Chapter 20: The Baka's Market
"Today is finally the day," Angelica said, stretching her tired limbs as she rose from her bed. She had to be quiet, as sleeping next to her was Kuroko (fully clothed of course, neither felt confident enough to go to that point), her small frame rising and falling as she breathed. Angelica smiled at the scene; it was very calming seeing Kuroko so peaceful. But she couldn't get distracted. It was finally the day that she and the rest of ITEM, along with their new bitch (Frenda came up with the term) Pino, would be at the black market that Academy City was hosting. She had learned a bit more about the market from a couple talks with Mugino and Frenda.
The black market gained the affectionate nickname The Baka's Market as the number of time third parties (such as ITEM) took down idiots that risked the security of buyers, sellers, and Academy City was rather high. It was also homage to the infamous Bakara Market that still runs in Mogadishu, Somalia, as the Baka Markets sold a wide range of underground and prototype weapons to mercenaries, black op units, and sometimes terrorists, as well as having guns for hire, military systems developers, and intelligence operatives being paid for their services. The Baka's Market also had a more civil side, where one could get illegally obtained merchandise that wouldn't warrant an arrest warrant unless blatantly bragged about in front of an officer.
Angelica quickly stripped of her night clothes and got into her attire that she would be wearing at the market. While it simply looked like a black vest over a white shirt and a pair of black plaid pants, in reality the clothes were laced with several layers of graphene, which was significantly stronger that traditional Kevlar body armor. That said, it wasn't completely bullet proof, perhaps providing protection against low caliber pistol around, but it offered the benefit of blending in that she would need to not be so easily noticed in the event something does go down.
She had finished zipping het pants up when Kuroko groaned, obviously still tired.
"Angelica, what are you doing?" It's-" Kuroko glanced at the alarm clock, checking the time. "-7 in the morning. Come back to bed." Angelica sighed.
"While I wish I could, a couple of my friends want to head to this market that only open for a couple of days," Angelica half-lied. "We have to get there early otherwise all the good stuff will be gone."
Kuroko groaned again, before flopping over.
"Fine, but when you get back you're making dinner," Kuroko huffed in a pouting manner. "You hardly spend any time with me anymore."
"Oh c'mon, we spent a lot of time yesterday at that store you wanted to go to, plus we went to that restaurant, which I paid for by the way, and then you stayed the night. It's not like I'm gone seven days the week for hours on end and barely giving you the time of day."
"Uwahh, why are you so mean to me?!" Kuroko whined, crocodile tears streaming down her cheeks. However, it had the desired effect on Angelica, who knelt down and hugged Kuroko.
"I'm not trying to be mean, but fine, I will make dinner when I come back," Angelica said. "If I find something for you at the market, I will pick it up for you, alright?"
Kuroko, who was in bliss, nodded, indulging in the fragrance of the peach shampoo that Angelica had used. After enjoying in the closeness, Kuroko got out of the embrace.
"Alright, but please, don't be out very late, and be safe," Kuroko requested. Angelica nodded.
"Of course, I will return to you, unharmed this time."
Few hours later and a crammed van ride (courtesy of ITEM's personal bitch), Angelica was standing around her comrades inside a warehouse that had been modified almost overnight by the various vendors that made up Academy City's Black Market. She saw already that the market was being flooded with buyers, vendors, messengers, and finally movers, trading money, information, and goods around like it was the day to buy at the New York Exchange.
"I didn't expect such a…busy place in Academy City," Angelica mused aloud. "I thought it was next to impossible for someone to get into Academy City without being screened?" Mugino chuckled darkly.
"Considering the most of the board has one or two dozen connections to this black market, it would be to their benefit to allow this many 'undesirable' people into the city just so they can rake in as much profit, favors, and blackmail material to get what they want, when they want, with as little hassle." Mugino explained. "Remember guys, we are to make sure nothing goes down here that would impact either the city or the vendors, so split up and cover as much ground as possible. Frenda and Pino you guys go take the north section, Saiai and I will take center, while Angelica and Rikou you guys got the south, got it?"
A round of confirmation from the groups was heard, with the three groups heading their own way. Angelica was thinking of what could occur here, not minding her silent and slightly air-headed teammate as they walked amongst the various stands. It was quite the sight, seeing so many people who if Angelica was under the SWA's influence she would certainly be tasked with killing, interacting as though it were not an illicit black market but more akin to an open plaza market.
Her and Rikou were able to cover a bit of ground, however Angelica was hoping to find something to help her in future assignments. As she began to mull over, she had been quite severely injured in the incident with the FRF hit squad and the incident with the attack on Dr. Baeyer, and that was with conventional firearms. She wondered how she would fair against a high trained esper with an offensively suited ability like Mugino's.
"Hey Rikou, do you think Mugino would have a problem with me making a purchase at this market?" Angelica inquired. Rikou quietly thought for a moment before answering.
"So long as you don't spend her money, she wouldn't really care," Rikou answered. "Why, did you have something in mind?"
Angelica was about to answer when she overheard two men and a girl a bit older than her arguing.
