Chapter 40: Resolutions

December 25th 2010 1030 Hours

Aboard the Fruition, St. Petersburg, Russia

Christmas Day. It had been a very long time since I celebrated a happy one with people I cared about. Last year I was passed out drunk in Kuala Lumpur, didn't even knew what day it was. So needless to say, it was a depressing and lonely day. Not really that much different from any other day until I wound up with Koko and her crew. But it was good to see that everyone on board the ship was in high spirits and celebrating in their own way.

After I had made breakfast the rest of us just did whatever we could to enjoy the day. There was no way in hell Koko would be able to get a suite rented in St. Petersburg in the short amount of time we were spending in Russia and we were leaving for Switzerland at midnight. Plus we weren't technically 'there'. Before we had returned to the city yesterday we chopped off the top of a small pine to make a makeshift Christmas Tree. We didn't have much for decorations so we just strung it up with office supplies like pens, paperclips, colored sticky notes, and the like. Even though Lehm and Wiley had just left to escort Dr. Baburin to the airport for her flight to South Africa and Dr. Miami, I would probably be the busiest today. I had just put the prime rib in the oven and it would be a few hours till we would eat again, all I had to do was check on it.

Most of the crew were just lounging about. Mao was talking on the phone with his family back in Laos, it wouldn't be the last call for the day. Ugo was playing his video games and Lutz and Tojo were playing against each other in gin. Koko for some reason had disappeared into her work and was talking to Minami via video conference since after breakfast. She told me to make sure that she was undisturbed for the next two hours, probably going over this 'Jormungand' thing again. It was good enough for me though, since I could spend the rest of the morning and some of the afternoon with Sophia. We really hadn't left our cabin so we were content with just being next to each other while watching a few classics on my laptop at the edge of the bed.

"How the hell is this a Christmas movie?" She asked.

"Miracles during the holidays and a man reconciling with his family. Duh."

"He just threw a guy off of the top of a building and how is that police car still able to go in reverse since the weight of the body would have damaged the engine?"

"You really need to learn how to suspend your disbelief."

It was a strange type of American cultural phenomenon that had gradually began to grow out of nowhere. But after going over it in detail, Die Hard really is a Christmas movie. You have to look at it from the right perspective. Just because something takes place around Christmas doesn't necessarily mean it has anything to do with the holiday. Perfect example would be Dickens A Christmas Carol. It is at its core a ghost story about an old man who has only one opportunity left to save his soul from damnation.

"I hope were not doing this ALL day because I'm gonna be bored stiff."

She was an active type like myself but on days like today, you have an excuse to relax. I do wish that she could at least enjoy film like every other person does. Then again we all have our tastes in what we like and don't like.

"Well I got a prime rib that needs my full attention today so after this you're on your own."

She then gave me a deadpanned look. "You do know you have your moments when you're truly an asshole?"

"People either love me or hate me. It's part of my charm." I said putting my hands behind my head leaning further back against the brace of pillows.

"I hate to disappoint you but your 'charm' could use some improvement. Among other things." She grumbled.

Hmm. This could be a good part to segway into giving it to her.

"Oh really? I'm curious. What are these 'things'?" I said leaning up.

"You're a big boy, figure that shit out for yourself."

"I don't like riddles and puzzles. Tell me." I asked.

"Oh for God's sake! They have guns! Why don't those SWAT officers shoot back?"

"Don't ignore me. I want an answer Sophia." I demanded.

"What are you gonna do about it?" She said looking at me with a dare.

She forgot that I don't bluff.

"This."

I used one hand to press her head back down and the other to lift up her shirt over her face. Taking advantage of the confusion I blew several raspberry's on her stomach.

"STOP IT!" She said laughing hysterically while flailing about wildly.

"You asked for it!"

This continued on for about 30 seconds but with all the thrashing I was starting to run out of breath. Taking the opportunity she then pushed me up and wrapped her legs around me and using simple ground grappling techniques. She then threw me and herself off the bed at once with her landing on top of me. But before she could continue her, possible, assault I asked her to cool it.

"Whoa! Hold it! Time!" I said with the gesture as well.

