Soon the first step towards the consensus made the other night was in team CRLN meeting with Lukas's father. The boys sat in the same office underneath the front club. This time, however, the elder Coil greeted them as if they were long-time guests.
Wearing a silver suit today and smoking the usual cigar, he made small talk as he paced behind his seat. Displeased with the smell, it seemed Caelum wished to no longer beat around the bush. The man laughed, putting it out with an apology.
"Then I won't hold you boys any longer than I need to. Simply put, there are only a few caveats we need to discuss. I will of course hold my end of the bargain. However, as Junior told you the other night, There are certain concessions and requirements to be made. Namely, you will have to do a few jobs for us."
Raiden and Niel exchanged uneasy glances. Lukas, unphased by the obvious, left it to Caelum to inquire further. "I assume there's more to it than just 'jobs.' What exactly is the risk factor here? If possible, I can perform them by myself. The others don't need to be more involved than necessary."
The man laughed aloud. "You never cease to surprise me, boy, I imagined you wouldn't hesitate to drag your team with you after hearing you call in this favor. I'm glad you proved me wrong. Unfortunately, this job will require more than just one set of hands. You'll need Lukas to go with you at the least. The Malachite girls will accompany you as overseers."
Caelum was obviously displeased with the latter addendum but agreed nonetheless. "What will this job be?"
"As you know, the workers and skilled labor you need to repair your ship will be provided by me. These jobs, however, will allow you to provide yourself a large source of income for these workers and a tool that we'll use for interkingdom trade. In essence, you'll be seizing dust from major suppliers who won't play ball with the syndicate. Then you will transfer it to our middleman in exchange for the materials and tools you ask for."
"Wouldn't that harm Vale's economy and local business?" asked Raiden, his worry for the community shining through at an inconvenient time.
The old man laughed and waved a dismissive hand. "Boy, I'm not so senile that I'd ruin my own home for business. The syndicate provides protection and cheaper rates for local businesses while charging fees and tariffs on larger corporations, especially foreign-sourced imports. Those who comply are treated fairly. Others, such as the Schnee dust corporation who tries to muscle in on our business and strong-arm us and locals into silence, reap the consequences. Your leader won't be doing anything except helping Vale and himself. Besides, as I've said you in particular don't have to be complicit. Just pretend you never heard any of this once you leave."
Raiden shook his head apologetically. "I'm sorry for speaking out of turn. Please continue."
"Hmph, Loyal men you have here" joked the elder Coil. "Don't worry, I'm not trying to turn you into criminals and I'm sure you don't intend to get caught. But if you feel inclined, I could always hire you all after you graduate."
"Tempting offer," said Caelum, surprisingly thinking it over. "I have other plans for the future, however."
The man planted both hands on the back of his chair and leaned forward with a smile. "Clearly, big ones at that. I don't think I've ever heard of a teenage huntsman having a battleship built under two kingdoms' noses. It's something you'd hear out of fiction if I'm, to be honest."
Caelum nodded along. "For better or worse, it is reality. You just need the correct contacts, sir."
The man nodded, releasing his seat. "Think over that offer boys, Though I'd like my son to see the world, I get the feeling the syndicate would be in good hands with you on our payroll."
The team gave differing comments to the offer as they stood to take their leave, excusing themselves, the man called after them. "Stay in town until called for, the job is tonight. I can imagine you know what to and not to bring?"
Caelum gave a nod as the man turned to Raiden. "Mr. Gorm correct?" Being addressed directly by Lukas's father, Raiden stiffened and politely nodded. "You're parents are Alban and Kaede Gorm correct?"
Raiden looked at his teammates, each shaking their head, informing him that they never shared this information. The concept of a crime boss knowing your family's names, even if he was your friend's father, Had him swallowing a lump in his throat. "Y-yes sir."
The man hummed as he looked down at his desk. "Do you know what they do for work?"
"My father is an inventor and my mother an engineer… w-why do you ask sir."
The man gave another enigmatic hum, stroking his chin. "You may want to speak with your parents in private son. Family secrets can tear holes that can't be mended easily. I would know."
Feeling indignant at the accusation, Raiden sought clarity. "Just what are you implying sir?"
The man chortled at the boy's suddenly impassioned temper. "It may not be my right to say this but, your parents aren't just simple nine-to-five workers. Your mother works in Vale's intelligence department. Your father is arguably more impressive. He's the largest innovator and tech seller outside of Atlas. Seen good fortune too as Atlas doesn't sell internationally."
The revelation struck Raiden as a bad joke. He recalled his overly attached mother and disheveled father. Never around yet always clingy. Never available and always in a rush. He could only let a small chuckle escape in disbelief.
"I couldn't believe it either, hence why I suggested you ask them. But if you don't believe me I can present you with my evidence."
"That will be enough sir." insisted Caelum. "Lukas, Niel take Raiden out for some fresh air." His teammates did so, urging a somewhat shaken Raiden outside and leaving Caelum alone with the man.
