Merry Christmas all enjoy!

A week had passed since the chaotic events of recruiting Angel. He had helped the saints move in on Killbanes territory and now the saints had a significant foothold of territory in all the major districts of the city but in that time the Syndicate had started to use more of the giants that attacked them at the casino. This was a growing concern as many of the saints crew members began to wonder if they should stay with the saints, even though recruitment for the saints was at an all time high as every young kid seemed to be wanting to join.

Marcus had too much to deal with and was starting to delegate more of the leadership workload to the others such as Kenzie, Angel and even Zimos who were put in charge of the saints in there respective areas while Pierce handled things in the downtown area against the morning star and Loren.

Leaving Shaundi to handle the more day-to-day matters. She had hit him when he made a remark about her being his secretary, which she replied to by saying that if that was the way it was gonna be then maybe he should find some place else to sleep and forget any future nighttime activities.

Today however both had taken the day for themselves as there was no pressing matter to attend to so they both took the time to relax. Shaundi did her normal routine of a quick jog and then some yoga and finished off with a nice swim in the pool in a very revealing purple bikini Marcus who sat pool side next to her in a pair of shorts while he sipped on a strong drink and read the latest info on how the crew was doing back in still water. He was distracted from his reading when Shaundi had left the pool and casually sauntered over next to him she was well aware of his eyes raking her body and couldn't help but smile at her effect on him. Once she laid back and began to sun herself she looked over the edge of her sunglasses and gave him a sultry wink.

"you know you might burn in this heat, you should use some lotion" Marcus said still very entranced by her

Shaundi who smirked and decided to have some fun with him.

"Oh, you think so. maybe I should shouldn't I" She said innocently

"I could help you, purely out of love of course" He said as he put what he was reading aside.

"Oh, of course. Gonna help me rub it in all over and go all the. Way. Down." she said seductively as she traced a path from her neck down through her cleavage and over her firm abdomen and down until her fingers grazed just under the hem of her bikini bottom. At this point Marcus was following her hand closely as he leaned further forward he didn't realize he was still holding his drink and ended up with it in his lap.

"Oh, fuck'n hell. Come on now" He said as he quickly stood now covered in his drink.

Shaundi was a fit of pure laughter as she laughed at what she had caused. She looked back at him with an innocent playful look.

"Why you.." Marcus said as he pounced on top of her and began to tickle her as she yelped at the sudden attack of him on top of her and tried to playfully push him away and squirmed to get away.

"Haha!, okay..okay" she squealed out as he finally gave in and sat atop of her with his arms braced to either side of her head as they both stared at each other now taken by the sudden urge to take there moment elsewhere for even more fun but in that moment the Same kid that ended up talking to Shaundi while she was getting ready had returned with another message for them. He seemed to always catch them at very hard to explain and awkward moments. Shaundi just smiled at the kid as if it were nothing while Marcus looked over to the younger male and gave a groan of annoyance, Shaundi quickly swatted him for it.

"What is it kid" He finally asked as he removed himself from atop of Shaundi and walked towards him.

"Uh..I have another message from Kenzie Sir." he said as the kid stood there a little distracted watching Shaundi return to sunning herself.

"Hey, ogle later. Tell me what Kenzie wants" Marcus said as he snapped the kid out of his trance.

"Uh.. oh I.. she said she needs to speak to you about the Syndicate's new weapon program and something about a lab. She told me to tell you to meet her at her warehouse by the docks." the kid finished as Shaundi who had listened came to get in on the conversation. Marcus stood there in thought while the kid stood there Awkwardly and tried to avoid staring at Shaundi too much. She of coarse noticed and smiled at his shyness. She was beginning to like this kid he had an innocence about him that made her remember how she and a lot of the others were at one time. Lately he seemed to be the message runner for kenzie.

"What's your name kid" Shaundi asked the kid seemed a bit surprised that she would be talking to him in front of the boss but gave a nervous reply.

"M..My name is Jason" he said as he fiddled with his hands suddenly feeling uncomfortable.

Marcus went inside to get another drink leaving Shaundi and Jason to their conversation. Once Marcus was gone Shaundi turned to Jason to try to make him relax.

