Author's Notes:
Explanation to the higher than average grammar errors in previous chapter. I had recently been given pieces of a PC dad purchased to assemble, he gave one to me and I've been using it ever since saturday. Problem was that i had to reload Office 2016 and you know how tedicous that is so i installed a 2010 as an interim solution forgetting my old laptop which i used to publish the stories uses custom settings in 2016. I might get back to correcting errors if i have the time but new chapters takes precedence.
It's also one chapter away from the deciding votes to the Jason love interest. So hurry up and place your votes, you have the power to change Jason's destiny so use it wisely.
Hurk sat across Ajay while the rest of the Condotierri and Captain David Goh stood to listen to his accounts in a place called Rook Island.
"... That's everything." Hurk finished his story with a grave expression.
"What kind of name is Snow White for a dude?" Perkins couldn't help but ask what was with that stupid name.
"For now it'll be just Brody." David stated.
"So two years ago, he fought against a pirate organisation, a mercenary company the size of a brigade all by himself." Ajay clarified.
"He did have some help from me but mostly it was assistance from the Rakyat, the island's local home boys."
When the group heard Brody's exploits, they couldn't help but turn to Ajay as the closest reference. If that were the case, it explained why Willis had brought him here, he was the Golden Paths best response to Badala.
"Bad's, can I ask, are you really gonna kill him?" Hurk asked timidly.
Ajay cleared his thoughts with a deep breath in and out.
"Samson."
"Yes?"
"Issue a request to Army High Command. Individual known as Jason Brody is highly dangerous, if encountered at any time should request backup in the form of two battalions... Terminate with extreme prejudice. Then bring his head back for confirmation." Ajay had made his stand.
"As for the rest of you, don't give any quarter or he'll take yours." Hurk became anxious when he heard what he expected Ajay would say.
"Bad's! I think Jason he-.."
"I know he's here for something else, when I met him he demanded where was his friends. From your story, a similar instance happened over back then. But I can tell you, I don't even need to visit Pagan and to know his friends aren't there." Knowing Willis and Sabal, they likely had them and said they were the ones holding his friends hostage. Then he'll wreak havoc amongst the populace until the day they finally reveal their true natural to him.
"Then-."
"That doesn't change the fact that he's a wild card- no. He's our enemy, and he'll stop at nothing until this Kingdom is burnt to the ground to find his friends." Ajay began to laugh.
"HeHahahahaha-... He really is so naive, he doesn't even realize in all likeliness his friends might be in custody of the very people he's fighting alongside. What a fool!" Ajay couldn't stop his madden laughter, it was the irony of the situation Jason had landed himself in, he was simply too trusting... just like he once was. Ajay knew the end result of Jason Brody's conquest, a bullet to the head by none other than the people he'll come to call brothers and sisters. If he had a choice to change it he'd rather let Jason fall into despair instead but he had to protect Kyrat so Jason needed to die.
"Then we should tell'im! So that he understands we aren't holding his friends, then-." Hurk still stood up for Jason.
"Then what! The Golden Path still have his friends and then he'll really have no choice but to fight us!" Ajay couldn't control his temper when Hurk sided with Jason. He poked Hurk on the chest with his index finger.
"Did you know? That Jason, your other Tatbro was responsible for Kamala's death? Did you?!" Hurk held a stricken look, though their time was short Hurk was also a friend of Kamala. Her death greatly saddened him also because she was the rare friend who would encourage and praise him for a job well done. Hurk bit his lip, he could feel Ajay's pain more clearly now.
(Slam) Ajay took out a silver jar and slammed it onto the table. As Hurk looked at the scribbling of words carved into the jar his eyes widened in shock and disbelief. It was Kamala's urn holding her cremated ashes, he had been wondering for some time what that jar was doing attached to Ajay, so it was this.
"Look at it and say you want to try and help that hopeless brat!" Ajay shouted with rage evident in his voice.
Ajay revealed to him why despite the chance they had to convince Jason to put down arms to work out a way to get him his friends Ajay chose otherwise. Even when the Marines had attacked him he still gave them a chance. David and Perkins remained quiet for them to sort out their internal affairs.
But for Jason Brody, he simply could not do the same any longer. Because of Jason's interference, the ever shameless Sabal took a shot at him and killed Kamala in the process. Hurk knew Ajay held Kamala in more than just high regard, he idolized her. If only he was never there, Ajay told himself in his heart. But Ajay turned away and said...
