before continuing, "Some time ago we rescued a settlement from slave hunters. IDG officers then tried to dig up information about Kingdom of Makai from its residents.
The digging didn’t produce satisfying intels, but some residents voluntarily asked to be sent to Kingdom of Makai as spy. CO agreed and asked IDG to select candidates, and prepare and lead them."
With ease Major Petrov concluded that he would be involved or possibly be in charge of the operation, but he said nothing about it.
"What about our operation in Tuscan?"
"Currently, our relationship with Tuscan Region is still limited to landowners and tenants, but Amethyst Merchant had prepared a tantalizing bait to lure them into a closer relationship. When Tuscan Region’s authority grabbed it, our operation is 80% complete."
Major Petrov took a deep breath before saying, "I'm relieved we didn’t need to muster military means."
Major Shade smiled faintly when he saw that his old friend was having a deep feeling for Tuscan Region, especially to the residents of Magwurt City, even though he did not say it openly.
*****