"Look Jason you need to relax we don't bite, No need to be so nervous around us" Jason looked at his feet and then back to her.

"But..." Shaundi just pulled his chin up to force him to look at her "what is it?"

Jason let out a sigh "I just don't think he likes me and besides you guys are legends and i'm just a nobody."

Shaundi just waved him off "oh don't worry about him he just likes to give the new members a hard time, you would know if he didn't like you" Jason gave a smile and seemed to gain a bit more confidence.

Marcus had gotten a new drink and was watching Shaundi talk with Jason he could see that Jason was uncomfortable speaking with Shaundi. It was clear that the kid had a small crush on her, not that Marcus had anything to worry about the kid seemed to absolutely fear him. Marcus had to admit he liked the kid, reminded him a lot of himself back in the day.

Shaundi accompanied Jason inside where Marcus was finishing the last of his drink

"Alright kid meet me in the parking garage in fifteen minutes." Jason nodded and went to meet in the garage but looked back towards Shaundi and gave a slightly nervous smile.

Marcus looked to Shaundi "I think you have an admirer" He said with a small laugh.

"oh he's harmless, the kid means well you should stop toying with him already" Shaundi said. Marcus set his glass on the near by countertop and went to change and go meet with Kenzie.

After a shower and a change of clothes he grabbed his phone and gave Shaundi a quick kiss as he passed by the bedroom couch she was sitting at watching TV.

"Be back later tonight luv" Shaundi just nodded as she watched the current episode of some wacky reality show where contestants fight each other for money.

Jason had pulled up near the elevator and waited for the boss. He was still a bit nervous. when he had joined the saints he figured that he would be given the grunt work but before he knew it here he was now the driver for the leader of the third street saints.

He would have to try to not be so nervous when he was around Shaundi or the boss, he was grateful that the boss didn't say too much about it most likely he knew most men would react the same way he had when meeting Shaundi in person well the ones who don't regularly interact with insanely hot looking women.

Marcus had gathered his weapon and had arrived at the parking level getting into the passenger side of the vehicle he greeted Jason and told him to drive to kenzie's warehouse.

The drive was quiet at first but Marcus had the sense that Jason wanted to say something as he kept glancing toward the saint leader but failed to hide it.

"something you want to say kid." Marcus asked as he continued to watch the buildings pass by out the window.

Jason was taken off guard by the sudden question. "Uh, I was just wanting to say that it's been great here with the saints and to say thanks for giving me this opportunity to make me feel apart of something bigger." Jason said with enthusiasm that made Marcus give the slightest of smirks.

The kid reminded him a lot of himself in the very early days of his life everything was so great and vibrant. If only it had stayed that way.

"Look kid you don't have to thank me you got here all on your own, but being a saint is more than what you think you have to realize that out here it's not just wild parties and crazy times. People die out here and if you don't keep a sharp mind and eyes open you'll find out sooner than later the darker side of this life. So make sure that this is what you want, this life doesn't forgive the unsure or unprepared." Marcus words seemed to take as Jason became a bit more restrained in his excitement and enthusiasm as he thought on what was said.

"I'll try to remember that sir" Jason said a little calmer

"don't have to sir me kid" Marcus corrected

"yes, sir I mean... uh y..yes...okay" Jason kept quite the rest of the way and once they had pulled up to the docks followed Marcus inside.

Inside Kenzie's hideout was a completely different place all together now abuzz with activity various saints were setting up what looked like more computers and hardware.

"What the hell is all this" Marcus said out loud and few of the saints looked toward the two new arrivals.

"Finally your here!" came a response from the second level as Kenzie manoeuvred around a few saints carrying a small server bank up the stairs.

"Kenzie who the hell are all these people, and what is all this stuff?" Marcus said looking around at the dozen or so saints that were scurrying about.

"Oh these guys, well I needed some extra hands and not many on the crew knew much about detailed computer networking and code so I asked Shaundi to find me some more help and she said that if I needed the extra help to make some calls and find the right people." kenzie said finally with a short nod.

"so... who the hell are these people and why didn't I know about this" Marcus asked still confused.