"You're free to go over and tell him all you want, Hurk. No one here is gonna stop you..."
Hurk could see he already couldn't forgive Jason in his heart. To him Sabal was a dog that acted upon instincts, but Jason still had power over individual choice therefore he was to blame. Ajay's eyes blazed with the fires of retribution.
"But Jason Brody dies!"
Within the special weapons armoury, Ajay skimmed his hand across the weapon crates shipped from Tel Aviv. Courtesy of Paul Ferenc, or who he liked to call the "good Paul" because the other two were hopeless. One was a sick-fuck while the other was a coward and plain greedy man. It was no surprise that the Jewish state in the middle east could be none other than Israel, but the deal with them was under the radar. He had the pleasure of chatting with Paul at the airport the other day when he received the shipment of 'complimentary gifts'. They weren't receiving enough supply of Titanium from China whom used to grant exclusive rights to its mines was now hoarding most of its supply for its emerging high-tech industries. It affected the market back home so they sought other means to gather the needed supply to their industries in technology and defense.
The complimentary gifts came in the form of Spike ATGM Missiles in the non-line of sight variant. Paul claimed that using a laser designator they had packed inside that was man-portable, it could be fired from twenty miles and strike a target precisely with minimal collateral provided the target was lazed by the instrument. In summary, Paul gave him a precision guided missile for targets he wanted to annihilate but didn't want to get to close to. Ajay could imagine the application for it. A stealth cadre of say Royal Guard Hunters would sneak behind enemy lines, identify a high value target like an enemy commander. Then they'd mark him with the designator without anyone noticing a thing, the missile would finish him off. The hunters had no need to even reveal their location and could go home safely without losing a single man. Ajay had no eagerness to use it just yet, but there would come a time he might want to use it.
Ajay read the reports on the improvements and update on the two Arsenals. One in which he resided and the other in Yuma's domain to the North-west of the Uttar region.
The tooling in Yuma's arsenal was set to produce an analogy to the expensive and sophisticated P416 rifles that were originally imported via Solomon Khoo. One of Samar's apprentices had replicated the rifle to match the Israeli tooling for M16 carbines. The result was an M4-style carbine that had the same operating system as the P416, Samar's apprentice had the honors of naming it AY-16, Assault rifle under patronage of Yuma Lau in 16 inch barrel.
Samar respected Ajay's decision to hand Yuma the tooling they received and made amendments to suit her private armies needs. The AY-16 had advantages and disadvantages with the P416 rifle it was supplementing.
Advantages, it had the same aesthetics as the P416 being an AR-15 derivative, allowing the Royal Guard troops to feel familiar with the weapon so there was little need to retrain with the rifle. The AY-16 had a longer barrel which meant greater velocity and accuracy as standard.
Although, the weapon was still significantly inferior in quality to its former expensive counterpart in service with the Royal Guards. Still, it was enough for the situation they were in and the life expectancy was within suitable margins till the end of the war as predicted by High Command analysts. Longinus, despite his craziness had picked up the art of gunsmithing from Samar and had become a competent apprentice to his friend. He had a hand in overseeing the production of Yuma's Arsenal apart from his regular occupation of drawing weapons and ammunition from external sources from Khyber pass, Pakistan and from Thailand. Small arms, mortars, heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, grenades launchers, anti-material rifles, land mines, and other military hardware that didn't have electronics. Most of the weapons he brought in were weapons that the standing armies of countries had in stockpile or in reserve. There were always underpaid generals or police officials who sought to earn extra cash for their private use and gladly sold their stocks to him and the other arms dealer, the Jackal.
Every time Ajay heard of him, he couldn't help but shudder at the thought of how he looked and behaved. Longinus had once mentioned he was a stone cold bastard at one time, yet he saved fleeing refugees in the millions. His movement and behaviors were unpredictable and that's how he liked it from peering eyes and ears of the intelligence communities.
Ajay looked at the reports on his own Arsenal in the Valley. After rebuilding the Arsenal from the damage, the facilities were expanded. This meant there were more vacancies for jobs and potential for increases in output for weapons and ammo.
