Gate Episode 13

The next day I took off my battle suit and was given my directive for the day. 4 Dark Legion Mons Custodes were to be deployed to the special region to give a demonstration of dark legion assets and act as my personal guard throughout the day while Suguwara uses a castle provided by princess Pina as a location for a garden party, the party will act as a way for both Suguwara and myself to get to know these nobles and more importantly start peace talks and contract negotiations with the nobles. Princess Pina had already informed the many senators and influential members of Dark Legion and their exploits and that we're looking to make a contract of employment, and it will be my job to hold up to those expectations with demonstrations of dark legion tech and the TachiKomas, gear being used included the plasma assault carbines, Templar Pole rifles, Singularity fusion cannons, my dober cannon, arc beam rifles, and the Tachikoma arachnid think tanks, other gear included recon jet packs, personal shielding units, hard light shield units, cloaking units and AR smart drones. This day would also be the day dark legion would make a move to have a place here in the senate, either by a military contract with one of the senators or having a representative to uphold dark legion interests like we have in the US.

Using my cyber brain, I got in contact with Lelei and asked her if the Mons Custodes had arrived.

"Yes, and may I just say these Mons Custodes…they aren't human, are they?" Lelei asked with a bit of fear in her voice.

"beyond human actually, Mons Custodes are the pinnacle of Dark Legion, the sheer mention of just one is enough to strike fear in any militia, they're clones of one of our greatest warriors, Director Maximus, his dna was used and then spliced 3,000 times till the sequences was perfected they have a secondary heart, two sets of lungs, their very muscle fiber is strengthened to the point where not even my weapons could do damage…then they are put through mental torture for 500 years at least that's how it feels like to them, to us its 6 months, then they're physically tortured for 500 more years till they become the epitome of death, they can't die…not permanently anyways their bodies cells heal them and make them immune to whatever killed them the first time, where they lack in stealth they make up for in sheer raw power, hell even their armor and weapons are lightyears more advance than even what I have"

Lelei then said, "they're bred for war."

Sarcastically I said, "more like they're bred for genocide, just 2 Mons Custodes are overkill in this situation I have no idea why the Dark Legion Board thought it necessary to bring in 4 of them."

Lelei then said, "well they're on their way over and they gave Rory a panic attack so if they were able to give an oracle of death a panic attack, they must be terrifying…are you a Mons Custodes Jango?"

I laughed and said, "gods no, I'm not bred for war like them, lets put it this way Lelei in a fight between me and a single custodes who is unarmed and at a disadvantage against me and I have all my gear and even this full body prosthetic, the Mons Custodes still win they're that dangerous."

I then got in contact with Pina and said, "so the castle we're using for the garden party, it's been abandoned for a good 3 years hasn't it?"

Pina showed up in front of me as a hologram and nodded saying, "castle Premedias was one of if not the most elegant of all castles in its prime, and using your dark legion templars I had them spruce up the entire castle and its gardens just for this occasion, if the garden party goes well I have already informed your Doctor Miandi that Castle Premedias will be property of dark legion private enforcement LLC"

Smiling I said, "I assume the Templars have already moved everything into place?"

Pina gave me a thumbs up and said, "well I must get ready now I hope to see you there oh and for the love of god wear something other than just your combat armor, wear something formal too"

I heard a knock at my door and stretching out I said, "you may enter" and smiling as she walked in was Hamilton who said, "High Inquisitor we have a couple hours before your Dark Legion Representatives get here for the party and I was wondering if you would like to spar against me for the other members of the order."

Smiling I stretched out and said, "are you sure you wanna face someone so limber? My unorthodox fighting style might surprise you Hamilton."

Hamilton gave me a determined look and said, "I am certain High Inquisitor."

Nodding my head, I looked at the Tachikoma and said, "come get me the moment you receive word that the Mons Custodes are here, I want to greet them and my brother personally."

The Tachikoma saluted me, and I walked over to where the entire order was gathered around a single fighting area.

