Ten days after returning to Anywhere City, Chris had dedicated most of his time with the development of the Stellar Corporation and its goal. The high school Chris planned to build under his name was passed, and he had it under immediate construction. School was back in session, but the high school students had to share space at the Brotherhood Fraternity, which Stellar planned to have torn down in the near future. By the tenth day of hard work, the Stellar Corporation was legally leading an aggressive redevelopment move on the city, which included the renaming of Little Liberty and Old Miami.
Using his connection with his real estate company, Chris managed to purchase a mansion in Wren Acres. He didn't want to make it look as if he were special and was on a pedestal, so he went through the same steps a regular person would take to purchase property. The mansion was three houses down from Spurlock's, which would give Amber easy access to see Leningrad. It was inevitable that Sierra would find out, which Chris had to be present for in case a heated argument occurred. Bonnie and Nessa agreed to crash at Chris' new and luxurious mansion, but Nessa felt as if she needed her own place in Anywhere City.
After a busy day for Chris, he was getting ready for the anticipated date with Bonnie, which kept being delayed due to Chris' schedule. Despite agreeing to be casual at first, Chris was going all out on his outfit. He picked something deep within his closet, which he once wore on his TV show at one point. It was a three-piece suit consisting of very mismatched but effective colors. The jacket was purple with a black vest and white dress shirt. With it, he wore jeans and black sneakers. Chris met Bonnie in the living room, seeing that she was wearing a tight black cocktail dress with matching heels. The fact that he was staring made her blush and look down. Sierra and Amber were in the living room, giggling and whispering while watching the two.
"You two are made for each other, dad," Sierra said.
"If I can get over this meekness," Bonnie replied.
"Don't worry about it. I'll help you open up," Chris said.
"I bet you will," Bonnie said with a low tone.
"And I thought I was perverted," Amber said.
"Oh my God!" Bonnie said, blushing.
"Okay, children, don't make her any more nervous. In all honesty, she really shouldn't be by now, but it's like I said," Chris chuckled.
"For almost two weeks, I've been dying for this," Bonnie said.
"I know the feeling. I'm glad I have some break time to do this," Chris replied.
"Be home by midnight! Don't make us call the police," Sierra joked.
Chris chuckled and gave a wink and gun at Sierra and Amber. After walking to the front door, he opened it for Bonnie, who showed gratitude with a nod and blush. In the driveway, a used Comet sat in front of the garage. In the ten days, Chris had bought the orange Comet and a gray Granger for personal and family use. He opened the passenger door for Bonnie, and she showed the same type of gratitude. Chris got in, started the car, and left the estate. He drove to So Fine, a high-class restaurant in Downtown. After parking, he got out and opened the door for Bonnie, then walked in with her. The interior was typical of five-star restaurants, being clean, rich and overall classy. Among other men there, Chris was the most uniquely dressed. Having made reservations beforehand, the female receptionist noticed the two right off.
"Mr. Carrington and Ms. Wayne, your table awaits," she said.
"Thank you. Do show us the way," Chris replied.
The receptionist smiled and led them to their reserved table. When they were seated, she walked back to the front after gesturing them with a smile. Bonnie once more had a blush, having noticed that the receptionist almost labeled her as Mrs. After making sure she wouldn't blush anymore, Bonnie looked up at Chris and gave a subtle smirk.
"I still seen that. You know I know things. Time to open up a bit," Chris said.
"I just can't believe I'm almost in my mid-20s and you're literally my first date," Bonnie replied.
"That's still hard to believe."
"Please believe. My chances would be even less if I lived in Liberty City or Los Santos."
"I know what you mean."
"Come on, you've dated lots of gals from almost every area."
"More like casual encounters, but only a few I really got involved with."
"I don't consider this an official date, but I felt like we connected that night at Spence's house."
"You felt it, too?"
"Yep. When you fight alongside somebody, risking life and limb to save a metropolis, you feel more than a partnership."
"Not necessarily true, but I think we were meant to come together as more."
"And you know, you're the first person to bring me here. I mean, I've had many opportunities to come, but I always thought I'd save it for a very special occasion, like right now."
"Well, thanks for accepting. Ready to order?"
"Let's see what we've got."