"Ugh. Look I told shaundi and she said she talked it over with you and you agreed so I just assumed you knew, and as to who they are well there just a few of the FBI's most wanted of the hacking community figure I'd offer them a job since I no longer work for the feds I'd use their own tactics against them and anyone else who tries to attack us." Kenzie said looking over some papers.

"Well I really need to have a chat with Shaundi after this." Marcus sighed "Okay fine if there good and can get us what we need then fine. But your handling this Kenzie, this fucks up it's on you." Marcus said

"It won't" Kenzie said. Marcus felt his phone vibrate and read the text which was from

Pierce who said he needed to talk with him now about a new merchandising and cash flow income solution which would solve their money troubles.

"Uh, look this is Pierce so I'll have to come back for this Syndicate thing later." Marcus said as he turned to leave but stopped when Jason tried to follow. "No kid I got this you stay here and help her set up." Jason nodded

Kenzie gave a huff at being put on the back burner again and went to return to her work but almost ran into the line up of the saint techies who had come to her for various reasons. Kenzie had been dealing with this stuff all day and had reached her breaking point she let out a deep sigh and yelled at the first geek that dared to ask her something "WHAT!, can't you see that I'm busy this isn't a work place where you need to run everything by me go figure it out." She stormed back to her little private sanctuary on the second floor everyone who had been hard at work all looked on with stunned looks but quickly scurried back to there jobs fearing more angry outbursts.

Jason just shook his head and grabbed a few crates and began to helping to unpack the gear.

Leon Fritz was a usually calm and kept his emotions in check but the events of the casino job going ass up and the loss of many of his men had eaten at him ever since. "I understand sir, but if you give me 48 hours the saints will be a memory." Fritz had pushed to retaliate against the saints for sometime but had constantly been shot down by Stroud.

"The answer is no Leon and that's final." Stroud sighed, he was beginning to lose his patience for this incessant attempt at petty revenge the loss of a few men was nothing compared to the larger picture. Stroud had originally had just seeked Marcus's death as payment in return for his partnership with Hughes, but since word had come of these new super soldiers Loren had apparently forgotten to mention when they were discussing what kind of assets to put against the saints. Well that made Stroud re think much of his plan and had spoken with Hughes and said he would have to accelerate their plans in Steelport.

"But SIR!, they killed my men I want them NOW!" Fritz said letting his anger slip too much towards his employer.

"ENOUGH!, they served their purpose, now I will hear no more of this, In this business there are no second chances you know that." Stroud said now standing after having to raise his voice a to get through to his second in command to finish this senseless topic.

"Now you will send word to our European contacts and have them send everyone they have and I want them here by tomorrow. Day after tomorrow we start phase two of are plan and I want to be ready before Hughes has a chance to arrive and complicate things even more. Tonight we make our move and end this pathetic farce so gather the men we have and be ready"

Fritz stood there in silence he opened his mouth as if to protest but closed and clenched his jaw after receiving a very intense and stern glare from Stroud.

"Yes...sir" Leon said sternly through gritted teeth holding back his anger he turned and left to make calls and preparations.

Stroud sighed and returned to his seat and opened a small drawer pulling out a cigar lighting it, feeling the sweet burn and aroma fill his lungs as the smoke drifted around him as he thought about how acquiring these super soldiers or at least any files and research involved. would launch his businessmen to the next level and as an added cherry on top he would get to watch Marcus's little group of rabble fall and burn.

What Leon nor Loren knew was that Stroud had leaked key info about where the cloning facility had been located and let it slip that Loren may be there to check in on a supposed deal. It was all coming together and Hughes wouldn't be able to stop what was coming "Hmm, uptight bitch thinks she can order me around by dangling a few photos and promises in front of me, HA" Stroud turned in his seat to look out the bay window that looked out at the harbour and port beyond as the sun began to set over steelport.

Saints Penthouse

Shaundi had run into the washroom again today and emptied her stomach. She had been getting nauseous the last couple days and figured it was nothing more than a stomach bug. So she rinsed her mouth and looked at the time on her watch seeing that it was almost evening she decided to text Marcus.

SH- Where are you?

M- With pierce, why what's up?