Hamilton smirked handing me a dulled sword and said, "too a good fight."

Tapping the edge of her sword with mine I said, "too a good fight."

Bozes who was watching over this fight then shouted, "begin!" and I lunged at Hamilton twisting my way around her sword and gripping her lightly by the neck.

"that's one point me" I chuckled but Hamilton tried to attack me again.

We sparred and sparred for an hour till she finally conceded. Walking over to a cooler I pulled out a bottle of ice water and handed it to her saying, "had you been born in Japan I am almost certain Dark Legion would be asking you to join them."

Hamilton panted and said, "I never even had you what makes you think I'd last in that world?"

"The only reason you lost against me is my experience, you only know one form of combat and one philosophy, our world has had many wars and thus many philosophies to draw from and add in the cyborg body I have, and you have yourselves one of the few people who can give you an unfair disadvantage in combat" I chuckled sitting next to her.

That's when I felt their presence, an omen of death that came with crows flying close by. Looking at Hamilton I said, "you wanna see the first people who can give you an unfair fight?"

Hamilton nodded and told her to wait a bit and got ready in my dark legion combat armor but added elements from my high inquisitor officer outfit before leading Hamilton to the front of the palace where the Mons Custodes stood. Their armor was as regal as it was imposing the helmet is a masterful blend of artistry and practicality. Its sculpted lines create a sense of strength, while the visor is a flawless pane of refractive black crystal no one can tell what goes on behind those helmets as no one has ever seen the face of a Mons Custodes and lived, the top of each helmet had a red plume that went down all the way to the waist as well. The chest plate is adorned with an intricate emblem representing Mons Custode's oath to the Dark Legion. Crafted in shimmering ebony metals and embedded with crystalline gems that resonate with energy as if it were the life force of Mons Custodes. The big bulky chest was adorned with larger shoulder plates on either side with skulls on it with red gemstones for eyes, the gauntlets were bulky but manageable, with blades on the knuckles and 50. Cal machine guns built into them. The back of the custodes had a backpack with a large flying ginsu missile launcher and large jet thrusters. The greaves imposing and decorated gave the final touches to the already imposing ensemble.

Hamilton looked horrified as I said, "Hamilton meet the Mons Custodes."

Hamilton looked like she was about to shrivel in fear and said, "and they are stronger than you?"

I nodded my head and said, "they may not look it but just one of these custodes has enough training to single handedly destroy the entire empire."

One of them stepped forward and in a booming voice that made me shudder said, "Verily, the Mons Custodes hath arrived to offer aid as thy sentinels for the day. Merely bestow upon us a task, and it shall be our endeavor to bring it to fruition."

Saluting the man I said, "your main job for the day is to keep me safe, if I say kill, kill, if I need you to block someone from me, I'll say it, but don't do a thing unless I tell you too, got it?"

The Custodes nodded and then I noticed who was next to them. Standing next to them dressed like a total idiot was my brother, and next to him was the entire 3rd recon.

"What are you wearing?" I said, trying not to laugh while secretly taking photos.

Itami gave an embarrassed salute and said, "give us the mission High Inquisitor please."

I nodded my head and said, "okay listen up because I will only say this once! Today's mission will not be like any other mission, but I still expect everyone even the Mons Custodes to be on guard and do their job well and with purpose!"

Itami then looked at his watch and said, "their coming High Inquisitor lets do this!"

I nodded my head and looked at the Mons Custodes and said, "you know the drill!"

We then made our way to the imperial capital party where we met the other members of the senate. As we got there, I got word Sugawara had borrowed the maids from count Formal in italica for the occasion which I found to be a great plan and I requested to join the talks, but Sugawara thought I would do better talking to other merchants who had also shown up.

Pina approached me dressed in a rather elegant dress and said, "well it may not be imperial attire, but I am sure you'll stand out" before noticing the four Mons Custodes standing around me.

"Are these the Mons Custodes I overheard being talked about during the board meeting?" Pina said, shuddering a bit.