Bonnie picked up a menu that was in front of her, as did Chris. Both of them spent exactly five minutes looking at the menus before deciding what to get. Chris called a waiter and ordered a steak and baked potato, and Bonnie ordered a big rib dinner. Both of them agreed on the same drink, green tea. They waited in moderate silence, making brief conversation here and there. After 25 minutes, the waiter arrived with their food and drinks.
"Sorry for the wait. They had to kill the cattle first," the waiter joked.
"That's alright," Chris laughed.
"Thank you," Bonnie said, smiling.
"Yes, thank you," Chris said.
The waiter smiled and nodded in acknowledgment before walking away. In order for his food to cool, Chris cut the steak in smaller pieces. Next, he used the steak sauce that came with the meal and poured it over the pieces in equal proportion. Bonnie sipped her green tea before waiting to dig into her ribs to separate the meat from the bones.
"Haven't had barbeque ribs in the longest time. Thanks again," Bonnie said.
"Don't mention it. The real fun is after this, though," Chris replied.
"You know who else can make ribs this good? Amanda. When you aren't busy, I want you to meet her."
"Seriously, if she's prettier than you, I can't."
"Oh, stop!"
Chris chuckled, seeing Bonnie was blushing. Both of them began to eat after using their own separate methods to cool the food down. Small talk was made in between the meal, mainly consisting of nostalgia about their childhoods. Chris was more into the nostalgia than Bonnie, having recalled how happy his upbringing was until his uncle's death, as well as the disappearance of his parents. Bonnie showed a good amount of sympathy for him, but became more emotional as their meal finished. When they were done eating, Bonnie put her hands over her eyes.
"You alright?" Chris asked.
"Yeah, it's just... I know how you feel. I still try not to think about it," Bonnie replied.
"I feel for you more, because there's a possibility mine are still alive."
"I find it weird they disappeared like that, and wouldn't you know, we're battling some insane group of people."
"Crystal, Inc. can't be blamed for it. My parents disappeared several years before their formation."
"Still seems so strange."
"Care for dessert?"
"Nah, I've had too much barbeque."
"Alright. Check, please."
The same waiter walked by and placed the check on the table. Chris and Bonnie paid an equal amount before delivering smiles to the waiter and leaving. As Chris opened the passenger door of the Comet for Bonnie, a strange vibe went through him. He looked up at the sky, seeing a helicopter fly by, but then decided to drop his suspicions. Enough chaos and violence would get to anyone with a conscience, especially if they endured severe nightmares and night terrors. Maintaining a seemingly positive mental outlook, Chris drove to the nightclub in The Rectangle, which was named Valkyrie.
After finding a parking spot, Chris shut the car off and tried to get to Bonnie's door, but she opened it herself to tease him. The club was unique, having a free walk-in policy that was often criticized for safety concerns. Despite that, bouncers still lurked inside the establishment. Having a name that spoke for itself, it had an overall Norse theme to it. Bonnie was mostly impressed with it, minus some female club goers being topless. It was awkward for her, so Chris took her to the second level of the building where a karaoke room and bar was. As they sat at the bar together with club sodas, Chris' dismissed suspicions would prove to be risky to their lives.
Outside, NOOSE agents tried to make a stealthy entry, but angry bouncers confronted them, which gave Chris and Bonnie a hint. Warning shots from NOOSE agents in the club further blew their cover. It was all the hint Chris and Bonnie needed. They jumped over the counter of the bar, where Chris lightly pulled the female barkeep into cover with them. Most of the bar served as a great cover, but if NOOSE were reckless, it wouldn't hold up.
"Of all times we should've carried guns," Chris said.
"I have a shotgun under the counter," the barkeep replied.
"Good citizen. Really, I'm proud of you. Every other city in this country needs to follow suit," Chris said.
"I'm not gonna be able to run in these shoes!" Bonnie said.
"You stay down. I think they may be after us. I had a strange hunch before we came here," Chris said to the barkeep.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Bonnie asked.
"I didn't want to ruin the night. I think I know whose doing this is, and he's going down!" Chris declared.