The ARP-1 rifles Arjun ordered were distributed amongst the PDF units in his domain while the Royal Army was more than satisfied with their current kit. But in more dire circumstances such as losing ground to the Golden Path, that rifle was the fall back option. Other than that weapon, the valley arsenal now produced nearly all of the small-arms in the Royal army inventory save for specialized weapons like precision rifles and large caliber weapons like cannons for the newly integrated Ratel IFVs. Pistols, shotguns, AK and AR rifles, Light machine guns and submachine-guns were now the new and improved products rolled out by the improved Arsenal.
The greatest improvement since the introduction of the Arsenals was their ability to produce rifle barrel blanks on their own which were previously imported from several overseas sources to cut out into proper barrels. Ajay threw more funds into the steel milling business and Aluminium mining facilities in Pagan's corridor to have it churn out more. In all instances, Kyrat had finally built a self-sustaining military industry. Although, the numbers still couldn't meet the demands of the enormous Royal Army, that was where Longinus's arms filled in the gaps. The old woman who sold arms at the two shops she owned in Shanath and Banapur had also moved with the rest of the refugees. Her presence had been notified by the Royal Army and had sent her to his town to see if she would like to set shop in his territory. To Ajay, she was a valuable presence because she could help distribute the weapons throughout his territory.
The idea Ajay had for the Valley was much like the states. If everyone had a firearm, no one would try anything funny, because they all respected the power of the gun and its wielder. They of course, couldn't take justice into their own hands as was enforced by the law but the guns were there if they were willing to accept the price for it. It was also one of the liberties within his territory besides zero taxes which made it one of the most appealing settlements in the region.
There were however restrictions on the weapons based on classification. Mostly, they weren't supposed to have fully automatic firing capabilities and they couldn't exceed a certain caliber unless there was a warranted use such as big game hunting.
"You didn't have to be so hard on old Hurk." Samar said over his adjustment he was making with Ajay's double barrelled monster, the slayer.
"I wasn't, I was simply stating what my stand was on this Snow White bastard. Geez... saying it makes me feel embarrassed. I wonder what's Brody's take on his gay name?" (Jason sneezes)
"If you weren't hard then why has he not returned to the workshop like usual?" Samar crossed his arms.
"I don't get you."
"What do you think Hurk does on his free time, get wasted in the pubs? Ever since you placed him under the care of those Italians he's been working himself non-stop. He wanted to prove to himself and others he was a reliable friend, so this is clearly on you."
Samar was trying to say Hurk had a heart of gold and therefore could do no wrong, so it was entirely Ajay's fault he wasn't around.
"All I said was I'm gonna kill Jason Brody, I didn't stop him from saying no, neither telling Jason of my intentions himself." Samar sighed.
"I see, then its more complicated than i imagined. Hurk is now stuck in a dilemma of choosing sides. Between old friend and new, Hurk may be older than you but he has a heart of a child, he's still learning till now."
"..."
"What would you do if Hurk chose Jason over you?"
"I don't see where this is going."
"Ha! Don't cheat yourself, Hurk is the closest thing you have to a best mate. If not you wouldn't have done so much, compromised so much to have him fight alongside you rather than be a dependent."
"..." Ajay could find no fault with his reasoning, perhaps if Hurk left he would feel particularly upset and disappointed.
Ajay recalled what Hurk said before he ran out after he declared for the last time that he wanted Jason Brody dead.
"What would Kamala think if she knew you killed a kid over her?"
Those words stung the greatest when it came from Hurk and left him standing even after the rest departed to return to their jobs. The Condotierri to guarding the arsenal and the Marines to planning an incursion into Banapur to recapture Willis as their primary concern.
-Those words are so unfair.-
Arjun was hard at work organising the Army to escort fractions of the refugees to each individual territory to manage. Over five hundred thousand civilians had been moved out from their homes to the Tigers' refugee camps and while the rest had been distributed amongst the numerous villages in the North across King's Bridge in the Uttar region. Thankfully, Amita had the Mukti Tigers assemble tents and wooden prefab houses for the civilians. Arjun had the Army deliver relief supplies to them while having four regiments fortify a line between the North and South to protect the civilians.
On all accounts, his evacuation plan was a success, he managed to significantly reduce the potential collateral as well as the pool of which the Golden Path recruited from. By now, Tirtha and the surrounding villages and settlements were deserted. Banapur had also lost a large portion of its populace that moved out while the Golden Path fighters had been diverted to protect the Recruitment camps South from the decoy troops.