SH- Nothing important, just wondering when you'll be back

M- Soon just finishing up here. Pierce says he's found us some new cash flow income.

SH- That'll be good we can finally start rebuilding and get things back to normal

M- Gotta go Luv, see you soon.

Shaundi frowned at the sudden end to the conversation she put her phone away and wandered out to the main floor of the penthouse there wasn't many of the crew around just the usual saints who were there for security and a few were chatting with a couple of the strippers that frequented the penthouse no doubt sent from one of Zimo's many contacts in steelport.

Shaundi didn't have a problem with the scantily women and had nothing against strippers even, in fact back in still water she had been known to enjoy the pleasures herself a few times although she would never let Marcus know about it she didn't need him getting ideas. That was one thing she never had to worried about with him she knew he had been with many women before her but when they started seeing each other all those years ago he seemed to lose all interest in anyone else. It was sweet in a way and confirmed that he was loyal to her alone. She to seemed to sober her wildness of the old days. She stopped attending parties as often and lost most of the numbers of the various guys she would date from time to time. They still had never had any real conversation on what their future looked like she had brought up the idea of maybe getting out of the life after all this was over but Marcus never really gave an answer to that subject. It was probably had for him to visualize since he had been in the life so long he probably never had a normal life. But then neither had she. Shaundi tabled those thoughts for the time being and went to fetch her keys she was going to see how Kenzie had made out with her new underlings.

Marcus had been texted by Pierce to meet him near the red light district that was under the downtown overpass. It was a scum riddled place that contained many grimy sex shops and back alley brothels. Thankfully the Saints had zimos running his girls for them and didn't have to resort to using the street trash. Pierce pulled up behind Marcus's vehicle and got out to greet the Boss.

"Hey, man it's good you came" Pierce said opening his trunk and started to unload boxes.

"What the hell is all this Pierce, I have more important things that I could be doing." Marcus said as he watched a few more boxes being unloaded Pierce closed the trunk and opened one of the boxes.

"You'll like this trust me, so I got a hold of some of our Ultor reps and they said that Steelport has not seen the same level of Saints branding and sales as in other cities, Something about rival markets pushing them out. Anyways I figure if we push a few exclusive signed Saints collectables we can generate a deeper market for Saints Merchandise. Which would allow Ultor to open more stores and gain a better market here in steelport, and in return they kick the profits directly to us." Pierce said crossing his arms.

"So what we sell a few items and suddenly Steelport buys are stuff." Marcus asked unsure of the plan.

"no, we sell a few rare items that's signed by the crew and what not. Then we tell them to spread the word that if they want more they should head to planet saints. In return it'll take major business away from the few major competitors Ultor has here in Steelport, it'll give them just enough of an edge to make a big push into Steelport." Pierce said handing Marcus a few things from the boxes to show examples.

The items ranged from posters to statuettes and figurines all the way up to signed clothing and even a few framed items. One claimed to be a lock of the Boss's Hair.

Marcus looked to Pierce with a questioning glare.

"Pierce, what the fuck is this" Marcus asked showing him the display

"What, that?. Don't worry it's not real we just need it to look real, the fangirl's go crazy for this kinda shit." Pierce said as he continued to check through the boxes.

Marcus opened another box and found another framed item this time it was a pair of Saints branded panties. With a lipstick kiss in the top right corner and Shaundi's signature across the bottom left.

"So What the fuck is this then, this better not be what I think it is Pierce!" Marcus said grabbing Pierce and pinning him up against the car with one hand while he looked over the item and then turned to pierce.

"Hey, hey...Relax man...shit, I got them from one of the strippers at the penthouse and the signature is fake I swear. Besides you really think I could get away in one piece with the real thing. Shit, your girl would skin me alive if I tried." Pierce said quickly trying to explain. "Look it's all about perception, If some dude thinks it's the real deal they'll stop at nothing to get it. Come on man, shit... there are plenty of guys that would kill for what you have." Pierce finished with a slight fearful edge to his voice. He should have known that the Boss wouldn't have liked the idea of using Shaundi's name in such a way but then again he always had a bit of a protective streak with Shaundi.