I nodded my head and said, "yep this be them, the pride of dark legion private enforcement LLC. The Mons Custodes"

Pina smiled before giving me a hug and saying, "I wish you well Jango during all this."

I gave her a hug back and said, "thank you Lady Pina I won't make a fool of you during this."

While Sugawara made friends with the Dussie family I talked philosophy with a couple of the other members of the senate.

The man smiled at me and said, "ahh you must be the high inquisitor I have heard so much about, can I trouble you for a little…Philosophical chatter, it's not often members of the senate listen to me so I hoped your ears would humble the ramblings of an old man."

Smiling I bowed graciously and said, "ahh yes my friend, I would be more than humbled to chat with you."

The man smiled and said, "I'd like to pose…no I'd like to hear your insights on the semantics of war and its role in shaping the destiny of nations. As a mercenary surely you have an idea on how war shapes a nation"

I smiled back and said, "well I've come to see war not merely as an act of violence, but as a complex interplay of diplomacy. In the realm of politics, war becomes a tool, a leverage that shapes negotiations and redraws the boundaries of influence."

This made the man grin as he said, "Your perspective is refreshingly nuanced. It aligns with the notion that conflict is not isolated but intertwined with the broader spectrum of human affairs. Yet, how do you reconcile the stark contrast between the ideals of peace and the often-brutal reality of war?"

I tapped my chin and said, "A poignant question indeed. It is within this contrast that the complexity of our existence lies. The pursuit of peace is noble yes, yet history shows us that power dynamics and differing interests lead to conflicts. War, while brutal, can force adversaries to confront the consequences of their actions, sometimes leading to resolutions."

The man made me feel like I was talking to Socrates with the questions he asked as he said, "Your adept grasp of the intricacies of power dynamics is impressive. It echoes the understanding that even in its grimness, war can catalyze change. But might there be a way to harness these dynamics for transformation without resorting to the devastation of conflict?"

I smirked and said, "Your question strikes at the heart of a greater challenge. Indeed, the lessons of history remind us that war exacts a heavy toll. The path to transformation without bloodshed requires a delicate balance of diplomacy, shared goals, and the willingness to put aside immediate gains for long-term stability."

This seemed to excite the man as he said, "Your wisdom speaks volumes. It seems that you are not merely a wielder of weapons, but a student of the human condition as well. Could it be that your experiences on the battlefield grant you a unique perspective on the fragility of peace, prompting you to navigate the intricate terrain of politics with unparalleled insight?"

I nodded my head and said, "Your words hold a truth I've come to realize over time. Engaging in battles makes one acutely aware of the cost of conflict. It fosters an understanding that the ends achieved must genuinely justify the means employed. I had served for nearly 9 years as a soldier and have encounters thousands of different military philosophies so…I guess I am a little bit of an expert in the field."

The man gave a grin and said, "Your introspection is inspiring…I guess I should introduce myself, my name is Marquis Windhelm young man, and you give me hope that there can be peace between your world and ours, consider me an advocate for dark legion private enforcement being a part of the empire's peace talk."

I bowed respectfully and said, "thank you Marquis Windhelm it would be an honor to have a voice as yours speaking for us."

Trying some food, I was then informed by one of the Custodes that it was time for a weapons demonstration.

Sighing I followed the Mons to see Itami swarmed by the other diplomats and with a laugh I said, "you have seen Japanese firepower, but let me show you what Dark Legion Private enforcement is capable of."

Before raising my hand to the Mons to take to the field. The horror on the other Diplomats faces as they watched the carbines fire plasma rounds tore through the many armors, the singularity cannons consume the armors into a blackhole, the fact that the arc cannon didn't even need line of sight to kill as just one of the Mons Custodes walked through the battlefield of armor stands with the gun revved up and watched as the many tethers from the gun attached to the armors melting them to slag, and the fear they had sensed from the armor abilities.

It made my day enjoyable to say the least. Marquis Cicero rushed me and grabbed me begging me to teach me how to make them and with a grin I said, "I can sell you a single guardsman holding a plasma carbine as an honor guard, but the Mons Custodes are not for sale nor are the secrets of our weapons"

One of the other nobles said, "how many of these rifles and abilities do you guys have!"