Then he heard the audacious news from the 1st Hussars Armored Battalion Commander himself. Badala had levelled Varshakot. Arjun had taught himself not to be too surprised at what the young lord was capable of. He thought there would be old Guard protecting that stronghold and their were, but before Badala they made no difference. From the report, not a single survivor was left alive, casualties were minimal on their end too.
The capture of Willis had failed due to the intervention of one Jason Brody, an associate of Willis whom rescued him in the nick of time and divided the marines in two. His secretary had just sent him a request from Badala to hunt Brody at whatever cost, for Badala to hold Jason Brody in such high regard meant he was really extraordinary and dangerous. He wasn't sure how Badala intended to deal with him, but his request was a better way of saying "Please be cautious around Brody."
Arjun sighed and helped himself to the Chai prepared by his secretary, Captain Layak. It was the first time in a long while he could just sit in his office and relax. Ever since that boy Badala came along, things had been shaky but not in a bad way. With a swift motion, Badala executed all of their enemies in the thousands such that he was never needed to return unless Arjun really needed him. He was responsible for the massive changes in Kyrat's premier military force as well, assassinating Sugun to dissolve the Royal Guard, breaking the Golden Paths resolve, rejuvenating the failing economy, building Kyrat's first military industry. Badala literally held a God of War status amongst the Royal Army foot soldiers under Arjun's command.
But what truly made him so special was that he always seemed to know his way around Kyrat, who his enemies were and how to use the terrain to his advantage. Arjun found this strange as rumors indicated that Badala had come from the United States, though he was likely Kyrati. There were so many reports that indicated he found hidden passageways, uncompromising terrain, how he seem to guess exactly how many fighters were in a garrison at a time. It was as if Badala had been travelling around Kyrat for years, which wasn't possible when the King confirmed it himself. It was likely that Badala, like the king had an undisclosed network of intelligence even G2 intelligence branch didn't know about.
That was not all, reports spoke of a fighting style like no other. An almost complete disregard for cover and defence in favour for speed and quick acquisition. His latest work was what was now called the "Crimson Forest" after the blood soaked greenery from the lives he severed.
But what worried Arjun the most was his Daughter. It was fairly obvious she held some kind of affection for him. But to interact with him could have consequences.
-This type of person could only earn powerful enemies and not many friends from his unrelenting behaviour.-
Even though he thought that, Badala had never once went out without permission or a request from Arjun to justify his attacks. He still respected Arjun's command authority as the Marshal of Kyrat and High Commands presence despite his rank as a Marquis, a Vice-Lord of Kyrat.
Arjun read the most recent letter from his ever filial daughter whom was currently in Maharashtra where she was delegating for the officers the sent to learn at the various Military institutions in India. Some were sent to specialised colleges and training schools to be taught warcraft.
All this was made possible through Arjun's connections. He had been an Alumni of the staff college there years ago, which earned him the technical know-how to manage an entire military organisation. In New Delhi, while studying he also made some acquaintances whom were training to become staff officers in the Indian Armed forces and left a good impression before he returned to Kyrat. These former acquaintances whom were now high ranking officers in their joint services were the ticket to being granted audience with the Indian foreign affairs and defence ministers.
All this was for the future of Kyrat on the international playing field which it had remained obscured for some time. Kyrat needed to take a side in one of the global power houses, Arjun saw there were two options at present. The Chinese or the Indians, the most sensible choice was the Indians because of their proximity to one another as well as their similar cultures and language to correlate. Pakistan wasn't an option though it was also just next to them, because they were allies with the US. Arjun had a bad experience with the US on multiple occasions, mostly by one single individual they failed to capture, Willis Huntley. Though he didn't represent the entire interest of the states, the fact that he could bring in state of the art weapons and equipment like the Stinger missiles or the Stryker Armoured Vehicles meant someone was supportive of the idea of destabilizing his homeland.
That was enough to know that the United States of America was no friend of Kyrat or him. That being said, sending those officers to India to learn was only secondary compared to the true intentions of the dialogue between them and India.
The S-Program.
It had been nearly three months since they initialled the project, the brainchild being himself and Badala. Layak estimated the time till operational capacity was two more months. It was the biggest investment in their military budget yet the ones paying were Mistress Yuma and Lord Badala. Because when it went online this whole farce they've been fighting hard against the Golden Path who employed guerrilla warfare would be history.