The barkeep was confused, but just nodded and acquired the gun for Chris to use. Plenty of rounds were under the counter, and Chris loaded up the chamber. As heavily armored NOOSE agents walked up to the second level of the club, Chris made hand gestures for Bonnie and the barkeep to keep their arms over their heads. A shadow on the wall gave away how close two agents were to the bar, and Chris whistled to get their attention. When another agent formed a cluster with the two near the bar, Chris jumped up and knocked the guns out of their hands. Before they could pick them up, he fired two shots, which damaged their body armor and penetrated their flesh. People screamed and began clearing out, meaning no innocent bystanders would be caught in the crossfire.
Before any more NOOSE ran up to them, Chris gathered their ammo and rifles, two of which were tactical AK-47s. Before Chris fell back into cover behind the bar, more NOOSE ran up to them and opened fire, which shattered all of the drinks. He quickly hatched a plan when alcohol dripped onto the floor from the bar. A lighter was conveniently behind the bar, meaning he didn't have to ask the frightened barkeep for one. When he tested it out to make sure it worked, he motioned for the barkeep to run when the agents ceased fire. She done so as quickly as she could before the agents reloaded so they could see she was an innocent. Chris lit the lighter and gave it a flip so it could land on the bar. When it done so, a minor explosion occurred, which injured the agents and bought some time for Bonnie and Chris. Bonnie took her heels off and stood up as Chris gathered similar ammo for the two tactical AK-47s.
"There's a way out into an alleyway. Let's try to dart out there, okay?" Chris insisted.
"Sure thing. And hey, despite all this, I still had a great time. Thank you so much," Bonnie replied.
Chris nodded and winked, then walked around the bar. As he led the way to the back door of the club, familiar sounds occurred outside. Fire from an automatic sniper rifle ensued for about a minute, and Chris decided to lead the way out the back door to see what was going on. When he walked around front with Bonnie, he saw that tons of NOOSE agents had been massacred. In the sky, there was a helicopter with an occupant that was responsible, but Chris couldn't make out a face. His phone rang, showing an unknown number, but he figured it should be answered.
"Hello," Chris said.
"This is Emerald and Opal. That little show down there? You're welcome," Emerald replied.
"Uh, what's going on?"
"We just went rogue on Crystal, Inc. I suppose I can explain later, but right now, I'll aid you in escaping from these fascists. Get in your car while we come down and pick up your lady friend."
"This had better not be a trick. I'm fucking serious!"
"You don't have time to argue or question our motives. Just use your optimism to look at the fact we just took many lives to help you."
"Fine, come on down."
Chris hung his phone up as the helicopter descended into the street. Without a word, he signaled for Bonnie to get in. After she done so, Chris got into the Comet and started it up. The helicopter lifted off the ground as more corrupt NOOSE agents made the scene, catching Chris' tail. He floored the car and saw that Emerald continued firing her automatic sniper rifle at Chris' pursuers. She done most of the work while Chris drove into Sun Ridge. Ending up close to the same trailer park they had visited before, Chris stopped the car and got out as the helicopter landed and shut down. Bonnie got out and ran to the car, where Chris was standing beside the driver door. The women known as Opal and Emerald got out of the helicopter and went to confront the two. Chris previously had dealings with Emerald, a blonde woman out of action due to having extra pounds. Opal was a slim, pale-skinned brunette who was most distinctive by her nose and hazel eyes.
"Told you we were here to help," Emerald said.
"I don't believe I had the chance to thank you for your work on the Avenger, even though I don't have it now," Chris replied.
"No problem. I need to keep myself occupied since I'm out of work. It's permanent now," Emerald said.
"Because they say you're overweight," Chris said.
"That's funny, I just don't see that. You're a beautiful, fit woman," Bonnie insisted.
"Yeah, sadly they don't see that. Since she has some extra pounds that most of us don't typically have, the bosses figure it will affect her fighting skills due to the hybrid martial arts we practice," Opal said.
"What's your stories?" Chris asked.
"I quit the agency because of the bullshit weight thing," Emerald replied.
"I quit because they were getting too radical. I mean, they are already, but the nuclear strike Sapphire would eventually lead against the Middle East and Africa will have a very negative affect on the world's gold and diamonds, as well as some other vital resources," Opal explained.
"It'd have a bigger affect than just a few resources and precious treasures, I assure that," Chris said.
