Kumar never pretended to get away from the scam he had prepared. It was simple yet good enough to save his family, but to carry it out, he had to involve certain individuals who would not let themselves be robbed without retaliation. False documents confirming gold in an untouched area of the Rock gave him access to investments from the most wealthy and dangerous scum of Bandanii. With that money, he financed his escape, and a secured future for his daughter. That was his plan. And when his victims would find out there was no gold, he was ready to be punished for it.

When Robert and Claudia received letters from Kumar’s assistant, Macha, they took over. They turned a flawed and desperate gamble into a huge operation aimed to not only give the former ruler of Tampra and his family a second chance, but to disassemble the red island slave trade, overthrow the tyrannic dynasties ruling the island and destroy its gangs including one roaming the southern seas with little to no opposition: The Siren, one of the Harpy’s daughters. It first started with putting simple, yet well made promissory notes and thrusts into circulation, documents linked to several wealthy families that never existed. At the same time, Kisneth, a trusted lawyer from the Blue, had created a company to take over Kumar’s venture and create a well crafted, yet forged business plan.

On his way to the docks, Robert stopped at the rendezvous point. No matter how hard he tried to find an explanation, he couldn’t understand why criminals always wanted to meet in that kind of dive instead of other more respectable places. Inside, five men awaited him. Three represented the city’s most powerful crime families, while the other two were trustees of influential governors, men of equal perversion and danger. None of them trusted Robert, but the greed and gullibility of their superiors would ensure success. It was expected.

“I’m in a hurry, gentlemen,” Robert announced as he entered.

“Like usual,” remarked Mr. Arseo. “Have you brought the gold? Lord Edd’anok has heard rumors your side of the mountain isn’t profitable. Considering we’ve seen little to no gain yet, well... Patience is wearing thin.”

Robert revealed a small bottle sealed with wax and left it gently over the table. Inside was the key to the sting’s success. Owning a company in bankruptcy and a dry mine, they had had to use Donna’s money to buy ingots from the Rock, turned them into dust and returned it back as a recently excavated product.

The men passed the little bottle among themselves, some scrutinizing it, others barely looking at its contents. “Why is Mr. Kumar out of the business?” one of them asked.

“Because he’s dead. Lung illness. Rest assured, the business is safe and the mine profitable.” Robert handed each of the presents an envelope before speaking again. “These contain Transaction proofs. The first profits are in your accounts already. You’ll also find details on the project’s future expansion.”

As they opened the letters, faces lit up with satisfaction, though not all.

“My master was expecting much more,” said Laddan, a lackey of one of the gang leaders.

“Mine too,” echoed Edoran, another scoundrel tied to the slavers. “Kumar promised faster and bigger returns than this. And these so-called expansions... This is a huge investment. My associates would have to sell double the number of heads to match our share.”

“Invest less, then.” Rober said. “Although I’d recommend your bosses to not miss the opportunity of a lifetime. They have savings and the gains will be worth it. I never fail to deliver. Kumar knew how to rule a country, not to handle a mine. Luckily for you, I do. Our calculations estimate a five-year mark if we follow the initial plan. However, if your masters decide to support my expansion to the southeast of the Northern Plateau, they won’t only be really clever but immensely rich in less than a year. As you can see, it has been properly surveyed. We are not talking crumbs here, we are talking about the whole pie. Look at the numbers.”

Robert analyzed each of his interlocutors’ faces, every detail, every gesture. Everything showed, with no doubts, his tricks were successful. Gangs, the less picky and more reckless, were already in. The government scoundrels, though, needed a little push. A better bait. “I have secured a contract for land transport, made possible through the involvement of mercenaries. They will charge only five percent for each trip through the Royal road, considerably less than the city’s sea routes rates.”

“Ye’wanna bring the gold by land?” growled one. “What a stupid idea! The Sand folk will raid us constantly.”

“Not if I pay them to look the other way."