"What?" She said with her hands out like claws.

"Look under the pillow. It's for you."

Confused, she then reached in and pulled out an unwrapped small dark blue box. Her one eye started to widen in shock, but I think she was really misreading the situation entirely. You don't get a lady like her something shiny.

"Just open the damn thing already."

She opened up the top and inside was a piece of stitched carefully proportioned piece of leather. After lifting it out of the box she could feel the softer felt material on the opposite side and the single adjustable band that extended from it. She then looked to me with an expression of 'why'.

"It's real hard to get something appropriate for a lady like you. So I'd figure I get you something nicer than that damn medical patch. Plus it shows more of your face. Merry Christmas Sophia."

She then formed a gentle smile at me and then looked to her new patch.

"You didn't have to do this Damien."

"Bullshit. Try it on, see how it fits."

She then took her old patch off. Minus the pale white and lifeless right eye with the small scar, she almost looks unrecognizable when I saw her whole face. Sorta like if you see someone when they aren't wearing glasses. After putting it on, she adjusted the strap and it disappeared into her darker than black hair. She then looked to me for approval.

"You know what I think. How do you like it?"

She then stood up and walked over to the mirror hanging on the door to the cabin.

"It looks smaller than it feels but it's just as comfortable as my old one."

I then got up off the floor and stood behind her. Then wrapped my arms around her waist and put my head on her shoulder next to her good eye. For a few moments we were just looking at ourselves in the mirror. Only the sounds of the cabin's heater and the movie on my laptop were in the background. I don't know much about relationships, but I know that it's not the mushy romantic things that build them. The simple moments or the ones where you learn about others imperfections or the way things happen in which you never expected. That being said though, I never thought my life would make such a major turn around. I just prayed to God that I don't screw this up because I don't know what the consequences would really be if I did. I still didn't even knew if we both approached the level of what you would call 'Love' yet. I liked being with her, but with my head being such a mess it's hard to tell what some emotions are when your only ones have been anger and not giving a fuck for the last several years.

"You ok?" She asked as my expression was mellowing a bit.

"You still haven't said 'thank you' yet."

"Yeah, you're ok."

Bouncing back is what I do best. I wouldn't be good at my job if I wasn't.

"Well come on. How do you say 'Merry Christmas' in Finnish?" I asked out of genuine curiosity.

She smirked. "It's Hyvaa Joulua."

I wouldn't have minded this touching moment to go on a bit longer but I saw my watch in the reflection of the mirror. I had to check on the ten pound piece of meat roasting in the galley.

"Hold that thought. Gotta go check on dinner."

I tried to leave but she didn't let go of my hands.

"Uhh…kinda urgent Sophia. Plus I need to start making the sides."

"It can wait." She said simply.

…

Oh what the hell. This is a no brainer.

I kept the oven on a low enough temperature anyway. Speaking of heat, feeling comforting warmth in the winter season, wasn't always emotional. It could be physical as well.

December 26th 2010 0120 Hours

Flight 315 to Zurich, First Class Cabin

The day came and went as usual but after New Years we were gonna get right back on it so we had to enjoy it while it lasted. A little before dinner, Koko got a call from Lehm saying that Baburin had gotten to Dr. Miami safely and that him and Wiley would catch up with us in Zurich in a few days. The meat came out with a well balanced presentation and there were no leftovers as usual. The question of why the entire inside of the meat wasn't all pink did come up. But I just said I lost track of time. Mostly because of the fact that Sophia and I took a little too much time and I had to wash myself up thoroughly afterwards but they didn't need to know that. Everyone was having so much fun eating and drinking that they didn't even notice Sophia's new eye patch until we all got onboard the plane.

I wasn't able to fall asleep this time. Not just because I was excited to see the place Koko had rented but because I think my insomnia was starting to act up again. I just couldn't keep my eyes shut and I was a little meticulous to make sure everything was perfect for the feast so I kinda binged myself with coffee. Thank God I didn't have to worry about New Years though. So after doing a little bit of pacing I decided to hit the in-flight bar but other than the bartender, I was the only one there. Everyone else had made enough Christmas cheer and decided to call it a day. I wasn't gonna stick around till last call but I had a guest.