Marcus had to agree on that point though he had to admit Shaundi would be beyond pissed if she ever found out about this. "For your sake you better be right mate, or you and me are gonna have a big fucking problem and you better hope Shaundi NEVER finds out about this." Marcus said releasing Pierce

"Come on, Let's get this done I need to get back to Kenzie's soon" Marcus said loading the boxes into his car before he and Pierce drove to the first of many meets around the city to sell the merchandise.

Shaundi walked into Kenzie's upper loft the chaos in the main area from earlier had calmed down with things now set up, there was a bunch of different geeks now working on various tasks and jobs handed to them by Kenzie everyone had their own set up each with their own custom computers and various little custom work areas with the main part of the ground floor was set up as a place to hangout or sit with laptops as there were many groupings of different couches and chairs even some large bean bags it all felt very college to Shaundi and brought back some good memories. Kenzie herself was in her own private area Shaundi ran into Jason along the way and she greeted him while she made her way to Kenzie's hideaway.

"Jason, how are things here" Shaundi asked the kid fell into pace next to her before answering.

"Hey, things are good we finished setting up the rest of the servers and got the different lines and communications tied in we now have connections to all the right systems so we can find what we need now." Jason said having seemed to relax when speaking to her.

"That's good" She said as they entered Kenzie's private area the girl was sitting in a chair with her legs pulled up and crossed and was typing away on her laptop. She glanced to the entrance when Shaundi entered and stopped what she was doing seeming to perk up a bit at her arrival.

"Hey Shaundi" she said a bit more friendly.

Shaundi was a bit surprised at first with Kenzie she was very quite when they had first met but after a while they began to talk more, eventually Kenzie began to open up little by little. It was clear that she had seen Shaundi as a bit of a sister figure or a really good friend. Which was a bit odd to Shaundi who had only just met her a little over a week or two ago.

"Hey kenzie how's things with the extra help around here." Shaundi asked sitting in a near by chair while Jason left to finish what he was working on.

"There a god send, I now have more time to put towards the more important jobs like finding out about these new syndicate hulks that attacked you guys at the casino." Kenzie pulled up a few photos of other encounters the crews have had around steelport with the monstrous creations.

"That's good, have you heard from Pierce or Marcus?" Shaundi asked Kenzie was one of an extreme few that knew the boss's real name. Marcus allowed her to use it, on the fact that during her time with the FBI she had read his file and learned his name and some of his past but not everything. He told her he was okay with it as long as she didn't use it in front of the crew. Shaundi was going to continue the conversation when she turned to the sound of an animated argument between a Marcus and Pierce as they walked in to Kenzie's 'office'.

"...I don't care pierce, next time your on your own for that shit. your better at the public image thing anyways." Marcus said as he entered and noticed Shaundi standing next to Kenzie. "Hey, luv what you doing here?" Marcus gave her a quick peck on the cheek and stood against the desk next to Shaundi.

"Just came to see how Kenzie was making out, How about you two?" She asked trying to figure out what they were talking about.

"Oh, not much just selling a bunch of junk to poor sods who are a little too into are shit" Marcus said with a slight shrug as if it were nothing.

Pierce then clarified "more like representing are brand to the fans or at least trying to. Badass over here kept getting impatient with the fans who wanted photos or autographs." Shaundi just looked to Marcus who just smiled and shrugged.

"It was getting out of hand" Marcus said to Shaundi's silent question

"You shot one of them!" Pierce clarified

"Oh for fuck sakes, It was a flesh wound i think he'll live. Besides since when did you care so much?" Marcus asked turning the conversation back to Pierce

"I care cause it fucks with my end of things I'm trying to get are name out there and you kept fucking it all up, come on man" pierce said

"Ya well at least I don't collect dolls" Marcus said to get back at Pierce this got both Shaundi and Kenzie's attention.

"Dolls?, what are you talking about" Kenzie asked

"Oh, mister personality here collects sex dolls for some god damn reason. Really twisted shit if you ask me" Marcus said while wearing a big grin. Shaundi scrunched her face in a slightly disgusted look while Kenzie just raised an eyebrow as she peered over her lap top and shook her head.