Emerald was about to say something, but Opal pulled an M9 pistol and shot her in the head, which made Chris and Bonnie jump. When Emerald's body staggered, fell, and slumped over, Opal sighed and put the gun into her pocket. She then knelt down and spoke a lengthy sentence in Cantonese, which confused Bonnie and Chris. When she was done speaking, she stood back up and looked at the two.
"Prayer for the fallen," Opal said.
"What the fuck is wrong with you people?!" Chris asked in angry rhetoric.
"She was a liability. Even though it was hard to do that, I need to let Crystal, Inc. know I haven't sold them out. That way, I can work alone in taking them down. They know she's rogue, but they don't know my plans. If her body is delivered to them, I can get away with a clean slate. I know you find that hard to understand, but please let me be on my way," Opal explained.
"Gladly!" Chris said.
"What are your plans?" Bonnie asked.
"Take down other main agents and crystals, then work on the bosses," Opal replied.
"Taking the bosses down first would be ideal," Bonnie said.
"Negative. Without assassins and associates, it'll be much easier. There are three main bosses, whose names aren't relevant, and they are highly trained and dangerous. They're among the best survivalists and warriors on this planet. Intelligent, too. Sapphire will be coming for you, and I have faith you can take her. Don't hold back, though. She is very determined and cunning, and is not to be underestimated. For once, she's also angry at you, Mr. Carrington," Opal said.
"Violent and angry is not surprising. What the hell did I do, though? She's the monster!" Chris said.
"She said it's because you "deflowered" her and had nothing to do with her afterward. Hmm, deflower. You Americans have some very odd terminology for intercourse," Opal said.
"You look American," Chris said.
"I am American, but was mostly raised in Asia. Anyway, best of luck to you. I'm sorry you had to see this happen to a great woman like Emerald. Farewell," Opal said.
Bonnie raised her brow as Opal put Emerald's body into the helicopter. Without a word or gesture, Opal got into it, started it up, and ascended into the sky. Chris shook his head as he got into the Comet with Bonnie. He wanted to awkwardly laugh at Opal, but the horrifying realities of what could happen was more than enough for him to keep a serious demeanor. As they were about to cross Cavalier Bridge, a police roadblock stood in the way. No cops were present from what Chris could see, but Commissioner Temple walked up to the window from behind the car, wielding an assault rifle. When he knocked on the driver window, Chris saw he was wearing the same signature gear that Hawke was known for. Chris and Bonnie stepped out at gunpoint against their will, even though Temple was alone.
"Finally got you!" Temple said.
"You know we're Red Wrath and Rogue?" Chris asked.
"It's very fucking obvious, even though the rest of this city's Liberal agenda is too dumb to see it," Temple said.
"An ongoing investigation is on you, so even if you torture and kill us, you will go down, buddy!" Bonnie replied.
"I'm so sick of you freaks rummaging around these streets thinking you're heroes. One thing you had right is pure extermination. If only Hawke could've lived longer," Temple said.
"Hawke was extremely dangerous. He beat innocent protesters!" Chris said.
"All well deserved when stepping in the way of the law," Temple replied.
"You took an oath, for God's sake! Where's your morals? Where's your shame and empathy?" Chris asked.
"When gangs flood American streets thinking they own them, and then people want to question the tactics of the police, all empathy and shame is left at the door! There will come a day when you Liberals die of lost brain cells, or get shot to death because you don't have guns to defend yourselves. When that day comes, it'll be fantastic for America!" Temple declared.
"Idiot. We aren't Liberals. In fact, I expect to get heavy criticism from them for when my company grows," Chris said.
"If you defy the law, and question it, then you are a Liberal," Temple said.
"And you're a piece of worthless garbage! You stood back and let these gangs grow, and then slay each other. An innocent young man was shot to death by a Liberty City Armenian gang!" Chris angrily scolded.
"It worked out perfectly. That boy deserved death, because it'll make this whole country see that white knights have no place! The more those gangs fight, the more the public will want to turn on them. I thank you for that Ammu-Nation blowout sale, because when people get disgusted enough to fight back, that's the real justice. Since the police can't do their goddamn job because of Liberals, then honest gun-toting citizens will do the job! It's by any means necessary, you got that?! If not, I suppose I'll have to write it out on whiteboard, you insolent corporate fuck!" Temple yelled.