"Can't sleep again?" Koko said as she sat down next to me as I finished my first round.

"I think the insomnia's creeping back up again. Pumping all that caffeine into my system probably wasn't a good idea either."

"And you thought that would be any better?" She said pointing to the empty glass of ice with the remnants of scotch.

"What else am I gonna do to keep myself occupied?"

"Fondle Sophia in her sleep?" She said while making squeezing motions with her hands.

The bartender then paused for a moment as he was rearranging the glasses and bottles. Unsure if he heard Koko correctly.

"Unlike you I don't go for the most obvious choice." I swirled the ice around. "Join me?"

"Might as well. I'll have what he's having." She said mentioning to the bartender.

He poured us two doubles on the rocks and placed them in front of us. We then toasted and enjoyed our spirits. But speaking of those, hers was a little low especially since we were about to fly out. I did notice Lehm consoling her over something earlier but I didn't pick up on what it was about. This was the first time in a while I was in such high spirits for this time of year. So I didn't want anything to ruin it for anyone.

"You know I've always seen you drink things straight up. You not a fan of cocktails?" She asked.

"What city boys have? Hell naw."

She then started to giggle. "You don't do it often but it is cute when your southern drawl comes out. I noticed that you speak two different ways. Normal and that, why?"

"I just picked up on the accent only a little when I was a kid and because I was born there. Doesn't mean that I spoke like everyone else. Just a piece of heritage, nothing more."

"I wish I could say the same."

I knew the reason why. She and her brother were born on a ship and never legally given a nationality. Even if she ever found out about her Persian heritage, I doubt she would really care. Those that claim themselves as citizens of the world do like to be high and mighty sometimes. But I think the elephant in the room had stood there long enough.

"So are you ever going to tell me why you've been acting so glum as of recent?"

She didn't answer.

"It's not because that Russian doctor changed her mind is it?"

Still silent and continued to drink. I then put my hand on top of the glass to get her to listen.

"You know you can talk to me about anything. So what the hell is wrong?"

She sighed. "I didn't want to go to Switzerland because that's where HCLI's home office is."

I just stared at her confused with my eyebrow raised. I already knew that, but I didn't want to go there to keep doing more work. I wanted to see the Alps. But it looked like she didn't want to discuss the subject anymore and glared at me. I was a bit taken back by it.

"Is something going on that you're not telling us about?"

She then downed the double in one gulp and then stood up but I grabbed her wrist before she stormed off. I knew for a fact it couldn't have been just that. She would have said something way before now.

"Hey! I'm trying to help! What is your problem?"

Her growing frustration was apparent that she didn't want to discuss the matter any further and a plane was not exactly private.

"It's none of your concern Damien." She said taking back her hand and storming off.

"Wait Koko…! Aww shit." I said running my hand through my hair.

What the hell's wrong with her?

It was too late to ask now. It'd have to wait until we got to Zurich. I then looked at my half empty glass and back to the bartender. He did have a look of condolences for me but I wasn't looking for any.

"Make this last one a triple."

December 30th 2010 1300 Hours

Lucerne, Switzerland, Palace Luzern

Unlike Russia the scenery around here was rather beautiful. Of course the snow was everywhere but that view of the mountains never got boring. Not to mention the various ice spots on the lake. Today though was a day to relax until New Years since the last few days all of us have been driving around the country side taking in the sights. The amount of pictures I took just from walking around Zurich, Bern, and Geneva let me fill up my second scrap book and got me a good few pages into a third. The old towns were real pleasant to walk through and some areas were archeological sites that dated all the way back to the Roman Empire. With the exception of nature most of the cites were untouched for several hundred years while the other countries around it waged never ending war. Oddly though it's influences came from all of its surrounding neighbors, with the varying styles of architecture, traditions, and especially languages it was kind of like a mini US. We didn't even need to worry about the possibility of a language gap since most of us knew three out of the four languages spoken.

