Chapter Six:
The Enemy Strikes
Jak climbed out of bed, his body not wanting to respond from lack of sleep. The whole gang had stayed up way too late the night before celebrating his and Erin's return. Daxter had been drinking the whole time, and it didn't take much to get the little guy drunk. He had gotten them all kicked out of about every joint in town with his rowdy behavior.
Jak would have liked to party as well, it was nice to be back, but he knew he had duty the next morning. Rubbing his palms against his tired eyes, Jak moved from the bed to the small shower. The cold water woke him up fast.
When he was finished in the shower, he went to his closet and pulled out his uniform. The new Krimson Guard uniforms focused less on armor, since the war with the Metal Heads was over. The dark grey and red uniform looked crisp and clean. The new Krimson Guard Emblem shown on his arm sleeve. The new design was much less intimidating to the fearful people of Haven. It was one of Ashelin's tactics to gain the peoples trust. Jak had to admit that everything she tried worked pleasantly for the people.
Once he had finished putting on his new uniform, Jak exited his room and made his way to the Mess Hall to get some breakfast.
The hall was busy at this hour, but not as busy as it would be in a few hours. Only those working the earliest shifts were present. Jak grabbed some eggs from the cook and headed for a table near the back. Many of the younger Guards saluted him as he passed. People thought him a hero for his part in bringing down the Baron and Kor. Jak tried to convince people that he hadn't killed Praxis, but they seemed to pleased to meet the 'great hero' to listen to his words.
Jak just smiled as he took a fork to his eggs. People loved to have their heroes.
"Hey, Jak!" The little orange fur ball hopped up on the table, cheery as ever. Jak always wondered id Daxter had a natural resistance to alcohol. Tess had to carry the little guy all around town because he couldn't walk, yet he showed no side affects today.
Jak just laughed internally. "What's going on, Dax?"
He was about to answer when Tess appeared out of nowhere. "Dax! How are you feeling? You didn't look too good last night…"
Jak just laughed in his own mind again. A month ago their fawning over each other would have bothered him to no end. Now Jak didn't mind, so much.
"Hey, Jak, you better watch you're back, someone's moving in on your territory," Daxter commented from where Tess held him in her arms.
Jak looked at the ottsel questioningly and his little orange hand pointed off by the kitchens. Jak looked and it took a minute to see what Dax was talking about. At the other end of the Mess Hall Erin had entered and was trying to get to some food. One of the privates under Jak's command was taking to her, obviously putting his moves on her. Jak recognized the man easily, he had a reputation as a womanizer, moving from one girl to the next without a second thought, he just couldn't remember the man's name.
Jak quickly got up and crossed the hall over to Erin. The man was leaning in towards Erin. Jak was sure to keep his temper in check when he addressed the man.
"Private Cass, is there a problem?" Jak said, trying to keep his voice calm when he suddenly remembered the man's name.
Private Cass was perhaps less than a year older than Jak, but Jak was a superior officer. The recruit took a small step away from Erin at the obviously possessive look Jak knew must be present in his eyes.
"No, Sir, I was just getting acquainted with our newest recruit," he answered, flashing a dazzling smile in Erin's direction.
Jak knew what Cass's idea of "acquainted" consisted of, and he also knew that he would rather fistfight the man before letting him get that close to Erin.
"Erin and I have to report to Torn's office in a few minutes," Jak recited, glad that he could think of some reason to keep Cass away from Erin.
Cass turned to Erin for a moment more. "I hope to see you around soon." With a moments hesitation, he turned to Jak, his superior officer, and saluted.
Jak glared into the man's retreating back. Erin gave him a light punch on the arm and broke his attention. Jak looked down at her and she had a shocked look on her face. "That was rude of you, you know we don't have to be in Torn's office for another twenty minutes."
"Yeah," Jak commented, "but Cass doesn't know that."
"It's still rude," Erin returned.