The elder took his seat and leaned forward in a steepling pose with a grin as Caelum placed his hands on his desk. "I can't bring him on the 'OP' now, can I?" asked Caelum rhetorically.
"Rather protective of your friends aren't you? Though I suppose that's not a bad quality either" said the man snidely.
"You give me too much credit" scowled Caelum. "I want that evidence you have on his parents."
The man gave an interested hum. "Now what's this? I didn't take you for the exploitive type."
"You guessed wrong. Any means are necessary to achieve what I must."
"And what is that exactly?"
"If we all play our part then we'll live to see it soon within our lifetime."
"And this information? What will you do with it?"
"Approach them diplomatically first. Introduce myself as the friend and if need be, savior of their son's life."
"If they don't comply?"
Caelum's eye narrowed, a shadow of ominous possibilities seemingly darkened his thoughts. Lukas's father raised his hands, surrendering the topic. "That's enough for today I suppose." he quickly pressed a button on his dash and a small chip ejected. He handed it to Caelum who nodded his thanks and left in silence.
The day's revelations and ominous conversations were soon forgotten by the team as Lukas and Niel took on a more lively atmosphere for the sake of the team. The four boys distracted themselves in Vale until night crept close and they received a message from an anonymous number, One which Lukas confirmed was his father calling them.
The boys began meandering back to the nightclub where they had become regulars when an oddity blocked their path. Niel, looking back as he spoke to his team, crashed into a much smaller girl and was knocked off his feet. Lukas hoisted his partner back up as the others looked at the surprisingly sturdy girl.
Raiden was the shortest of the four and she was slightly smaller than he. Her short curled ginger hair and cowlick, green eyes filled with curiosity, pale skin, and freckles, stood out prominently as they saw her unique clothing. A white and grey frilled blouse and black leggings. The girl had an enthusiastic smile as she apologized and offered a hand to Niel who waved away her concern with a polite smile.
"How do you do fellow students? Isn't it late for a stroll? Should we not be returning to campus now? The last public bullheads will leave within the hour." Despite the girl's awkward manner of speaking, she did have a point. Her earnest demeanor left Raiden and Niel unsure of how to react.
Lukas, wasting no time, sought to smooth talk their way out. Sauntering forward he threw a casual smile on and sweetly spoke to the girl, it was obvious to all that he had activated his semblance to get this girl to leave them be without any concerns.
"Don't worry about us hun, we've got our own means of getting back. Speaking of which, you can catch a ride with me if ya'd like."
Keeping the same friendly smile the girl cocked her head curiously to the side before bringing both her hands up in excitement. "Oh yes! I would love to spend time with new friends! That would be exhilarating as I am not familiar with Vale having just arrived."
Lukas recoiled at his attempt having fallen flat and suffering through Raiden and Niel's combined snickering behind him. Caelum stepped forward with a hint of suspicion in his voice. "May we know who you are first?"
The girl realizing she hadn't introduced herself locked her knees and stood on her tip toes with a glowing smile. "Sal-u-tations! My name is Penny Poledina! I am a student from Atlas Academy!"
Throwing her hand out for a shake Caelum's eyes narrowed at the extended limb as his team muttered in confusion behind him.
"Atlas? What's she doing here?" asked Niel.
"I guess it's time for foreign students to start trickling in for the Vytal festival, though it is early" explained Raiden.
Caelum Cautiously grasped her hand and shook it. "Pleasure. I am Caelum. This is my team. Raiden, Lukas, and Niel. If you'll excuse us-"
"Oh! Are you from Atlas too?!" asked the girl wrenching his arm forward with surprising strength in her excitement.
Again, despite her size the girl easily jerked Caelum forward despite his resistance. Grunting as he pulled his hand free, he asked her "What makes you think so?"
Her radiant green eyes seemed to literally glimmer as she raised a finger, accentuating her deduction. "It's obvious by clothing accessories and accent. Though it is the first time I've heard old Atlesian outside the kingdom."
Caelum's disposition immediately soured. "It's Mantlean" he firmly stated.
Penny seemed to catch onto his displeased tone and deflated somewhat, realizing her error. Her pink bow seemed to mimic her mood. Just as quickly as Caelum had turned curt, Penny rebounded, throwing her arms wide. "I'm sorry if I offended you, would you like to be friends?"
Caelum's eyes were practically daggers as he glowered at the girl's cheery disposition. Lukas came up from behind and tapped at his wrist reminding them of their obligation. With a huff, Caelum pulled Raiden forward. "No hard feelings and this guy needs more friends. Take him for a spin."
Before he knew what had happened, Raiden was pulled forward and used like a tool, similar to their prior matches by Caelum. This time, however, he was thrown into an ecstatic ginger who was delighted at the offer. Raiden was quickly assaulted with questions and close personal contact by the girl as Niel was pulled aside by Caelum.