Yesterday and the day before was the nature portion of the trip. We didn't necessarily do any mountain climbing in the Alps but we did a fair share of hiking. The glaciers that were the source of several rivers were larger than I thought and the view from the tops of the valleys were awe inspiring. Especially where Lauterbrunnen was at along with some of its waterfalls. I could only imagine what they would look like when it was spring and summer time. Some of us did try to do some skiing and ice skating though. Truth be told I never practiced any type of winter sport with the exception of hunting. More often than not when the winter months roll around I'm a bit of a shut in. I never really cared about the cold, but that didn't mean I wanted to feel constantly miserable. I decided to stay behind in the lodges while everyone else was out. Not to say that I wasn't trying anything new, I decided to try out ice skating with Lutz and the girls. But decided to quit altogether after planting my face in the ice three times in a row. Tojo actually surprised the hell out of me on how good he was in skiing. He told me that long before he even considered working for the JSDF that his family made frequent winter trips to the mountains in Japan. His skill on a pair of ski's hadn't rusted.

Today though we were at some sort of luncheon with the other guests of the hotel. Couldn't do much else since tomorrow we would go to the town square to celebrate the countdown for New Years. I did take the previous day when everyone was skiing to shop since I still had to get something for Koko. Work came before play during that time so I had ample time to think. Since mythology was frequently on my mind I came up with the idea of getting her something from a different mythology, Celtic to be precise.

"I never really liked these high class things. Everyone seems so smug. Plus they're staring at me more than they should."

"I told you before people like us can't really blend in. Lehm said he wanted to do this so enjoy the free food and wine."

Sophia and I were just sitting by the large and ornate woodburning fireplace with elk antlers above it while the other guests went about their business. I never really pegged Lehm to be a wine connoisseur, but then again no one ever thought I was an excellent cook. He and Koko were standing by one of the windows looking out toward the river with glasses of red in hand. After she then turned to face him there was a reflection off of her chest from the sun shining through the window. After browsing by a jeweler or two I chose something that was appropriate, a silver Celtic Sheild. A protection charm meant to ward off evil is what I told her but she then asked if that was a good idea since it might scare away some of her customers. Naturally she was joking, but more often than not those in this line of work do what we say in the literal sense. And some aren't good at hiding their emotions, Sophia in particular when her jealousy comes through.

"Looks like I did good this year. And great since I only had to get something for just you two."

Sophia didn't respond. Instead she was looking away with her arms crossed.

"Oh God are you still gonna pull the jealous teenager shit? It was a late Christmas present and I got you YOURS first."

"You could have asked for my help. I know what she wants better than you."

"Ok how did your wallet fair against that train of thought?"

She then looked at me with a deadpanned stare and I put on my smug smirk. From what the guys told me, Koko did on occasion sucker Sophia into getting her things she wanted but just didn't want to pay for herself. In essence it's kind of a way of a hustlers way of staying rich, you keep asking others for money.

"Grr…I wonder if they have any salmon left."

Before she got up I grabbed her hand.

"Can you get me some of that cheesecake too? Please?" I said in my rare gentle tone.

She then squeezed my hand and returned a warm smile. "Strawberry or regular?"

"Strawberry, if there's any left."

She left and I continued to relax looking at the flame in the fireplace. It was starting to get a little low so after prodding it with a poker to break up the coals I threw two more logs on. When I turned around though, Koko was sitting on the leather couch with a half empty glass of wine.

"Sup?" I asked.

"Sup with you?"

"Well I'm glad your acting a lot more like your usual self. Or is the wine forcing it out?" I said as I sat next to her.

She just finished her glass as a response and set it down on the table in front of us, the silver pendant dangling from her neck. It did look nice on her, I couldn't lie.

"See anything you like?" She teased. And I was staring a little too much.

"I should be asking you that question." I said motioning to her neck.

"It's lovely." She then held it in between her fingers. "It may sound strange to you but I'm not really the type of girl that goes for accessories. A watch would have been fine for me, you didn't need to do this."

"Hmm. That's what Sophia said but I did it anyway."

She then leaned over and put her head on my shoulder.

"Except for losing R, I'm glad this year has turned out the way it has."