By Chris' body language, Bonnie could tell he wanted to react the second Temple put his guard down. In the hesitation, a gun cocked, and its owner came out from behind one of the police vehicles. It was Cunningham, who showed a facial expression of being purely disgusted. She wielded an M16, which was enough for Temple to slightly put his finger off the trigger of his own gun.
"Cunningham?" Chris asked.
"Hi, Chris. Hi, Bonnie," Cunningham replied.
"Well, well, if it isn't America's next half-lesbian leader," Temple said.
"Too scared to call me a dyke, you goddamn redneck fuck?" Cunningham asked.
"How long were you here?" Bonnie asked.
"Enough to hear all of this scumbag's words. You're a truly sick man, Temple. I can't believe you were ever appointed as a leader!" Cunningham scolded.
"Also, I'm from Idaho, you obese bitch," Temple said.
"All the same to me. If you're fucking conservative, then I hate your guts. All the time I spent in the closet because of you cow shit-shoveling Bible thumpers was unbearable! You wouldn't know until you had the struggle. I wish all of you woke up gay so you could see how differently you got treated! Hell, most of the shit is because of your agenda promoting fake ass family values from the 1950s. And how sick are you to be a supporter of Allen Hawke?! Pretty much so," Cunningham ranted.
"Godless Liberal! Typical rant from a bisexual bitch who belongs in San Andreas," Temple said.
"That's all you got? By the way, I believe in God, but what I won't allow is for you bumbling morons to taint His words. When that happens, good people turn away. God is not a monster, but you certainly portray Him to be. What have you idiots got to be proud of? You stole all of this land, you had slaves... need I go on?!" Cunningham angrily asked.
"You're a special kind of stupid," Temple said.
"I'm gonna give you to the count of five to get your old, ugly, bald, radical hillbilly ass out of my town before I pump your fat guts full of lead!" Cunningham said.
"How about you go? I'll pay for your trip to Canada! Better just shoot me," Temple replied.
Cunningham shrugged and didn't hesitate any longer. She put her finger on the trigger, which fired several bullets into the legs of Temple. He lightly grunted and went down, giving Chris time to take his weapons and throw them to the side. With deep rage, Cunningham continued firing her weapon at Temple at close range, not missing a single shot. Even after he was dead, she continued firing bullets into his corpse. Before the clip emptied, an unmarked cruiser rode up. The driver was Moscow, who got out and ran to them.
"Keep the ticket and the change, you filthy pig!" Cunningham said.
"Yeah, I think he was dead way before that, dear," Bonnie replied.
"Never know with all that armor," Cunningham said.
"You folks okay?" Moscow asked.
"Just fine," Chris replied.
"What are you doing here, Moscow? Come to take Temple's job, I hope," Cunningham said.
"We had enough evidence to put him away for the rest of his life," Moscow said.
"He's better off dead!" Cunningham said, spitting on Temple's corpse.
"Are there any corrupt NOOSE agents left? Plenty were on his side," Chris asked.
"We found leaks, names, and arrested all that were corrupt," Moscow replied.
"There's been a massacre of them, just so you know," Bonnie said.
"Yeah, I know. Lord forgive me, but I feel no sympathy. Cunningham, why don't you get in my car? I'll give you a ride home," Moscow suggested.
"Sure, as long as I'm not arrested," Cunningham said.
Moscow chuckled, as did Chris and Bonnie. Even though they took it as a joke, Cunningham didn't laugh. They watched her walk to Moscow's unmarked cruiser and get into the back. Moscow looked back to Chris and Bonnie with a shrug.
"She's been through a lot," Bonnie said.
"She's brave. No way would I ever put her in jail for this," Moscow replied.
"Are you looking forward to the job?" Chris asked.
"You bet. You know, it's not gonna be simple. Elections, speeches, all that," Moscow said.
"You can do it. God is choosing you for that job," Chris said.
"I really must thank you two for all that you've done for this city. It can now see real progress. That said, I'll catch you later," Moscow said.
Moscow shook the hands of Bonnie and Chris before walking to his car. When he got in, Chris saw that he called in reinforcements and a cleanup crew. After he was finished with his dispatch call, he waved out the window at Chris and Bonnie before making a U-turn and driving back to city limits.
"It's still not over. Just one more thing we have to do," Chris said to himself.