The government representatives tensed. “Are you saying we are going to pay for the rebels’ fight against us? Are we crazy?”

“I finance nothing.” Robert created a perfect expression of confidence. Giving his listeners the exact dose of reliability and reassurance, he prepared his next lies to give the last stroke of his masterpiece. “I pay them in resources for the Karam villages. I’m planning to reopen Soma grain routes. And when I get it, not only will I be richer than all of you put together, but the Sand Warriors will no longer have any interest in the East.”

The only two who weren’t still convinced engaged in a back and forth of whispers. Robert didn’t need to hear to know where the conversation headed. Realizing of Robert’s plan was not too difficult for someone who heard the political troubles of Bandanii daily. Romeii and Jep’Serdun would trade with Karam at cheaper prices, Kush, to save its primary source of income, would then start a fight in the valleys, dragging back the sand warriors to their homeland instead of Bandanii. Jep’Serdun and Romeii would find an excuse to war on Kursh, a long awaited chance to regain southern territories lost in a previous conflict.

From all this madness, Bandanii seemed to be the long-term winner. On paper, at least. Robert’s trickery was way beyond the net of simple dots. The roots of his trickery, longer and deeper, would not only lead to the downfall of Bandanii and its network of inhuman businesses, but the destruction of everything else despicable, including the Siren.

Robert waited, letting the significance of his words sink in. Letting them unwoven the forgery of events as if it was planned by them. When grins appeared, he continued. “A small portion of our gold will reach the city’s coffers and be taxed, ensuring no undue suspicion arises. But the larger share will go directly to a trusted partner of mine, who will pay at the same price per gram as the city, but untaxed.” Robert gazed at the government officials and narrowed his eyes. “Of course, this last part can’t reach the King.”

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Not waiting for resolution, he stood and strode to the exit. “If you know anyone else interested in joining the venture, refer them to my lawyer’s office. But make sure they’re as trustworthy as yourselves. Gentlemen, it is, as always, a pleasure,”

‘I believe everyone will invest except Edorak’s people,’ Claudia’s voice echoed. ‘especially if they believe war is brewing.’

‘Why not?’

‘Because the war will cut off the supply of slaves to the city, but not slave numbers. Ance the contrary. They will use their connections to reestablish Romeii’s slavery markets and invest in relocating there. If that happens, they will not want to spend a single cent on a Bandanii business.’

‘Maybe.’ Robert said. ‘But whatever they do, it’s all part of the plan. If they stay, we’ll bankrupt them. If they leave, Bandanii’s king will turn against slavery when he no longer profits. When phase two unfolds and they realize there’s no war coming, they’ll go bankrupt. Either way, I’ve got them by the balls.’

‘I know the data. This plan is as much mine as it is yours. My statement was regarding their investment.’

Rober pulled his lips to a line. ‘I think they will invest, anyway. It’s just a hunch.’

‘Are you malfunctioning? Not only do you insist on talking like an illiterate, but you’re relying on hunches. There’s no room for hunches. Hunches ruin plans. We have to rely on data or else-’

‘Sometimes hunches win the fight.’

Robert continued his walk to the docks in silence. Claudia had learned to keep quiet when she knew he’d not listen. He took pleasure in believing it resulted from frustration, although it was not. As he emerged onto one of the busiest streets in the business district, he spotted Kishnet waiting in the corner, impatience etched on his face. “How did it go?” The lawyer rushed to ask as soon as Robert reached.

“As expected. You have one month, Kish. No more, regardless of how many people come to invest. After you are done, close everything down and disappear. Do you have all the papers you need for your new life?”

“I do. And the gains too. Are you leaving already?”

“Soon. I can’t delay any longer. The Herjard navy has moved south, earlier than I expected. I’ll have to assign some teachers for the boy and hope he learns quickly. You’ll monitor him, won’t you?”

Kishnet nodded, falling into step beside Robert as they made their way to the dry-docks of AhShui’s company.

“Is the Icto ready?” Robert asked as they reached the workshop.