Oh boy. I know where this is leading.

"I don't know if blowing shit up and bullets flying up our asses falls into the category of 'glad'." I said to mislead her. Hoping to play it off.

"I'm not talking about events Damien. I'm talking about how good our fortune has been and I'm not talking about money either. It's that a lifetime of hard work is now starting to bear fruit."

Her science project no doubt. "So are you finally gonna tell me what it is?"

She then took her head off my shoulder to look me in the eye.

"I'm sorry Damien. I told you before, a girl has to have some secrets."

"Well is that secret so personal that it warrants that we technically kidnapped someone from Russian military R&D?"

"You didn't complain or protest for one second so why are you concerned about that now?" She said with a slight glare.

"I want confirmation that what we're doing is not gonna come back and bite us in the ass down the road. I'm concerned about what will happen to ALL of us." I said thumbing back to the crew scattered around the room.

Her smile came back. "It's like I told Minami. As long as we keep the powers that be guessing, no one is going to make a move against us." She then wrapped herself around my arm. "That includes you."

No more beating around the bush. "Still don't want to give up huh?"

"I won't lose to anyone, not even my sister."

"I didn't realize you had one. I would very much like to meet her."

We both froze as we heard the voice of a old man from behind us. We both knew who it was but Koko didn't know that I had met him once before. We both turned around to see the ruler of a multibillion dollar shipping and weapons empire, Floyd Hekmatyar. I did my best to look confused as if I never met him before but Hekmatyar just stood there looking at us if he didn't care. Koko on the other hand grafted into her all business mode, the look in her eyes appeared that she was absolutely furious.

"Koko. Glad to see you again, I didn't think you'd be here this time of year." He said with opening pleasantries.

"Father." Koko said trying not to sound angry.

He then looked to me. "Ah forgive me. I rarely see my daughter so I'm not fully acquainted with everyone she employ's. I'm Floyd Hekmatyar."

He extended his hand to me, looking me right in the eye, without losing his expression. Knowing Koko would literally blow a head gasket if she found out I talked to her father before, I decided to keep the charade going. I stood up, straightened my leather jacket and took his hand with a firm grip.

"Damien Andrushko. Pleasure, sir."

"Likewise. How long have you worked with Koko?"

"Nine months. But your son is the one that hired me on and that was in February."

"Kasper?" He paused to take a moment to 'think'. "Ah yes I remember that he recently picked up someone that could be beneficial to the company. I didn't think it would be you."

"Yeah he and I have crossed paths more than once since then." I said half sarcastic and half serious.

"Anyway, I'm surprised you're here Koko. I've been meaning to talk to you about a few things."

"I didn't want to be. But unless this has anything to do with work I have nothing to discuss."

Floyd just continued to look at her daughter like if she was speaking to him normally. He must have heard this tone from her so many times it must have become white noise to him. When we first had our secret meeting with each other he didn't sound like a deadbeat dad but then again I didn't experience what Koko did growing up. But he was only saying hello to her and Koko just looked like she was offended in the worst possible way. I know the lady has secrets but unless he deliberately tried to hurt her in some way or form what the hell's so bad that it warrants an attitude like this towards your own father?

"There actually is a few things I need to talk to you about. It's a good coincidence you're here because I've tried to get a hold of you for several days."

Well she did have her reasons but I doubt she'd tell him the truth.

She then looked at me with an expression of disapproval, why I have no idea. But I returned a look for her that she should just hear him out.

"What's so important?" She asked.

"In two months Kasper is going to announce the debut of the Hekmatyar Global Grid. I need you to make sure that the command and transmission function software will be up to par whenever the system goes online."

I then saw Sophia approach us with the cheesecake in hand. I took a few steps back to her and let them have their conversation. Floyd politely waved at Sophia and she perked her head up and nodded at his greeting.

"The data processing tests are already scheduled for the next two weeks and the mainframe construction will begin immediately following that."

I then tuned out of their conversation as Sophia handed me my plate. She didn't take her eye off Koko and her father.

"Now what's wrong?" I asked her.