"WHAT!?, no for the last time there collectables it's a hobby" Pierce said trying to defend himself.

"HA!, ya you keep telling yourself that Pierce I bet you dress them up too" Shaundi said in a fit of laughter.

"Aw, fuck you guys" Pierce said with a glum tone and crossed his arms.

"Okay, okay let's get this other job over with." Marcus said regaining himself after giving a good laugh. "Kenzie what have you got on the Syndicates new toys." Marcus said ending the teasing and getting the group back on track.

"No not yet the search is still running it should-" Kenzie was cut off by an alert from one of her monitors "Thats odd" she said as she studied the screen closely

"What is it?" Shaundi asked wondering what had peeked Kenzies interest.

"The search I was running just came back with a place a place called... 'powder'. Hmm, let me do a search." Kenzie typed in a few commands and was rewarded with what she was looking for.

"Here we are Powder industries, leader in designer fire arms for exclusive clientele, huh. Well look at that it is owned and founded by none other than Loren himself looks like he's made huge profits off it as well. The search points to an email saying that Loren will be arriving there tonight to over see a major arms deal." kenzie looked to Shaundi and the others who were just as surprised now as she was.

All three saints took a moment to process the given information until Shaundi spoke up. "So we just go there and ask them nicely if Loren is there, It's bound to be heavily guarded." she said not liking the way this was looking.

"No, I say we take the back way in and go from there" Marcus said looking at the layout of the building Kenzie had pulled up.

All three saints had returned to the Penthouse to get ready for tonight when they would break into Powder.

Pierce went to start gathering the gear they would need from the stash of guns. leaving Marcus and Shaundi alone.

Shaundi had wanted to talk now that things had calmed down but found herself unable to bring up what had weighed on her mind earlier about the future and the possibility of getting out of the life but decided to wait until after. Besides that she was starting to feel sick again if this kept up she would need to go see a doctor but remained convinced it was just the flu or something. Marcus even took notice of how frequent she had been getting sick lately. He was concerned but figured it was nothing to worry about.

He began to prepare for tonight, he quickly changed into a tee-shirt and cargo pants for more mobility plus it was gonna be a warm night so no need to where heavy clothing. Once he finished he headed to the penthouse armoury to stock up on what they would be needing for there break in. Pierce was there already loaded up with a bag of his preferred guns and ammo.

While filling a bag full of ammo Shaundi had returned having changed into a similar outfit going for a white tee shirt and pair of tight jeans. Marcus took a moment to glance over at how well it made her backside look he gave a small smile and continued filling the bag. For weapons Marcus picked an assault rifle with a red dot attachment and decided to put a front grip on as well. He also packed his handgun and a knife.

Shaundi had decided to stick with the smg as she found it suited her except this was a heavier caliber weapon shooting. 45 caliber rounds instead of the weaker 9mm.

It was fitted with a red dot as well as a grip to cut down on the recoil. She also packed dual handguns. Once she was set she turned to leave but was met by Marcus standing behind her holding a bulletproof vest. He had already put his on so she had no choice but to accept. Setting her bag of weapons down she grabbed the vest and put it over her head and went to secure it. Marcus's hand met hers and he went about fastening the straps for her. Neither of them said anything they just stared at each other as he tightened the velcro straps taking a moment to hold his hands on her sides while staring into her eyes as if trying to commit her beauty to memory. "What?" she asked as the silence grew

Marcus only responded by bring his hands to frame her face and pressed his lips to hers in a searing kiss which took Shaundi's breath away slightly and left her head to flutter.

Releasing her Marcus just looked into her eyes once more time before grabbing his and her bag and went down to get the car. Shaundi stood there unable to move for a moment still a bit taken by how odd that was but ended up smiling like a school girl who had just experienced her first kiss. She recovered and followed after Marcus now with a renewed fire to see this through to the end.

Pierce had pulled up one of the crew SUV's at the penthouse garage and was waiting for Shaundi and the boss by the time both had arrived geared up and ready they began the drive to Powder.

Meanwhile at the Syndicate tower...

Loren had just finished reviewing the current cost reports and expenditures. This little war with the saints was starting to affect his business and profits. With the continued loss of men and resources to the Saints he would have to begin to accelerate his plans for the new brutes as he called them. And start to send them out on mass against the Saints.