"So?" Jak asked rhetorically. "He was hitting on you."
Erin paused on their trek out of the Mess Hall, her face flushed slightly. "He was not hitting on me, he just introduced himself, that's all."
"He was hitting on you," Jak stated flatly. He noticed Erin flush slightly and couldn't refrain from smiling. She was always so beautiful when she wasn't trying.
"He was not," Erin mumbled. They exited the large mess hall and entered the hallway. Jak lead the way to Torn's office. "Why? Are you jealous?"
It was now Jak's turn to pause. "What? No…why would I be jealous?"
Erin noticed that Jak started to blush as well, and she knew she was right. "You were jealous!"
Jak didn't bother to answer, he was too flabbergasted to respond. He just continued to walk down the hall, at least until Erin grabbed his arm and spun him around. They were just outside Torn's office.
"You have nothing to worry about," Erin stated flatly, her eyes meeting his with an intense gaze. Her eyes said that she only wanted to be with him.
Jak knew that Erin was getting really good at reading him, but could she possibly know how much he loved her? Their eyes locked tightly as they each leaned foreword, searching for the others lips…
"May I remind you that you both are on duty?" Torn's voice cut into their private moment.
They both pulled back quickly. Jak saluted Torn, "Sorry, Sir."
Erin tried not to blush, but failed miserably. They both entered Torn's office and stood before his desk. Torn quickly rounded it and took a seat. "So," he started, "What is it that you want to ask me?"
"Well, Sir," Jak started, "We both are citizens of Spargus City, and the King has sent us as diplomatic representatives to meet with Baroness Ashelin. We need to schedule a meeting with her."
Torn sat back in his chair thoughtfully. "In two days the Baroness is hosting a feast in the Palace celebrating the last year of peace. She plans on announcing her plans for the next year of development in the city. Perhaps I could schedule some time for you two just after the Opening Ceremony."
"That would be great, Sir." Jak answered.
"As for today," Torn continued, "I would like for you two to do some digging. I need to find out who is running the new crime circuit in the city. Whoever it is has big plans, and we need to stop them before they try and overthrow the entire city."
"Where should we start?" Erin asked.
"What little information my scouts could gather seems to point to the Port. There are lots of dark corners in that part of the city still. Just poke around for a few hours and see if you can learn anything."
"Yes, Sir." Jak answered with a salute. It took Erin a moment to follow Jak's lead. She knew that making saluting into a habit was going to take some time. It almost felt weird saluting Torn. They had worked under him for months when they were with the Underground and never had to salute. It definitely was going to take some time…
The couple left Torn's office and headed back to their rooms. They had to change out of their uniforms, because even the stupidest of criminals wouldn't be foolish enough to talk to a KG. Once they had changed, they headed out into the street, trying to look inconspicuous. Jak wore a hat and sunglasses, trying to hide his identity. Since he had been in the Krimson Guard he had gained some popularity with the people, and if some shady person recognized him they would know it was a setup.
The two of them headed for the Port on foot. They moved at a slow place, making it look like they were just out for a walk, not on a mission.
It didn't take them long to reach the Port. Erin didn't see any drastic changes like in the rest of the city. Actually it looked exactly the same as when she last saw it. The place still smelled like rotten fish and oil from the boats. The walkways were dark and unkempt. Erin guessed that Ashelin could only do so much remodeling in a year.
The few people in the area definitely belonged in this part of the city. The small groups of shady people looked at them with glares of distrust.
"Be careful how you portray yourself in this place, show any weakness and they'll take advantage of it," Jak stated.
"Okay, I will," Erin answered, trying to keep the worry off of her face.
They walked on the walkway along the water, walking on the curved path to the Bar that had once been the Hip Hog. Whoever owned it now didn't bother to give it a name. The place above the door that had once held the Hip Hog sign was empty, making the place seem shadier than before. They both headed for the door, before a large framed man stepped in front of them.