"You want to know why Koko has been in a bit of a foul mood? That's why." She said pointing to the father and daughter.

"Ok you need to educate me on a few things. What's riling her up so much just by talking to him?"

"One; Zurich is where he lives so naturally he would want to check up on her and that's why she didn't want to come here. Putting it bluntly, she hates her father. Two; the only reason she's doing this is because you asked so some of this is your fault. And Three; for years he's been trying to get her into following on how HCLI should operate his way. Koko has been wanting to break away from him but unfortunately a majority of her financial support comes from the company."

"Come on Sophia, you know as well as I do that this doesn't have anything to do with money."

"I didn't say that it did. And you've been right about another thing we've talked about, pretty much the whole crew has. I don't really know how her mind works."

"It does travel rather fast. You're not lying." I said taking a bite of cake and tuning back to them.

Koko still didn't lose her expression of frustration on Floyd.

"We'll since that's out of the way do you plan to at least stay until after the New Year?"

"I have other business to attend to father. I won't have time. And if that's all, we're done."

As she went to leave Floyd spoke up while checking his watch.

"Does that include the continued liquidation of all your money into this toy factory you've built with Professor Amada?"

She froze and her eyes widened in shock but she didn't turn around.

"Did you really think that I wouldn't notice or figure it out?" He then put his hands in his pockets and looked at her for an explanation. "Those investment's that you've made into it for the last two years may have been small but they were consistent. Why toys of all things?"

She then turned around to face him. "I missed the part where this concerns you."

"It concerns me because you know as well as I do that you never put all of your eggs in one basket."

"It is my project and none of your business. What I do on my own free time has nothing to do with you."

"I'm trying to help you make the right decision Koko, not the logical one."

"What I'm doing is for my own benefit! Not yours!"

From both their tones the father was trying to get her to understand reason but the daughter acted rebellious as if she knew from personal experience. Their argument was starting to draw attention from not only the crew but the other patrons. Anger was a rare sight with Koko and like me, she wasn't subtle. Something was going on behind the scenes in HCLI but that was not the primary concern for right now. This was going to turn into an ugly shouting match and soon if somebody didn't do something. I walked to her and put my hand on her shoulder.

"Koko calm down. You're starting to make a scene."

She then swatted my arm away. "And you! This is why I didn't want to come here! I can't stand being anywhere near him!" She said pointing to her father. His face beginning to sadden.

"What is wrong with you? Whatever he's doing he's only showing concern for YOU! How is this a problem?"

"Enough Damien." Floyd said in a calm manner. "It appears that I was too forward in asking Koko about what she's been doing. I will take my leave now." He then walked away from Koko but stopped next to me and put his hand on my shoulder. "Hopefully we meet again under more peaceful circumstances."

The look on his face meant he did not want this to escalate. As he then started to make towards the exit, several of the male patrons then set down their entrees or glasses and then got up to follow him. Two got in front of him and led him out as he waved at Lehm and Wiley. He knew that we would be here today, and he sent them ahead like scouts probing the enemy lines. It appeared that my awareness needed some adjustment, as well as Koko's attitude.

"Koko…" But before I could say anything else she pushed me out of the way and stormed out of the luncheon in the opposite direction Floyd left. Sophia cursing as she left to follow her to ensure that she wasn't wandering around by herself. Leaving me alone by a fire with a lot of confusion.

December 31st 2010 2359 Hours

Needless to say after Floyd's visit yesterday Koko became very withdrawn from us. She wouldn't even talk to Sophia much less even me. Every family has skeleton's in their closet, but whatever Koko has with her father doesn't hold enough weight that it would warrant that. Thank God though that she didn't know that I spoke to him once before or else it would have just added more fuel to the fire. I know that some things are not my business especially when it comes to families, but Koko saved me so it makes it my business. Only problem though is that she's wrapping herself in so many layers that it's impossible to reach her without hurting her. It also had some unintended consequences as well. Sophia was very stern on me to not try and reason with her until we were out of Switzerland. It was best to let her handle this one so I did what she said.

