Hey all, enormous wait for an update I know, stupid real world getting in the way. But I've finally got that out-of-the-way for a bit and found time to finish post a few chapters that have sat in the pipeline for a while.
In this Chapter I tried to show the other side of the story from stag and the syndicates point of view. I will also be introducing my OC group and characters and back story that has been brought up by Marcus's past and will have a major impact on the saints going forward.
So enjoy.
Any questions or comments just send a PM or leave a review if you like where this is going or have ideas or suggestions. I can always use good feedback.
Monica Hughes was a woman of forward thinking and ideals at least that's what her campaign ads always said in truth she had her eyes set on something grander than being known for selflessness. First she would need to destroy her greatest threat.
Her car pulled up to the base entrance just as a solider opened the car door.
"Ma'am, Commander Temple is expecting you" the solder saluted as Hughes walked past and through the first security checkpoint.
"good take me to him" she was guided through the complex that served as the main base for STAG and took much of its design from the Pyramid the Ultor facility that the saints destroyed. It housed many R&D facilities that served to produce the cutting edge weaponry the STAG had access to and their funding was near limitless thanks to Hughes and her constant push to see STAG as the premiere force against Gang violence and to help set up order throughout the country and beyond.
Once through a series of security checkpoints and passing the main areas Hughes was finally outside the office of the Stag commander entering without announcement.
"commander Temple" She said as Temple turned from the report he was reading ready to berate the unannounced person but soon relaxed as he realised it was the senator.
"Ms. Hughes to what do I owe this visit." Temple said as he sat back in his chair watching the woman before him.
"I have secured your Authorization Commander you are to begin deploying Stag to the city of steelport." She said as she produced a folder with a signed document.
Temple looked over the order and looked back with shock "What changed I thought those fools on the hill would never budge"
"It took some work but money can make people loosen up and when money fails it helps to have the right information on the right people." Hughes said as she took a seat
"so what's in steelport, Loren finally outdo his usefulness."
Hughes looked at the commander with a smirk and produced another file from her bag
"the syndicate still has some use the target is a group I think you'll enjoy breaking." handing the file over Temple skimmed through it quickly but did a double take on the name of the group.
"So the Saints day of reckoning has come at last" He said as he looked up from the file with a wide grin the look of a predator about to make its kill.
"Yes, but there are some conditions Commander, as this will be STAG's unveiling we need to make a point that we are not just a Anti Gang task force but a one of order and community outreach as well."
Temple didn't like the idea of dealing with civilians he was a solider not a babysitter but if it meant the end of the Saints he would deal with it.
"I'll give orders to mobilise at once" He said as he grabbed his phone line and dialed the ops center.
Hughes smiled as she finally saw her plan coming together only one more thing remained to be handled. For that she needed to catch a flight.
Devon had spent the last day to think about the fact that his best friend was alive and well. He had to check in with his crew before they grew suspicious. Until he knew what Marcus was up to.
Pulling up outside a warehouse on the waterfront, getting out and looking around he did see anything out-of-order the warehouse was abandoned sometime ago and not many people came around. Devon had to give his boss credit he knew how to keep business low profile. If any one were to look into the property they would find that it's owned by Trans Global Shipping the fake corporation set up to hide their smuggling and weapons trade.
"Eh, were you been" came the gruff voice of Devon's second in command Karl Downs. He was the oldest on the crew and had many stories of the old days he was slightly taller than Devon, he carried a hard serious look but those who knew him knew he was loyal to his friends and ruthless to his enemies. The younger guys kept their distance from him but Devon and Marcus had both worked with the man and considered him as sort of uncle figure. Since he was the one who looked out for the two while coming up in the organization.
"i had a few to many to drink the other night I'm afraid had to sleep it off" devon said as he proceeded inside while Karl followed.