"This club is only for the tough crowd." He stated menacingly. "What business does a little girl have here?" He asked, poking a large, dirty finger in Erin's direction.
It took all of Erin's concentration not to cringe at the man's smell.
"You care to test my toughness?" Erin asked in a deep, hopefully dangerous, voice.
The man raised an eyebrow at her dare. After a moment's hesitation, the man gave out a smile sound that Erin took to be a chuckle. "Okay, Girly, I'll let you enter, but I'm not responsible for any trouble you get into."
Erin was glad she managed to get by the guard, but the feeling of triumph ended quickly when she entered the old bar. The place was black at first; it took her eyes several minutes to adjust to the darkness. When they had, she wished that she could turn around and walk right back out. The once filthy bar had grown much worse than she last remembered it. The once-green carpet under the tables and around the bar was now black with filth. The bar top was scratched up with dagger marks. Whoever had taken over the running of the place had forgotten about looks of the place. This had to be the center of the new crime syndicate. What place of honest business would allow such menace build in the place?
Jak led them over to the bar and ordered drinks. The man behind the counter appraised the two before handing over two drinks in filthy glasses. Erin found an empty booth over in a dark corner, thankful to be away from the dark eyes of the other people in the place. Jak sat down across from her, having to take his sunglasses off in the dark room. He hoped that the place was dark enough so he couldn't get recognized.
"What do we do now?" Erin asked quietly.
Jak pushed aside his drink in the filthy cup and spoke quietly. "We should just wait; we don't want to seem too anxious for information. I'm sure someone will approach us eventually; you saw the way they keep staring at us like outsiders."
"Yeah," Erin started, "and it looks like trouble has just found us."
Jak turned to where Erin's gaze led him. A shady man was crossing the bar and heading for their table. It amazed Jak that they would take interest so fast. Perhaps they were anxious for recruits, since the Krimson Guard had been shutting down many of their places around the city and arresting any person found in the building. Their numbers must have dropped drastically. Jak was sure that the only reason that Torn hadn't kicked down the door to this place was the rumors of the leader. If they could get to the man who ran the place, they could stop all the criminal runs in the entire city. Then perhaps they could stop the next ring from forming.
And hopefully their little mission into the heart of the crime nest will give them hints as to what the crime ring is planning, and who the leak in the Krimson Guard ranks is. At least before the major plans take effect. Whoever is behind the new crime ring is not shy about attacking officers. Torn had warned Jak when he first returned to the city that several of his officers had gone missing. Jak was praying that nothing would happen to Erin now that she was in the Krimson Guard.
The man walked up to their table and smiled an oily smile down at them.
Jak hated the man instantly.
His features make him almost look like a snake, his face was pale, which almost made him look like he was sick. "The boss doesn't like new people in his club," the man said with a hissing sound that matched the reptile-like features of his face. "I'd advise you to leave before something bad happens."
The obvious threat the man threw at them wasn't surprising. For whatever reason, they thought that Jak and Erin were a threat to them. Jak had a moment's hesitation, wondering if they had recognized him.
The man stopped his leering for a moment and placed a hand to his ear. Whatever was being said through the earpiece, Jak was sure that it wasn't good. The man's face turned sour as he answered the man who had communicated with him. "Sure thing, boss."
The man turned his attention back to Jak and Erin, trying to keep his voice as dangerous as possible. "The boss offers you a chance to join the club, IF you can prove yourselves."
It was easy to tell that the small group of criminals was desperate for new members by the offer. Asking someone who was a complete stranger to join was a dangerous maneuver. Jak was suddenly under the impression that the group couldn't have managed to take out members of the Krimson Guard without being seen. There were only a handful that Jak could see, and the sources pointed to this place being the headquarters. Jak figured that they should report back to Torn, but leaving after an offer like that could get them killed, unless they could make it look like they were willing to work with them.
"And how do we prove ourselves?" Jak asked, trying not to look like he was too interested.