As the people of Lucerne focused their attention on the river, I stood away from the crowd alone in the back. The snow had covered what would appear to be a garden in the springtime. With waist high walls and stone flower pots at the end of each section that led towards a walkway that would take you back to the hotel or around the garden. A glass of bourbon without ice was sitting in the snow that covered the walls so that it could chill and not be watered down. It would stay there until after midnight as I took a cigar out from the inner pocket of my black winter trench coat. Beneath it was my black three piece suit, that I normally wore for formal protection details along with my two .45's that I felt as I pulled out my tobacco with a pack of matches. I took off one of my gloves so that I could hold the match properly as I bit off the end of the cigar and lit it up. I wasn't the type of person that likes to do the cliché resolutions that most people like to promise to themselves every new year. The countdown then began as I heard the people shout while looking at the large clock with Roman numerals set up at the river.

"Five, four, three, two, one. Happy birthday to me." I said as I grabbed my drink from the snow.

Fireworks were set up on boats on the lake. They then began to fire off into the night sky like the sound of a mortar. Beginning with multiple ones that fired off at once the sky filled with a varied assortment of sparkles and streams of gold, blue, green, red, and purple. I then took a long drag from my cigar, held it, to a gulp of bourbon, and exhaled.

With that, I toasted my twenty sixth year of life.

"And people say my habits are bad." Said the very recognizable bored drawl to my left.

"Happy New Year old man." I said looking up at the fireworks and not at him.

The scent of gunpowder was now beginning to fall to earth. While we stood there and enjoyed the view, he probably was giving me as much time as possible. Koko was still angry about the previous day and she kinda limited the amount of stuff we could do on our remaining free time. She wanted to get out of Switzerland as fast as possible.

"Has she calmed down at least?" I asked as one didn't work the way it should have and just exploded as if a cannon had went off.

He, unlike me, was dressed in a simple green winter coat. No scarf, no gloves, and he forgot to shave again. He had all the physical features that to the casual observer, appeared to be just an uncaring old man. With a half drank glass of champagne in his left hand. Too bad that if someone pissed him off it'd be the last thing they'd ever do.

"Still acting like a brat. But she stopped yelling."

Slow drag, exhale, nip. "I know that it's best not to get involved in another family's squabbles but what the fuck is the deal between Koko and her dad?"

He then took out a cigarette along with his old zippo. Story time again.

"To be perfectly honest, I never once fully understood Floyd. I guess that's the only thing Koko shares with him, maintaining a state of constant enigma. If you're asking why she acts the way she does to him, I truly don't know."

A very large one bursted with five gold streams that popped into small red ones.

"She did say that her father told her to wear a mask and armor your heart to things. Makes sense when you're running a business but life is the total opposite. You think Koko took what he said a little too far?"

He looked at the glow at the end of his stick.

"Maybe. But at that point in time when he was raising, well I should say 'raising', her and Kasper I didn't really care so I didn't pay much attention to it. Like I told you I joined this gig cause it's fun and it continues to be. The only thing that brings me down sometimes is the drama that pops up every now and then."

Three had went up at once. A red one in the center with blue on opposite sides.

"I would say that that sounds a bit selfish. But coming from me that would sound very hypocritical."

"Hmpf. On the battlefield you have to close yourself off to certain things. They just make the task at hand harder than it needs to be. It happens a lot when you're young, but take it from me. The older you get the less you give a fuck about things. Doesn't mean you shouldn't care altogether though. But take what you can handle."

"Mmm. Is that why you're always bored?"

He let out his distinct one note chuckle. "When you're the best, everything gets boring after a while."

Shit. No wonder Chiquita couldn't stand him.

I kept my thoughts to myself that time or it would have turned into some sort of dick measuring contest. Taking one last swig of bourbon I saw that the last of the fireworks went up, signaling the end of the show. There was a big applause and cheers from the crowd as well.

"Well I don't wanna cut our time short but that's all your gonna get. Koko said that if you don't come back to the suite right now she'll hunt you down and plant her foot up your ass. Her words."

"Kinky." I said undeterred.

"Well if you want to stay here then I'll start off with telling all of my greatest accomplishments."