Shui looked up from his sewing, wiping the sweat from his brow. “It just needs to assemble that giant saw. I believe the structure may wreck wooden vessels, but I’m not sure about metal hulls, sir.”

“It will suffice. How about Macha?”

“The boy has come too. He looks pretty beaten up.”

Robert glanced at Macha, who stood motionless before the Icto. “Understandable,” he said. “Please tell all the men to leave and summon Rob afterwards.”

The Icto, a submersible vessel, matched the sketches Donna had once tucked away in a forgotten drawer. It had begun as little more than a fanciful concept, fraught with errors and impracticalities. Yet, through the brilliance of a gifted mind and the craftsmanship of Shui’s workers, it had been completed. The hull, narrow, elongated and as big as a schooner, was all made of metal. Only the deck bore wooden planks. It had no masts or sails, and two propellers powered by the power of the Sphere would make the propulsion. The small, rounded bridge was the only part protruding from its deck, its smooth metallic surface interrupted only by a modest top hatch and a simple lather at the side. A sharp metal blade resting alongside the vessel was the ultimate piece. Intended to run from the bow to the bridge would reinforce the whole top side and be used as an underwater saw.

“It’s fine, I suppose,” Macha murmured, his gaze fixed on the submersible. “But what’s the use of sailing if you can’t enjoy the view?”

“The tactical advantage,” Robert replied. “Vega’s forces don’t just boast autonomous ships with unparalleled firepower. He has flying machines and self-reliant robots. Like Rob.”

“Speak of the devil,” Macha muttered as Rob, Robert’s former body, approached with the awkward gait his spindly legs allowed. He carried, as requested, the box.

“Howdy, Macha!” Rob greeted, his eye-torches flickering at the young man. “Been a while, hasn’t it?”

Rob set the box on a table and opened it. Inside, two spheres of power pulsed softly with azure light. The newly fresh made version, more potent than the original, would power the submersible. The other, once made by the brilliant mind of a young nurse, would erase Herjard once and for all. Rob took one with its long fingers and moved toward the Icto. The machine ascended the side ladder and opened the hatch. Rob would sail the Icto efficiently. The old self of Robert was limited in mind, yet it was the perfect choice as a navigator. It will steer the ship and decide only by the directives Robert had pre-programed. he’d do it with precision and without mistakes. No creative thoughts to soothe others, no doubts born from a yearning to feel human.

“No need for sails or coal,” Robert continued. “And only one crew member is required. Just Rob and the Icto. They will never sleep, never tire, never be at the mercy of the wind or in need of fuel.”

“Why drag me away from my grief, if I may ask?” Macha said. “Like you said, inside that thing two are crowded.”

“I’m leaving for the North imminently,” Robert replied. “And Rob too. Along with the Icto, he will head South. His first mission is to clear the Siren Shoals from the Harpy’s daughter navy. Afterward, he will sail to Tampraparni island and ready your escape route in case you face trouble. If so, you’ll have to leave everything behind and sail south with him to aid the Blue army.”

“Great to have an escape plan and all,” Macha said, a hint of scorn hidden in his words. “Although my question was, why did you make me come here?”

“Because in order to rescue you, he needs to know everything you remember about the Parni capital: its ports, its docks, its streets. Everything must be ready in advance, including your way out of the city. Or do you prefer to send him a letter when things go wrong? Maybe a pigeon instead?”

Macha snapped his teeth. “Give me a break. I’m mourning and I didn’t sleep at all.”

“My apologies,” Robert said, a hint of contempt in the arch of his eyebrow. “But I advise you to toughen that skin and sharpen that brain. Because your mission is to get into the wolf’s mouth, and if you don’t put all you got, it’s going to chew you up.”

“You may be full of knowledge apart from other less pleasant things, but I assure you there’s one thing you don’t know.” Macha’s chest puffed to the brim before deflating with a slow, loud puff. “You have no idea how hard I can let them chew me without blinking.”