Tick. Tock.

The clock ticked with every passing second. Her Excellence, the President, was waiting to meet with someone. A very rare occasion these days. Or even since she took power would be the more appropriate term.

No one disagreed with her. Nobody. She was always right. Whether you liked it or not. Although...to be true to the situation, it wasn't exactly your choice to like it but hers

Then, the guests came in

"General Ironwood. Be very welcome to Mossholm, heart of the Commonwealth"

"The pleasure is mine miss..."

"Irina. Irina Jernhand"

"Miss Jernhand. May I?"

"Oh. Of course, feel free, General. So, I can assume we are both here to address the...situation unfolding between my...despicable neighbor, to say the least, and your kingdom"

"Yes...I assume that the presence of Salem must be a great threat to your people"

"Indeed she is. Which is why...I propose that the Kingdom of Atlas and the Commonwealth of Maelstrom...first of all establish a more...formal and more official relationship. It is not like we have been able to relate with many kingdoms so far and...the presence of Atlesian ships at the shores of Nordkysten was just the perfect opportunity to crush Evernight and free Remnant of her evil once and for all..."

Irina then stops for a bit to catch her breath

"Wouldn't you agree?"

"Indeed...Miss Jernhand. Perhaps we can arrange something"

"So. What will Atlas offer in exchange of our...proficient services?"

The General stops for a moment, he reaches for something in his pocket

"I hope you don't mind if I have a small...drink. It's been a busy week back in Atlas"

"Oh sure. Feel free, General"

Ironwood slowly gets a sip from the canteen in his pocket, refreshing his throat

"Now...To answer your question. Atlas is willing to offer military advisory and supplies to the campaign in Genus"

"Oh General. I'm pretty sure Atlas can afford to offer more, Don't you think?"

"Yes. In fact. I apologize. Maybe I can...increase the offer"

"Hmm. Increase it how?"

"We can provide logistical support and create a joint research team with Maelstromian scientists in order to develop more weapon systems"

"That is better. Although...something is troubling you, isn't it?"

"Yes"

"Does it have to do with that...announcement made by your Huntress?"

"She is not precisely my huntress. She went rogue"

"Oh...How shameful. Loyalty certainly must be a concern for someone like you"

"Indeed. Not only did she go rogue. Her friends joined her. At least...14 of my best Huntsmen have defected from Atlas"

"Well. Perhaps if we have some more allowances in our part of the deal we can...help on finding those defectors"

"Hmm. What do you have in mind?"

"If you excuse me...I can actually call someone that can answer that question better than I can"

Irina then goes for the phone and calls somebody. After a while, there would be some knocking on the door

"Come in"

A caped figure would walk in, brandishing a metallic black mask, with several signs of being battle worn

"Your Excellence. General"

"Oh please...Ahem, General, this is one of our elite Executioners, the best of the best of our corps. Executioner Gambit"

General Ironwood would stand up to greet the new guest appropriately

"Mister..."

Then, the guest would reply with a gutural voice, a tone that sounded like it was ripped out of the abyss

"Don't...use the common titles, General. Just call us Gambit"

"Alright then"

Then, Gambit would turn at Irina

"Please. Take a seat. So, General. Feel Free to tell us. What is it that you wish to do in regards of those...rogue assets of yours?"

"Well. I can not afford to lose them. They are key in the fight against Salem but until we have them on our side, we can not advance of Evernight Castle without the risk of losing everything we have worked on until now"

"Then. You want her and her group captured?"

"Yes"

"You have your orders now Gambit. Assemble your team and begin searching for..."

"Ruby. Ruby Rose"

Gambit then stands up and salutes

"It will be done, Your Excellence"

After that, the caped guest would leave

"Well. Anything else you would like to discuss?"

"Yeah. It seems to me that maybe the Commonwealth can spare some more support for Atlas?"

"Yeah. We can. I heard about what happened during the battle and...Rest assured. Our resources will be more than sufficient to ensure that Atlas recovers swiftly. Your people will be in good hands"

"Indeed"