"Somewhere in the thousands, we mass produce them for the legion" I said with a smile.

I then picked up on of the Plasma carbines and looked at Cicero and said, "would you like to give it a fire?"

The man nodded and as he held the gun in his arm, I showed him the proper way to hold it and how to fire it. The shock in his eyes as the gun fired straight and hit the target easily.

Stuttering a bit lord cicero said, "just how far can this thing fire."

Scratching my chin I said, "using the units used here….4 leagues accurately, 7 leagues total."

I then whistled and a tachikoma appeared next to me decloaking.

The tachikoma saluted and said, "need anything high inquisitor?"

I nodded and said, "mop up the battlefield" and while the Marquis was having a panic attack the Tachikoma zoomed around destroying the many guards armor stands with ease.

I could overhear the other nobles talking, "if we continue this war with Japan we'll be destroyed and if our enemies get a hold of that contract from dark legion private enforcement then we'll also be destroyed."

Marquis Dussie then approached Sugawara who was behind me and said, "no need for idle chitchat just tell me what Japan wants from us to proceed with the peace negotiations."

I was then informed that an unknown variable was coming our way, and the contact was identified as Prince Zorzal.

Looking at the Mons Custodes I said, "make sure not a single bit of dark legion tech is left behind and get it into the carriages, Tachikoma follow the carriages and make sure they make their way back to alnis hill safely."

I then looked at Itami who nodded and loaded up the guests into Jeep and I followed with them along with the Mons Custodes and said, "the garden party will continue as planned, we can't let it be publicly known that you're in contact with the JSDF yet, just as a precaution we are taking you guys to the capital however I will only be joining you half way as I will be attending the garden party, hit it Kurata!"

Making my way back to the garden party before Princes Zorzal arrived, I looked at Pina who was a bit confused and said, "we have a problem."

A bit worried now Pina said, "whats wrong?"

"Your brother, Zorzel is on his way here" I said.

I then noticed a man out of the corner of my eye dressed in bulky red armor with golden accents. I knew the prince was…flamboyant from the reports but this was something else, his eyes gleamed red with ego and his blonde hair flamboyantly waved around.

Annoyed the prince shouted, "what is this, what's going on here?"

The head maid from Italica walked forward and said, "Princess Pina and Mr. Sugawara are hosting a garden party here on the old imperial gardens of Castle Premedias which now belongs to Dark Legion Private Enforcement LLC., they decided to have a few of their friends over for the afternoon so the High Inquisitor can celebrate the purchase of the castle and its grounds, you seemed surprised were you not invited?"

The prince looked confused and said, "Pina, huh?"

Princess Pina then approached her brother and said, "Zorzel, what brings you to us today?"

Zorzel looked down at Pina and said, "hello sister it sounds like you didn't want me to come."

Princess Pina hid it well, but I could tell she was nervous as she said, "what? No, no not at all brother, its just you never seem all that interested, in these sort of silly banquet events."

Zorzel then turned his head to the side before saying, "hmm guess so, you invited any senators or any members of the enemies Envoy?"

Pina looked nervous before saying, "what? Seriously don't be ridiculous."

Zorzel then noticed me and said, "hmmm so you're the High Inquisitor…a member of the enemies Envoy?"

I chuckled and said, "your highness just because I work along side them temporarily does not mean I am loyal to them, Dark Legion Private Enforcement LLC. Is neutral in the war between the empire and Japan, we merely wish to establish a new way to make money in this land by selling our service to Princess Pina and her knights of the order as trainers of sorts."

Zorzel snickered to his sister and said, "so your order is failing so bad you require outsiders to train your rank and file! How embarrassing sister, as for you High Inquisitor you must be aware that if I suspect you to be working with the enemy in any way shape or form I will not hesitate to end your life"

Snapping my fingers signaling for the Mons Custodes to get close to me I said, "you can try but I assure you that you'll never be a threat to me."