The site had long been complete thanks to the amazing building capacity of the 3rd Royal Engineering Company under his daughter's command. Arjun had visited the site on several occasions, every visit left an impression and a welling of pride in his Country. Kyrat would not be a speck in everyone's eyes soon.
"Missing our daughter already, dear?" Arjun looked up to see a surprise visitor. A formally dressed auburn haired woman that had a splitting image to his daughter.
"Wife…."
"I just came by to asked whether you'll be attending the coming new years celebration."
"A phone call would have sufficed."
"Then I'd be received by Layak or some random junior officer who doesn't know I'm the spouse of his superior! No, I came with some cakes my society freshly baked for tea." Madam Roka raised a basket that held local pastries.
"I-…. I could do that." Arjun said hesistantly.
"You will entertain me." She said in a tone of authority as she always had.
"Y-Yes." Arjun obediently put down his documents and guided her to the coffee table with his cup of tea.
"Then I'll make myself scarce and get another cup of tea for madam." Layak said before departing off to do the task.
"Please do, thank you." She replied and unloaded the treats onto plates for them to have tea.
For a good fifteen minutes, Arjun enjoyed the cakes and silence from his wife who had yet to speak, but it all came to an end when she opened her mouth to state her true intention of coming to the Royal Fortress.
"I would never have expected you to be so despicable." She lashed out bluntly, Arjun nearly spilt the contents of the delicious cake in his mouth, he took a sip of his tea to clear the contents from his throat.
"W-What?"
"You heard me, sending our daughter to Maharashtra when any other officer in your retinue could have done the job. But the real reason you did so was to separate her from personal life." Madam Roka's glare burnt deep into Arjun's psyche, every word she spoke made tremors in his mind.
Because the true head of house Roka was her, Manisha Roka. His wife.
While his marriage may have been arranged he did love his wife very much, but at times she was... forceful. Tyrannical if he was ever given the opportunity to be alone to himself to say that. It was why he found comfort in Saraswati's calm and gentle demeanour compared to his wife's iron-fisted authority, but it didn't mean she didn't love her daughter. She absolutely adored her, perhaps more than even him. His and her arrangement had been the same as Saraswati's and Ghale's boy but he had known her for some time whereas this war had caused Lady Ishwari to flee with Ajay Ghale, hence they've never even seen each other.
"It because she was the most capable option in securin-."
"Save that excuse for fools, remember who you're speaking to here, dear." Manisha didn't need to raise her voice even once as was part of her etiquette training when she was younger but her words carried heavy weight.
"You sent her away because she had been staying with the young lord."
"Y-You knew?!"
"Course I did, she's been telling me the progress she's made every week." She chuckled thinking about the things she wrote about.
"You allowed this fooling around when she was engaged?"
"Oh come on! Are you the only one stuck in the old fashion ways? I'd rather she pursued someone to be with than not."
Arjun slumped back in his seat, absolutely betrayed by his own family members. It was internal treachery!
Manisha sighed when she saw her husband was still having single minded thoughts about what should he have done. "Arjun. This is the first time our daughter's shown any keen interest in anyone, she's almost at the end of her marriageable age and you want to ruining it because the boy she likes doesn't suit you own ideals?"
"Wife, this person-… this Badala isn't what you've heard he is."
"Oh? Then pray tell, what is he like then?" Manisha opened her ears to entertain her husbands.
"It's as the public recognises him as, a demon. If you've seen or read the reports about him you'd be shocked- no, appalled by his actions!"
"Like?" Arjun was unwilling to tell her as it breached the code of secrecy towards intel.
"You know that our king can be quite…eccentric at times, you've personally meet him, remember? But Badala, Badala is a madman, King Min might ask you to burn down a village but Badala would do it himself and paints the goddamn village red!" He knew it was exaggerating but it gave a clearer picture to Badala's savagery he was capable of just like with Ratu Gadhi, Meh Teh, Varshakot or the new "crimson forest".
"So?"
"SO?!" He couldn't believe the reply she gave.
"(Sigh) Are you really taking our daughter for an idiot or something?"
"What- No! I-."
"While you've been reading his plans and accounts from others, I'm very well aware she had been right next to him in the very field he fought on. So if anyone knew him better between the two of you it'll be her." Arjun found he couldn't fault her on that. Seeing him quieten down she snorted.