Loren turned to the sound of his phone buzzing and answered.

"Yes?"

"I know you wished not to be disturbed Sir. But Mr. Stroud is here to see you he says it's very urgent that he speak with you."

"Yes, let him in" Stroud said releasing the intercom button on his phone.

Soon entered Stroud and his shadow Fritz he hated that man always so arrogant and bloodthirsty.

Phillip my friend I've come with news about the saints. I have received word that the saints are about to hit Powder.

Loren's eyes widened in shock "WHAT!?, but how could they have learned of it I..." Loren cut himself off not wanting to show the true purpose of powder at one time it had served as a high-end gun club but has since been extensively modified into the facility that produced the brutes it held all the research and equipment. If the Saints discover this they would be able to strike a major blow against Syndicate operations.

"We must send men to respond immediately" Loren said as he picked up his phone intent on calling his best men. But was stopped by Stroud.

"I have already told my men to meet us there you can call your men on the way we must move quickly my friend." Stroud said with faux concern.

"Yes, your right." Loren said as he follow Stroud and Fritz to their vehicle Loren didn't notice the small grin that Stroud was letting show.

Once in the garage level Loren and Stroud got into the middle vehicle of a three car convoy. Fritz got into the passenger side of the lead vehicle just before entering Stroud gave a small nod to Fritz signalling him to make sure the men sent ahead were ready.

The convoy began there drive to powder to end two problems in one night.

The plan was simple Stroud would let Loren believe that his men were already ahead of them securing powder from the saints but in truth they would be setting up an ambush that would eliminate Loren men and allow Stroud to quietly eliminate Loren and absorb his men and holdings into his own. All the saints had to do was make their move while being stopped before severe damage could be done to Loren secret little facility. Stroud had big plans for the facility.

Powder

Marcus had Pierce pull around the back of powder and park just a short ways done the street. They all exited and grabbed their gear and made ready to hit powder.

"So, am I the only one wondering what we do if this plan of yours doesn't go well." Pierce asked as he loaded and checked his guns. Marcus who was ready and waiting looked at pierce with an almost hurt look.

"You sound like you don't have confidence in my planning abilities Pierce?" Pierce and Shaundi gave each other a glance but said nothing.

"No, forget i said anything let's go I'm pumped" Pierce said quickly taking lead towards powder. Marcus just gave a confused raised eyebrow to Shaundi who just smiled and shrugged.

Making it to the corner just around from Powder's loading bays the three saints became stalled by two Syndicate guards idly chatting.

"Oh, great now what do we do" Pierce said as Marcus and Shaundi both looked to see what Pierce's issue was.

"Come on there's like only two of them" Marcus said

"And what if there are more of them assholes how we suppose to get in when the entire building knows we're here." Pierce said as him and Marcus argued over how best to deal with the two look outs Shaundi was keeping watch becoming more and more stressed by just sitting around on top of it all she was still not feeling the best as she began to get that sick feeling.

"oh for.." Shaundi pulled out one of her Handguns and quickly shot both guards and snapped a sharp glare towards Marcus and Pierce who stood in surprised shock at the sudden act.

"Will you two shut the hell up, put your tampons in and let's go!" she said sharply as she walked off.

"okay... sure" came the dual response from both men as they raced to catch up to her. They made sure to hide the body's and made their way inside.

"Alright, let's do this. Tonight Loren is gonna hurt from this loss" Marcus said as he opened the loading door and all three quietly entered.

Unknown to them a magnified lens had witnessed the entire ordeal the man behind the lens of the rifle was one of Stroud's men. Keying his ear piece to auto dial on the other end of the call Stroud answered.

"Sir, the Saints have arrived"

To Be Continued...

AN: Okay so I looked over this during my time away and completely reworked it removed some parts entirely and added some new bits and hopefully it now feels better to read. For such a long wait I also finished up chapter 14 and will be posting that shortly. so thank you to all of you who have waited and I will be posting the first chapter of my new Halo/Mass effect crossover with in the next day or so. Then I will return to this story.