"Not so fast," the man answered. "Three days from now a note will be at the Stadium. You will find it in the third garbage can on the garage side; it will be taped to the lid. The note will give you a mission. If you accomplish it, you're in, if not, don't bother to show up here again."
"That's it?" Erin asked.
"That's it, for now," the man answered. "Now leave."
Jak and Erin decided that they should leave before they overstayed their welcome. They got up, leaving their untested drinks behind. Again everyone glared at them on the way out.
Once they had exited the bar into the semi-fresh air of the Port, Erin let out a sigh of relief. Even when they had worked for the late ringleader Krew, she had never felt so threatened. Whoever was running the show now seemed much like the late Baron when he had controlled the city.
They walked as quickly as they could away from the filthy club without being conspicuous.
Once they were a safe distance away from the old Hip Hog, they both turned into a disserted alleyway. Jak pulled his pistol out of his holster, waiting to be jumped. "Do you think we were followed?"
"I didn't see anyone," Erin answered.
"Me either," Jak responded. He took a slow breath, for whatever reason that bar seemed very dangerous. He just hoped that they hadn't recognized him, or it would put Erin on their target list as well.
Erin breathed in and out, trying to calm her nerves. The old Hip Hog had changed into something much worse than before. When that strange man came walking up to the table, Erin had almost been fully convinced he was about to start something much different than offering them a job. If his boss hadn't contacted him on his personal communicator, then perhaps he would have.
"We better report to Torn," Erin commented. "Perhaps he'll want us to dig deeper into the crime ring."
"They must be barely staying afloat if they'd ask complete strangers off the street to join," Jak answered.
Erin nodded, "We'll let Torn decide what our next step should be."
"We should separate and meet up at HQ, just in case we really are being followed," Jak commented, not liking to be out of her sight, but if he went first he could draw off any tail that had been following. "I'll go first, you leave about five minutes after I do, alright?"
"Okay," Erin answered, "just be careful."
Jak could see the intense worry in her eyes. "I will be."
Sitting in two chairs in front of Torn's desk, Jak and Erin explained what little information they had gathered from their short jaunt into the crime world. Torn sat thoughtfully, listening to what the two had to say. Once Jak had finished giving their information, Torn moved up from his desk and paced in a small path behind it.
"So you don't believe that the crime ring could be behind this?" He asked absently.
"If they are, they are getting help from someone," Erin answered. "There couldn't have been more than ten people there."
Torn continued to pace behind his desk. After a few minutes he finally decided on a course of action. "It may not be much, but it's all we have to go on. You two will go undercover and try to prove that they are behind the attacks on our troops, and discover the identity of anyone who is helping them."
Jak saluted, and after a moment, so did Erin.
"Three days from now, retrieve the letter from the Stadium and report to me the mission they have assigned you. With any luck it won't be hard to gain their trust, at least enough to be accepted into the gang. But for now, you may have the rest of the day off."
They saluted and turned to exit Torn's office.
"Oh, and by the way," Torn stopped them momentarily, "I talked to Ashelin, she said she has time for a meeting with you two after the opening speech. You can talk negotiations with her about the treaty with Spargus then."
"Thanks, Sir," they both said in unison. Torn waived them out of his office.
Torn had just sat down at his desk when the door opened again. Keira poked her head through the door, "You wanted to see me, Sir?"
"Yes," he said as he gestured to one of the chairs across from his desk. Keira crossed the room and sat obediently, but managed not to look him in the eyes. Perhaps that meant that she had thought a lot about that kiss he had given her. Good.
"I've just been informed today that I need a date for the celebration," Torn started, "And you're it."
Keira's eyes actually met his in her shock. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. He had left her speechless, a feat in itself.
"Good," Torn answered before she could refuse, "I was hoping you weren't busy."