"What a surprise, I was fully informed he even assisted in elevating you to the Commander-in-chief of the Defense forces, break that invasion into the North that had my fellow high society mistresses worried sick to the outcome. Yet like the name they gave you, the stubborn rhino, have not even shown a single gesture of gratitude to that person. When did you become so prideful you forgot to even thank him once, for dirtying his hands in this civil war so you could keep yours nice and clean. I'm afraid I'll have to say how ashamed I am to have such a husband."
Arjun felt he was about to cough out blood. He never liked this, when his wife would point out his flaws in a flash and leave him defeated and mournful. Today was the most vicious scrutiny yet. Arjun slumped his head against the table, hopefully she would follow up with some words of encouragement after seeing his pitiful state like she used to.
"Call Saraswati back or I'll divorce you."
-w-WHAT?!-
Arjun nearly dropped of his seat when he heard her threat. "Mani, my dear please be reasonable!"
"I am. You will call her back if you have even the slightest shed of dignity left."
"You!-… Give me two months tops, this process in Maharashtra can't be shortened. It determines the fate of Kyrat, Badala has even given his support for the program. That's the best i can do before i send another to take over, so please! Manisha..." Arjun pleaded. Manisha stared at him on his knees for a while and sighed.
"Then promise me, cross your heart you won't interfere with her affairs again."
"You have it!"
"Good, keep to it. I still haven't heard your response to the New Year ball celebration hosted by Mistress Lau at Crystal falls."
"The War Council will be there, but I'll be there as Patriarch Arjun Roka."
"Good. I won't disturb you any longer, be back early." Satisfied with his response she left.
Arjun collapsed to his chair, he knew Manisha would confront him on this matter sooner or later but he didn't expect she would be supportive of Badala. Since it was both of them that thought he was alright, there was something he was missing in his evaluation of Badala. But what was it? Badala was definitely not his real name, no parent would name their child after vengeance they sought. He felt he was missing something but didn't know what it was.
"Sir?"
"Y-Yes?" Arjun returned back to reality to find his secretary had called out to him a number of times.
"We've been getting reports on the Golden Path making strange movements around the borders in the Eastern end of the mountain."
Arjun picked up the dossier that held the G2 insider intelligence.
"I thought it should reach your eyes, I wasn't sure if there were any irregularities in that place."
"No. You did good." Arjun commended him. But gazed deeply at the intel.
They were heading to the Eastern side of the Mountains that seperated the North from the South. Although it was unprotected there was a natural barrier that prevented movement through to the Uttar Region.
So what were they doing there? And why were they moving out when the best strategic option was to consolidate their sudden loss of manpower and supply of civilians. None of these made sense.
…..
"Come on, Arjun. Just a little further."
"Why are we even hear, Mohan brother?"
"I'm showing you a secret route in case we ever get into trouble against the Nationalists."
Arjun reminisce the early days of his career in the Royal Guard, back when they fought the Nationalist party. Mohan had shown him a passage out of Uttar to Pacchim Valley.
-Couldn't be…-
It was something that only Mohan knew of and he wouldn't indulge it with anyone save for himself, his sworn brother Arjun and Lady Ishwari. There was just no way anyone knew of it because it was naturally inaccessible.
-There was just no way.-
The Golden Path fighters in Banapur were up and about packing provisions and ammunition for their upcoming expedition as promised by Mohan.
"Here, I'll help." Jason reached out to carry the provisions onto the truck.
"Many thanks, Brody!" The Golden Path fighters were genuinely appreciative of his considerateness, unlike a certain weasel that wriggled his way beside Mohan.
Jason was glad Sabal didn't have to face the noose in the end, because without him there would be nobody that would help him in his endeavour to find his brother and friends. The appearance of this Mohan was dubious, to the locals he was some sort of symbol of their cause and a powerful one at that. Why did he choose to appear now of all times, Jason didn't know nor cared. His only concern was his friends and that was all, it wouldn't be like the last time Citra nearly seduced him with promises of power and pleasure. Jason was an advocate against that kind of violence, even if the every same type of violence was the only means of rescuing his friends. It had to be used solely for that purpose.
"Yo Jas', you've got a minute?" Willis called out from the window of the place he was resting in after he received a visit from Mohan Ghale.
"Sure, I'll be right with you."
"Great kid, don't make us wait!"
Jason finished up with helping the warriors load up the crates on the five-tonner truck.
"Thanks for the help, brother. Please, don't keep our great leader waiting." The warrior said to him.
"Ok."