"Come off, anyone using a Desert Eagle is either a gangster or a dumbass, the recoil is too much to handle in combat!" shouted a middle Eastern man, with a Frenchmen nodding. The young girl laughed mockingly.
"That what makes you old geezers so lame! You don't bring a Desert Eagle to have a tactical advantage; you bring it for the sheer power and intimidation factor. Anyone knows Desert Eagles carry big rounds and they are pretty loud, so it makes people take extra caution so you can surprise them with a healthy dose of explosives!"
Angelica wondered why the girl had formed her argument as such, so she decided to interrupt.
"You know, wouldn't a PDW be better, more rounds, full-auto, and they often come with collapsing stocks. I think that would be most efficient," Angelica said, getting the attention of the odd trio.
"But PDWs are sooo lame!" the young girl whined. "Every nation has started making their own, and the novelty has worn off! Plus, they make the most pathetic noise that it's insulting to my orchestra. I mean, pew-pew-pew? Please, those high-pitched whiners are annoying!"
Angelica raised an eyebrow, prompting the Frenchmen to respond.
"Um, please ignore the comments about her orchestra, no one has been able to understand what the hell she is talking about. Anywho, what brings you two young ladies here?"
"We were sent by the higher ups in Academy City to ensure the black market goes smoothly," Rikou said with little emotion. "But that said, Angelica here was looking for- wait, I never did get an answer to what you're looking for."
"Oh, I was looking for some reliable body protection. I was looking at Mk. IV nanosuit, but it's simply out of my budget, so I was looking for something intermediate until I can afford it." The Frenchman and the Middle Eastern nodded.
"Well, Grunder Industries has some body armors that are good. If you're looking for something to protect you from the common threats- AKs, Uzis, that sort of thing- I would recommend the panzer-vest; it's like what the NATO armies equip there soliders, but uses a strong and lighter plate and the vest covers the shoulders and arms, so it offers more upper body protection. To protect your head, any Kevlar-steel helmet would work, the only thing that would be the deciding factor would be how much visibility you wanted. You could easily get a panzer-vest and helmet for less than a grand."
Angelica regarded the Frenchman's advice. While it was expensive, she knew good body armor would be. She nodded.
"Thanks for the advice, though where would the stall be for Grunder Industries?" Angelica asked. The Middle-Eastern man pointed down the hall.
"It's in the northern section, its being ran by our employer. He'll handle any purchases. We're only here because most of the goods are hear near the loading docks so we're keeping an eye out."
"Alright thanks for the info," Angelica said, walking away with Rikou, continuing on their mission. The Frenchman glanced over to the Middle-Eastern.
"Think that little girl will buy anything from our employer Qahira?" Qahira shrugged.
"Fuck if I know, hopefully nothing goes astray. Last thing I need is to get tangled up in some serious horseshit. Hey Louis, remembered that job in Mogadishu? Remember how many RPGs our convoy took?"
"Oh that must've been a wonderful concert to have been at!" interrupted Chinastu. Both men glared at her.
"SHUT UP!"
"Hey Frenda, I need to run an errand, you don't mind do you?" Pino asked, glancing at his watch. He had to speak for Franca and Franco so they could fulfil Cristiano's request for a new supplier. Hopefully nothing would go wrong.
"Eh, fine, whatever, just know that this won't be free," Frenda said dismissively. "I just can't think of whatever favor I need or want you to do for me right now. I'll hold you to whatever favor I deem fit for allowing you this leeway, alright?"
"Got it," Pino said, walking with Frenda towards to the administration door. When they got there, he saw the security trying to bar 'his parents'. Seriously, did they have to go with such a crappy story?
"I'm sorry ma'am, sir, but not just anyone is allowed entry," the security admin stated. "You need approval from…" Pino decided now to speak up.
"I vouch for these two, considering they're my parents," Pino said, quickly getting both the security admin's and Frenda's attention. The security admin merely nodded and allowed both of his 'parents' in, and Pino saw Fredna's eyes widen. Franca and Franco saw the French-girl's expression and Franca remembered who she was.
"Ah, long time no see Frenda," Franca said. Frenda didn't know whether to be happy about seeing her old mentor or shitting bricks because more than likely her mentor was working with the FRF. Before she could make her mind up however, Franca hugged her.
"It's good to see you doing so well, already working as a free-lance contractor," Franca said. She released Frenda from her hug. "So, how are you and your sister doing?"
"Uh, we're doing good," Frenda replied automatically, her mind still trying to determine if she should be happy reuniting with her mentor or preparing for a fight. Franca nodded.
"That's good to hear. So, acting as security for this market eh? What're you getting paid?"
"A good amount for the work, but what are you doing here?" Frenda finally asked. "Last I heard, you were working in Italy at a deconstruction site." While Frenda might've been concerned about her mentor's purposes, she wouldn't openly throw her under the bus for a job her mentor did a while back. Franca however didn't seem to be phased at her young protégé's subtle accusation.
"Simple, my husband and I, along with Pino here, are working for a client, who is paying us to be discreet middle men for his business in Academy City," Franca answered, making sure not to drop any names or organizations, despite working with the FRF as their main contractor, Franca and Franco did work with other groups, most notably in 3rd or 2nd world nations where rebels/terrorist (depending on who you asked) were always in need of a good bomb-maker.