The celebration had created an excited buzz throughout the city walls for weeks. The Palace was alight with countless orbs of glowing power, accenting the many tapestries and elegant decorations which had been ordered especially for the occasion. The entire city square was much brighter now than the rest of the city. As Jak, Erin, and Sig walked into the center of the celebration, they couldn't help but think what the rest of the city was thinking, a time of peace was a miracle after the storm that Praxis had sent them through.
Thousands of people poured into the center of the city, anxious for the festivities, and ready to hear about the improvements the Baroness has planned for the coming year. The city seemed in a state of euphoria, with each passing day, the scars that Praxis left were washed away with the building of greater and better things. The streets that Praxis had left to squalor were mostly rebuilt throughout the city. The old and condemned districts of the city, which had once been a monument to the cruelty of the past leader, were torn down. New construction was taking it's place.
It had been hard for the people of Haven to learn to trust Ashelin. Hope had been lost to them for years, Many had refused to even dream of a better life. It had taken time for the Baroness to prove herself, but now that she had, the people loved her for it.
Jak, Erin, and Sig followed Torn into the massive crowd gathering around the Palace square. With the gathering people, they had to stick close together so not to get separated. When they reached the center of the commotion, the Krimson Guards who were on duty let them pass into the Palace gates.
They walked around a corner and met up with the Baroness. Ashelin stepped forward and greeted the group.
"It's nice to see you both alive," she said to Jak and Erin. "We were convinced you were both dead."
"Not glad to see me, though, are you?" Sig laughed.
Ashelin hid her irritation well. No doubt the two of them had butted heads many times. He was a rogue and she was in the Krimson Guard at the time. Ashelin thought it better to just ignore the large man.
"I have time now to discuss the treaty, if you are free," she turned to Jak and Erin.
"Now is fine," Jak answered.
"Good, follow me," Ashelin turned quickly and led the group down an adjacent hall, away from the many prying eyes.
Even this far away from the main festivities the walls were decorated with no expenses spared. Ashelin led them down the many halls to a small conference room. They entered to a well furbished room to a large table. They all took seat around it. Jak got right to business and handed Ashelin the message that Damas had told him to deliver. Ashelin broke the seal and read the lengthy proposition that Damas had proposed to unite the two cities. A long silence went on as Ashelin read the treaty.
The group sat in silence until Ashelin finished. "I believe the city is ready for something like this. Perhaps it will give greater hope for them."
"Not to mention that all of us will have to band together if we are to change our fate…AWWRK!" Pecker's annoying voice broke the concentration of the group. They all turned around, startled since they hadn't seen him fly through the open window.
"Pecker, what are you doing here?" Ashelin asked.
"Onin sent me. She knows of the treaty you are considering, and she said that 'the mystic energy commands that you accept the offer, to not would bring grave misfortune.'" Pecker took on a fake mystical voice when quoting Onin.
"Tell Onin that the offer is accepted," Ashelin said as she signed the treaty. "The first step we'll have to take is to develop a communication system between Haven and Spargus. I'll have Vin start first thing in the morning."
"Very good," Pecker squawked.
"I think this will be really good for the people of both cities," Ashelin continued, "all the people of Spargus can be reunited with their families who are still in Haven." Baron Praxis had banished countless people throughout his reign, and it would make the people even happier to finally see their lost family. Most likely not all the people who vanished survived, but the number who had would get to visit those who they had to leave behind.
Ashelin turned to Jak and Erin, "I'll have you two go back to Spargus to inform King Damas that Haven City has agreed."
"I'm sorry, Ashelin," Torn spoke up, "but I have those two on a mission right now."
"Very well," Ashelin answered, reluctantly turning to face Sig, "you must go and inform Damas."
"Your wish is my command, cherry," Sig answered, raising an eyebrow alluringly.
Ashelin glared him down for a moment, "If you mess this up, I wouldn't show my face in this town again if I was you."
"Was that a threat?" Sig laughed. "I've always liked my women dangerous…" His voice dropped into a seductive tone.