Jason made his was to the shack that housed Willis who was still bed-ridden. He happened to hear a few things they had been talking about before noticing his presence.
"So times haven't been good on you either."
"The hell you talking about, I've never felt more alive. What about you? You haven't aged a day, what kind of pact did you make with the devil this time, damn bastard?"
"I've only dealt with one devil which is your employer."
Mohan shared some quality time with Willis much to Jason's surprise, did they know each other before.
"There he is, our secret weapon!" Willis declared upon seeing Jason had arrived.
"Mohan, this here's Jason Brody. Affectionately called Snow White by the Rakyat home boys and by homeland security at home. But don't let the name fool you cause he's commited genocide amongst the pirates and mercs on Rook Island. And so far, he's the only one save for Sabal that survived an encounter with Badala." Willis gave Jason an intro. Latter raised his hand for a handshake with Mohan who held it and gave a firm response.
"Pleasure to be acquainted with you Mr Brody. Willis has told me some what about you purpose here."
"Will you help me find my friends?" Jason asked excitedly.
"Perhaps we could come to an agreement. In all probability your friends are in two places. One is Durgesh Prison which in that case they are truly lost to you."
"Why?!"
"Because no one ever escapes insanity, if you're still sane enough in there you'd take your own life while you have the opportunity."
Jason felt a tightness grip around his heart, as much as he refused to believe it he couldn't hope for it.
"There is another possibility…" When Mohan said this he looked up to the man.
"Within the Uttar Region a few miles away from the Royal Palace is a stronghold. But unlike its counterparts like Ratu Gadhi or Baghadur or even the recently demolished Varshakot its a fortification that defends from the inside."
Jason cocked his head.
"What Mohan is trying to get at is that its a Gulag." Willis explained.
"Rajgad Gulag to be precise. It's purpose is to imprison misfits and political prisoners. Whereas Durgesh is to keep the really dangerous community under closed bars." Mohan could see Jason had gotten a interest in the place the instance he stated it and made a glimpse towards Willis.
We'll be raiding Rajgad Gulag in a five days to rescue some of our former colleagues, perhaps you may take the opportunity to join us in your search for your friends."
"I will- I mean, please allow me to tag along!"
Mohan chuckled. "Of course, any help from the famous Snow White will be welcomed."
"Thanks…. I guess."
"Good, will you spare me a moment more with Agent Huntley? I would like to hear from him the overview regarding our current situation and the support he is willing to give."
"Oh! Sure, I'll be off anyway." Jason got up and nodded to Willis before making his way out of the door.
When they were sure he left, Mohan turned to Willis with a disdainful smile.
"Are all the brats so naive? A few kind words and they wag their tails in order. I'm beginning to miss the company of my true fellow compatriots. By the way, that brat's friends, was it you?" Willis nodded.
"You sneaky little cretin, but I guess its his own fault for being to trusting also." Mohan laughed.
"Hey, its called playing your cards out right!"
"Indeed it is."
"I wasn't joking when I said he could fight Badala one on one."
"I didn't think so, but with the eight it won't matter any longer."
"How much of a guarantee is there that they'd still be in the shape to fight?" Willis was being realistic with his options.
"Twenty-six years behind bars can change a man to do anything he so wishes provided he has the power to do so and the will. I intend to give them both."
".…" Willis was clear on this point, Mohan was like the Kyrat savior returned from the grave.
"Paul's coming."
"Is he now….." Mohan grinned, it was just like old times.
"Coming back to sweep the dirt under the rug I suppose. No matter, he'll eventually come to join the party. He has no other option if he wants to find its location, by the way did you find what you were looking for?" Willis shook his head smiling.
"Don't need to. Having the coordinates and the black box in my possession is enough to keep him in check. I have some of the marines watching my stash."
"Mmmm." Mohan just agreed with him. But then he started to laugh insanely.
"I wonder what Pagan would think when he finds out like every of those traitors in Royal Guard."
Willis became incline to laugh with him, and together they made their laughter heard from outside.
Jason who left the building heard it and thought his assessment that they were comrades before was correct. It was five days till the raid, but what should he do till then? Perhaps he shou-
"Jason."
Jason looked up to the person that was calling his name. When he did, a middle aged Caucasian man had greeted him, but why did he look so familiar? It was in his head but he just couldn't picture that person with this one.
So Jason made a gamble.
".…. Hurk?"