Inside was chaotic atmosphere as music played and many of the guys were laughing or playing some form of drinking game or just sharing stories with each other. The main floor had a few crates of merchandise awaiting payment from their clients. But for now there were no immediate jobs that needed doing so Devon walked towards what use to be the warehouse break room but to add more space the walls surrounding it were knocked out so that the interior was as open as possible. Sitting down at the nearest table with a sigh Devon sat back and let his eyes wander about the warehouse. The interior had an old homey feel that had served them well. The sudden appearance of a beer on the table as Karl sat down across from him surprised Devon slightly but then again he always did seem to know when something was bothering him.
"So...what seems to be troubling your thoughts then." Karl said with a calm and relaxed tone saying he knew that what he was told about devon's absence the last two days was a load of shit.
Devon took hold of the beer taking a swig before giving his answer. He knew he was going to have to tell karl about seeing Marcus but didn't know how he would react not to may people liked Marcus after what he did and many thought him dead and gone.
"Okay..so I was at the Shellaighly the other night and was about to call it a night until I seen a ghost I thought long dead..." Devon paused still unsure
"well go on then who did you see" Karl said wanting to know
Devon leaned forward a bit to not be over heard "Marcus"
Karl was mid drink when he heard the name and slightly choked on his drink, quickly regaining himself he gave Devon a questioning look "As in dead Marcus, that's impossible he's long dead lad the old man took care of it him self" Karl said his attention full engaged in the conversation forgetting his beer for the moment.
"I know that's what I thought to but the other night I followed him and another guy down to the dock where they were loading all that cargo for Loren" Devon said grabbing his drink but pausing at the look on Karls face "What?" he asked
"look someone hit the docks last night and destroyed the shipment of weapons we delivered last week Loren and his guys are pissed they are looking for the ones who did it." Devon looked surprised now he knew what Marcus was doing there he just couldn't figure out what he was doing going against the syndicate.
"so what are we doing about it." Devon asked wondering if Karl had heard anything about their organisations response.
"I'm not sure but something big is going down, we got a call from the lads back in europe the old man himself is coming to steelport didn't say for what. He'll be he tomorrow.
Devon was now shocked their boss was coming he that could only mean what ever was happening it was serious enough for the old man himself to take an interest in. "we better make sure everything is in order before he arrive's" Devon said staring out across the room in thought.
The weather of the english countryside was something Monica Hughes was not a fan of she felt the gloom of the rain that poured down and the chill of the air but she would deal with it for the meeting she was about to attend was one she desperately needed to happen in order for her plans to succeed. The driver pulled off the main road and travelled down a private road which came to an iron gate that was guarded by four men. One of the men motioned for the car to stop and approached the driver side while another man walked along the passenger side with a dog that was sniffing the car as they passed the man shined a flash light through the window and carried on until the entire car was searched. The driver provided the required info and a moment later the guard waved them through.
Continuing on they drove another stretch of road line with light forest before coming to a large estate one that was common in the countryside although this estate looked very old it showed signs of modern-day securities such as cameras and more guards patrolling the grounds. Even a few more dog handlers.
The car stopped at the main door and guards opened the door for Hughes and escorted her inside. The main entrance of the house was extravagant and well furnished there were priceless paintings on the walls and various other sculptures. She was finally led to the office of the man she was here to meet the guards waited outside as she entered the room. Behind the large desk sat a man with greying hair who looked to be in his late fifties but emanated power and charm. He took a moment to look the senator over while letting a puff of smoke from his cigar escape his mouth.
"So you desired to speak to me, I find it hard think of what a sitting american senator would want with a simple business man like me, please sit." the man said as he gestured towards the chair in front of the desk.
The senator took a seat before replying. "We both know that your more than a simple business man, you and your Organisation is the leading supplier of arms and trafficking of illegal goods"
"Well then, Declan Stroud at your service." the man said as he finished his cigar and set it to the side. Monica gave a small tug of a smirk as she finally had gotten to the point of her trip.