"Alright, but please, make sure this business doesn't come to harm Academy City, because it'd be my head on the line?" Frenda begged. Franca chuckled.
"Of course, not like any of our business will have any repercussions on Academy City. Although, Pino, have you found anyone to conduct our business with?"
"Of course mother," Pino replied, putting emphasis on mother to continue making his disdain for their cover clear. "Erich Grunder, of Grunder Industries, is our best bet. He acts as the company's foreign arms dealer, and he seems to be well stocked with quality weapons and munitions."
Frenda wanted to moan in agony as her mentor and Pino continue to discuss Erich Grunder. Seriously, she just asked-no, begged, her mentor not to do anything that could see Frenda facing the law or even worse, but she was going to anyway! She shook her head, hoping like hell this doesn't come to bite her in the ass later.
As Frenda, Franca, Franco, and Pino walked into the section that had the main floor for Grunder Industries, they saw Erich hanging up his satellite phone.
"Stupid egotistical prick- 'where are my guns?!'- should've fucking paid on time and not try and kill my men," Erich muttered darkly. He turned and saw the four people standing there. "Apologies, my name is Erich Grunder, the 'overseas liaison' for Grunder Industries, how may I help you today?"
"Ah, I'm Franca Coltello, and I'm acting as a representative for some client…"
"Don't say anymore, I understand," Erich quietly says, raising his hand to stop Franca. "How about we skip to the transaction details? What does your client wish for from Grunder Industries?" Franca chuckled.
"My client wishes for the usual items, assault rifles, body armor, ammunition, the line. But my client has other things he wishes to discuss." Franca pulled out an envelope handing it to Eric. The envelope contained the various requests that Cristiano wanted; the quiet shipment drops, discreet credit line, scientist and materials for WMDS, mercenaries willingly to kill and not ask questions, anything the FRF would need to take to the fight to the Italian Government.
Erich opened the envelope, quickly skimming the contents. He quirked a few eyebrows at some of the request and conditions, but on the whole, the offer that was being offered was great. Besides the usual cash offer, the client was offering a quarter of a ton of unmarked, solid 22-carat gold bars. Regardless of wherever Erich would go, gold would hold its value. He tucked the envelope into his coat.
"Tell your client that I'm willingly to conduct business with him, but obviously I can't do any transaction on that scale, at the moment; I only have what would sell quickly," Erich said, extending his hand for a shake, which Franca quickly shook. "Here is my number for a phone that I use solely for clients; call in three days, and I will give you further details."
Franca give a smile to the arms dealer, but as she stared at the young man, she felt a cold shiver rush down her spine. If she didn't know any better, she would've assumed she had made a deal with the devil.
Franca, Franco, Pino, and Frenda, having concluded their business with Erich, left his stall. Frenda looked at her former mentor.
"Franca, please don't do something stupid, as I don't want to repay the kindeness you showed my sister and I with bloodshed," Frenda said. Franca ruffled Frenda's head.
"Don't worry, if things get too hot, my husband and I won't be staying long," Franca said. "I may be a killer, but I have standards. I won't betray them because of my current client thinks to step over some grounds." Franca handed Frenda a slip of paper with her number on it.
"Call whenever you need help, and say hi to your sister for me, kay?" Frenda nodded.
"Alright then, see you sometime; hopefully I won't have to be as paranoid in the future," Frenda replied. As soon as Franca and Franco had left, Frenda glared at Pino.
"You owe me a lot for that favor Pino," Frenda stated. "And for starters, you will be helping me with my 'shopping'." Pino wouldn't realize it now, but he would soon learn to fear shopping with any ITEM member.
Author's Note: Good fucking god, I hated this chapter. I should never have done the Black Market Arc, but I needed to introduce future characters and give a bit of a breather from the last couple of action packed chapters. This chapter took far too long for me to write, as this is probably the 8th incarnation of this chapter that I've written. I knew what I wanted to accomplish, and I wanted this to be the final chapter for this arc, but god was it stubborn to write.
Anyway, I need your guys' help. Don't worry, it's about the shipping. I have been going Angelica/Kuroko, but I want your guy's opinion; do you want this ship or another? A poll has been added to my profile and here are the choices (all are Yuri btw)
Stick with Angelica/ Kuroko
Angelica/Frenda
Angelica/Awaki (for those that don't know, the other prominent teleporter)
Other, and please specify in either a PM or a review.
Please vote for your choice, and the most popular will be selected. Also, if you give your vote in a PM or review, it will be counted along with the poll votes.
So that is that. The next Arc will be set at the start of the next school year, so this will be (in the cannon) I believe Kuroko will be in her 6th year in education and Angelica will be the equivalent of an 8th grader. It will actually start with the Daihasei Festival, or a week before it. Needless to say, we get to see important character in it, and it isn't the bumbling idiot. Let's just say she has a…electric personality.
As always guys, please read, review, follow, and favorite, and I will see you guys next time (and not after a 10 month hiatus!).