Zorzel kept his eyes on me as he approached a table with Food on it and I said, "may I recommend the Manuga meat, it has a special sauce on it one of my new chefs prepared called Mustard."

Zorzel looked at it and said, "it's all yellow, so unappealing" before eating it and instantly thinking it was good and taking all the meat and mustard, we had as offerings.

Sighing at all the food Zorzel and his cronies ate Pina and Sugawara approached and Pina said, "I am certain it was Count Marcus who put this idea in my brother's head."

Sugawara then said, "so it was reconnaissance in force then?"

I chuckled and said, "I think it was more of a warning."

Pina agreed with me and said, "the count simply used my brother to make some sort of veiled impression."

Suguwara shuttered as the Maids came by to start clearing things away and bring out more food and said, "I worry what would have happened if the representatives and senators were still here"

Pina chuckled and said, "most certainly a huge disaster."

Suguwara then said, "I'd like to move forward with the talks before the empire could make their next move"

I nodded and said, "and I'd like to officiate the contract as well."

Pina looked at us shocked and said, "do you have any idea what you are saying, Jango, Sugawara please the amount of compensation you two proposed earlier as a condition of the peace talks, and the Dark Legion Contract was quite frankly unreasonable!"

Suguwara chuckled and said, "I thought you were gonna pass out."

Pina said, "can you blame me, you were asking for 500 million swans, even if we collected all the gold in the empire we still wouldn't have enough!"

I chuckled and said, "Itami told me you were begging him for forgiveness."

Pina looked at me and said, "your no better Mr. I want 50,000 acres of land, tax exemptions and 3 cubic tons of jewels and raw ore, your request would have taken away all our resources, be lucky I managed to talk my father into giving you the castle and marking it as no longer part of the empire and instead Dark Legion territory!"

Suguwara chuckled and said, "consider mine an opening offer there's still room for negotiations."

Chuckling I said, "same here I'm just going off the expenses for Point Veranda."

Princess Pina let out a sigh of relief and said, "that's good we shall set up a meeting with Marquis castle as soon as possible I'll ask lord cicero to be the Mediary"

As the garden party ended, I smirked and started to explore my new castle and all the info I had at my disposal the JSDF did a number in imperial slums even getting to know the many prostitutes through there. Guess my advice worked, if there was one thing I learned from my time in Brazil, the information gathered from the streets is worth its weight in gold. As I explored the dark legion castle, I noticed loads of tech had already been set up, camera systems, point defense turrets, hell the templars even used nanomachines to redo the walls and make them flame retardant, even added in AC and wiring throughout the place so I could relax.

Relaxing a bit in my new luxurious room I muttered, "time for phase two to begin, Argus get in contact with the Alnis branch, let them know to start bringing in supplies to the new castle and label it as Point Hephaestus."

Kurokawa then said, "high inquisitor sorry to bother you we have been getting loads of bird type and dog type demi humans in fear of something coming, can you do a seismograph scan?"

I nodded my head and said, "Argus deploy seismograph lets see whats going on"

Argus nodded and said, "warning huge 6.8 earthquake about to erupt!"

Raising my eyebrows I shouted, "Kurokawa earthquake inbound! Big one too!"

I then used my cyber brain to get in contact with the templars in Alnis to let them know what was going on and shouted for the Mons Custodes to head over to trouble town to aid Kurokawa and the residence.

I sent messages to each fireteam I had at my disposal and made my way out of the castle and towards Pian's residence in full combat armor as Itami was getting chewed out by Pina who was shouting, "there's no way the earth can move do you have any idea what time it is!"

Itami looked nervous and said, "I know but there is a strong possibility."

That's when I started to feel it, the moving of the earth, the trembling of the land, the wrath of God. In Jewish beliefs it is work of Yahweh himself to destroy pagans, in Greek culture it is the very manifestation of the god Poseidon, and to us Legionnaires a time to profit on aid.

The earthquake has landed.