"I'll be to the point I have a problem with a certain well-known group that make my plans unable to move forward with them in the way." Declan gave a raised eyebrow. "Who is this group and if I did feel like involving myself what would be the benefit to me."
"I think you will find the benefit quite satisfying as the group in question is the third street saints as I'm sure you've seen their rise to power over the years, as for the reason to get involved is simple I've had dealings with their leader. Someone I think you know very well" Hughes pulled a small stack of photos from her hand bag and passed them across the desk.
Stroud took the photos and looked through them slowly taking in the images closely. What he saw was a man that he thought was dead, should be dead. the image alone brought anger and the wish to kill, even death seemed too easy for what Marcus had done. He showed the boy a better life took him in when he had nothing and even thought of him as a son. But all that was washed away by his betrayal. With a steely cold gaze he looked up and made eye contact with the senator before speaking.
"where did you get these photos" even Hughes had to admit she felt her self take a moment of pause at the sudden change in the Stroud's demeanour it was then that she knew she had him right where she wanted him and that he was already on board.
"these were taken over a month ago the saints have since found themselves in steel port determined to take control of thecriminal underground there, they are at odds with a man I think you might know Phillip Loren." Monica said as she gathered the photos and returned them to her bag.
"We've had dealings although they have been lessened as of late probably because he cant seem to compete with my methods the man is too arrogant." Stroud said dismisively
"yes, well I like for you to offer your assistance to Loren in this matter and end the saints." this caused Stroud to pause for a moment
"what would this gain you or me for that matter, why not Let Loren handle this matter."
"Please the man is a fool he couldn't take care of the saints even when I handed them to him on a silver platter after there little bank heist. And besides Loren has proven unreliable and has outlived his usefulness." Monica said as she crossed her arms in annoyance at the thought of working any longer with the Belgium fool.
Stroud walked over to a small bar and poured each of them a drink before turning towards the senator who was standing to meet him.
"So you come to me. Very well miss Hughes I will aid you in this issue but their leader Marcus is to be left to me. And should you or Loren keep me from that end I will have to eliminate the problem." handing the drink to her.
"I can live with that arrangement." said Monica as she took and sipped the drink offered. They then finalized there plans before parting ways.
It was no secret within the syndicate that Eddie Pryor or Killbane as he prefered to be called longed for Loren's seat of power the only reason that kept him from moving against Loren was the fact that the morning star far out numbered the Luchadors and that the Dywinter sisters kept the business and corporate dealings in order, and both were loyal to Loren.
He had considered taking out the sisters and Loren but he would still have to deal with the remaining Morning star, so for now atleast he would have to wait it out and be a good little soldier. He had a feeling that he could use the new turmoil the saints were causing to his benefit only time would tell.
Matt miller was at first scared shitless of Loren's reaction to the decker's losing the valuable prise that was agent Kensington to the saints, but Loren stated that the saints took the docks by surprise and that the ones in charge of the failure had been dealt with. Loren later ordered the decker's to begin moving the syndicates accounts to offshore holdings and to start generating information on the saints dealings around the city. It seemed the saints have shown they won't be easy to bring to heel. Miller would need to play his hand carefully although the deckers were unstoppable in the technology realm they were shit fighters and between the Morning star and Luchadors they would need to stay in the good graces of both in order to survive.
Loren was not happy with the loss at the docks he instructed the twins to tighten security on there holdings around the city. He needed to hold out until Monica Hughes could launch her secret plan that she had ensured him would not effect his business dealings but Loren knew better, she would make him feel at ease until she no longer needed him which is why he was preparing alternate plans in case of betrayal.
AN: so i kinda missed my window of when i was going to have this out sorry guys. Should any of you be confused at the end i was jumping to all the different heads of the syndicate to get their points of view on the current situation but may have not explained it good enough. but any ways…. ONWARD !
PS: This chapter would have been longer just couldn't find the time i will make sure to make the next one long.