Ashelin abruptly turned away from him, encompassing the entire group. "We have a party to get to."
The group got up to leave. Pecker hopped from his place on the back of an empty chair and onto Erin's shoulder. "Onin told me to give this to you," he told her quietly as he held out a small vial with his wing. Erin took it quietly.
"What is it?"
Pecker squawked in irritation. "How am I to know what a mystic can see? Onin told me to give it to you, and I did, what more do you want from me? Oh, and she said that you would know when to use it, which will be very soon."
"Use it for what?" Erin asked, hating to be left in the dark.
"I already said that I don't know! AAAWWRK!"
Erin shrugged and slid the small vial into the jacket pocket of her dress uniform. Many questions were buzzing around in her mind, but she knew that Pecker wouldn't know the answers to any of them.
Jak was waiting outside the door for her. "What was that all about?"
Pecker jumped off of Erin's shoulder and flew down the hall and out of sight. "I don't really know…" Erin answered.
Jak just shrugged of his questions and grabbed her arm, "Come on, Ashelin is about to give her big speech."
They both hurried down the hall into the larger antechamber, Jak leading the way. Many tables were set up for members of the media and special guests of the Baroness. Jak led the way to one of the front tables that was reserved for them. Jak and Erin took a seat next to Torn and Keira. Erin was shocked to see that Keira had dressed up. Her oil stained overalls were absent. What was even more amazing was that she was in a deep conversation with Torn.
Erin just shook her head, smiled, and turned her attention to Ashelin, who was just beginning her speech.
"People of Haven City, over the last year we have rebuilt and restored much of the shell of this great place. But there is still much to be done. It has been brought to my attention that many who were banished into the desert by our late ruler have managed to survive. They build a city outside the walls of Haven, and flourished. I just signed a treaty which will open up trade and travel between our two great cities. Those who have lost their loved ones will soon be reunited."
She lifted a wine glass from the podium in front of her and rose it into a toast. "To the future of Haven City."
Everyone in the large chamber lifted their glasses and cheered. The mood was happy and hopeful.
Ashelin took a drink from her glass, as did everyone in the hall. Once the toast had ended, the entire hall was alive with conversations, filling the chamber with a buzzing noise over the news.
Erin laughed and took a sip of her wine as well, but a sound caught her ear.
A clatter reached her ears and she turned to the podium. Ashelin had dropped her glass, shattering the delicate crystal and splashing the red wine across the floor. But that wasn't what shocked Erin, it was the look on Ashelin's face.
Her eyes were horrorstruck and her face was pale and wan. It looked as if she had a death grip on the podium, trying to keep herself on her feet. Erin clamored to her feet as Ashelin started to fall…
Erin raced to help her, but Sig had noticed that something was wrong before she had. He caught her right before she hit the ground.
The rest of the hall noticed that something was amiss, and went dead silent for a moment. It didn't take long for the buzzing to resume, but this time it was in hysterics. Nobody knew what had just happened.
It wasn't two seconds before Torn and Jak appeared by their side. "What happened?" Torn demanded, returning to his commander voice.
"I don't know," Sig answered, "she just collapsed."
Torn knelt down and pressed his finger into the spilled wine on the floor. He rubbed the moisture between his fingers and smelt it. As a last resort he tasted it to the tip of his tongue. He spat immediately and turned to look at the group. "Poison," he said solemnly.
Erin felt something jabbing her in her pocket, she pulled it out and remembered the vial that had just given to her not ten minutes ago. Without second thinking she pulled the top off the vial and poured it into Ashelin's mouth.
"What was that?" Torn demanded.
"Hopefully," Erin breathed, "it's a remedy."
Author's Notes: SOOOOO Sorry that it took so long to update. My finals are coming up soon, I had to send out graduation announcements...ugh, I've hardly had time to think, let alone write my story... Well, the plot thickens in this chapter, huh? We'll tell me what you think, and who you think might be the culprit!