I got the point and we started making our way back to the hotel. But not without the last word.

"Like on how you earned the title of 'World's Oldest Fart'. Cause I already heard that one."

"Bragg must be completely unrecognizable since I left there. When the fuck did they start taking in boy band members and shoot them up with horse testosterone?"

Dick.

January 1st 2011 0030 Hours

While everyone else was enjoying their evening, we had to fly out back to England tomorrow morning. Koko said early preparations for another lengthy trip but I knew she just wanted to get away from this place. As I was walking back to my room with my coat in hand I loosened my tie and unbuttoned my blazer. I was just gonna rinse out my mouth with mouthwash and then hit the hay. But as I opened the door to my room, I noticed that it was completely empty. No surprise there, it looked like Sophia wanted to watch over Koko tonight.

After throwing off my suit I decided to brush my teeth as well. Make a little extra effort to get the stink out of my mouth and then crawl under the sheets. While this had been one of my better holiday seasons in recent years, there were a lot of mixed events that happened. But I know a losing battle when I see it. Whatever was going on with Koko and her dad it was best that I leave it alone. Her "New World" though was a different story. What she was doing was grabbing the negative attention of world powers and that's something that I can do without. As I was contemplating on what to do next by looking at myself in the mirror I heard the door to my room open and close. Not expecting anything hostile I wiped my face off and then looked to see who it was. It was Koko sitting on my bed, she was wrapped in a bed comforter and her hair was a mess. I knew what she wanted, and I didn't have time for this shit. I would give her one chance, cause I can only take so much stubbornness. I walked past her to turn on the lamp next to the bed and then sat next to her. She at least did not smell of alcohol.

"Well?"

Silence. I then contorted my face into a disgruntled look.

"If you're going to continually throw all these wild emotions around, not tell me what's wrong, act like a damn child and then expect me to be your comforter then you're sorely mistaken. You want to keep acting like this then we have nothing to discuss until our next gig." I stood up and got in front of her. "And don't think that your fetal appearance is going to force any sympathy out of me. I'm not a fan of weakness for no reason. Stay here while I get Sophia."

As I was about to storm out she hopped off the bed and ran in front of me, then pulled me into one of her embraces.

"This isn't going to work this time Koko. Get off me." I said trying to break her away from me without hurting her. But this time it was like she was hanging on for dear life.

"Your right." She said finally breaking the silence. "I shouldn't act weak around you. And I also shouldn't have let you see how immature I became because of my family's drama. Your life already has gotten so much better, I don't want to be the one responsible for making it worse again."

As she was finally starting to admit that she was wrong in her actions, I then put my hands on her shoulders.

"Whoa. Hold on now. You haven't done that at all. The only reason I'm upset is because you constantly put up barriers to hide all the things I want to know about you. If you continue to bottle up all that emotion it's gonna burst and you'll be worse off than you were before. Trust me I know this from experience."

She then loosened her grip a bit.

"It's not that I won't tell you it's that I can't. I've spend my life trying to make this plan work and now it's finally in my reach. All I have to do is grab it but I just need you to trust me. I can't say it any other way."

She was sounding like she was pleading. But with what she'd been doing recently was making an influence on a world scale. Something I was not prepared for unless everything was taken into account on what might or will happen. She said her plan was almost complete, but I realized I was asking the wrong question.

"Ok. What is it that you are hoping to achieve when your plan succeeds?" I said as I shut my eyes.

I then felt her hands on my face as she pulled my head down to her while she stood up on her toes to reach me. As I opened my eyes to what she was about to do it was like I had no control over my actions. Like I was in a trance, as our lips connected. If this was her absolute confession, then she had a hand that she could play in which I had nothing to counter. Her answer would be truth. After what seemed like an eternity she backed away and looked right at me with those ice blue eyes.

"World peace. The same answer I gave you on the day we met. And in that I can give you something within that as well."

I can't believe she's still holding on to that false reality.

"What do you hope to give by getting something that isn't possible?"

Her hands were still on my face as she gently stroked it. She then smiled gently but with confidence, she truly believe she could do it.

"How would you like to finally go home?"

I had no words.