"Make sure she doesn't dig too deep and you two don't let anything slip. Me and Lukas will do what needs to be done. Take her to some sights and head back to school. If she asks tell her we are retrieving supplies for class."
Niel gave a deep nod as he was sent after Raiden who was red ear to ear as Penny hopped in place holding his hands. Without a glance back, Caelum and Lukas departed for their job.
Instead of their usual reception, the two were taken to the bar in the back where in the dimly lit seats, the Malachite twins sat in short skirted cocktail dresses in their respective colors. Clearly intended for clubbing, they were without weapons. Their melancholic expression turned into playful grins as they stopped stirring their drinks in boredom and noticed the boys. They ushered them over inviting them to take a seat as the bartender reached below the bar.
As the boys stopped, the older man threw a small file onto the counter. Caelum promptly thumbed through it as Lukas chatted with the malachites, the girls insisting they have a drink before departing.
There was nothing unexpected within the paper's contents. A fresh shipment of refined dust in powder form had been delivered from Vacuo to a new outlet from the same kingdom. A prosperous company known as 'Jericho's' had seen success in Vacuo before coming abroad. Word was it was an up-and-coming SDC copy, though that tale held a lot to be desired. Seem's Jericho wasn't willing to see eye to eye with the syndicate and thus as a favor, this is where they came in.
Caelum closed the portfolio, memorizing the key information and passing it back to the bartender who promptly burned the contents in a bin behind the bar. "Let's go" demanded Caelum.
Lukas was already throwing back a shot as the Malachites pouted. "Why the rush?" asked Miltia.
"We have all night to have fun" purred Melanie.
Pouring himself another drink, Lukas agreed. "Not every day you get such lovely company assigned to you for the night as a job ya know?"
"Assigned?" scowled Caelum.
Miltia brushed a hand against his arm at his expression. "No need to be so upset"
"Though that is a nice expression you got there" conceded Melanie.
"Don't overthink it" added Lukas. "Old man just wants to make sure we're safe and can be trusted with future jobs. Just business safety practice" he chuckled, throwing another swig back.
"Hmm" Grunted Caelum, turning to leave. The Malachites whined as he left with Lukas following suit. "With a laugh, he shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry ladies, he's the boss. Best we get going less we don't get paid tonight."
The girls reluctantly followed the boys out back into the alley. There an unassuming four-door, wheeled vehicle sat with its engine idle. A driver sat in the front seat, waiting for their arrival. Caelum briefly spoke to him as Lukas occupied the front passenger seat hiking a thumb behind and telling him he called 'dibs'. Caelum sat in the back seat only for both Malachite sisters to sit on either side of him.
Making eye contact in the rearview mirror, Lukas couldn't help but snicker at his leader as he suffered through the tipsy sisters leaning on and poking his cheeks as they persistently held a one-sided conversation.
The ride wasn't too long, much to Caelum's relief as the four were dropped off on the side of a road in the commercial district where some warehouses lay. Past a brick wall and chainlink fence with light security at the front gate, were the dark, dirt roadways between each warehouse. Each lightly guarded.
Though they could easily enter, they needed to transport the goods past the gate, knowing this Caelums stepped forward to incapacitate the two guards standing under a dull street light. The twin sisters promptly stopped him patting him on top of his head as they walked past, giggling.
"We'll handle the front, you two take care of the boring part," said Melanie.
"And do make it fast, girls hate waiting" finished Miltia as the two began staggering as they approached the guards. Despite their act, Melanie promptly kicked up a stone with her heel to Miltia who promptly batted it with her hand. The small projectile then flew over the guard's heads and took out the only camera watching them. The impressive feat was done while the two girls appeared to be drunkenly stumbling down the road before chatting up and distracting the guards.
The two men had barely begun inspecting what the sound was before the Malachites expertly drew their attention with their act.
Caelum was impressed briefly before promptly pulling Lukas along to jump the barbed wire fencing and peruse the areas. Aura enhanced, and with their training scaling the buildings and sleuthing around was simple. After the fourth warehouse, they found a two-story structure with more activity inside.
A look from above showed a few vehicles inside with a series of crates stacked. This building had twice as many guards, yet still only a handful, patrolling the premises. Nothing to claim it as their target until Caelum noticed the logo on each box. A small square, with the image of a fortress adorning it, the symbol of Jericho Dust Inc.
"This is it" confirmed Caelum.
"How do we get in?" asked Lukas, pointing at the skylight they were peering through. It was locked from the outside and naturally, all other entrances were secured as well. "Mind you discretion is advised for this task."
Caelum raised a brow at his statement. Lukas raised a hand. "No, not advised, required."
Caelum nodded as he reached into his pocket. Magically, he pulled a small pair of bolt cutters out of nowhere, just large enough to cut the small lock. As Lukas watched the small lock snap, he couldn't help but whisper "Must be nice to have a magic bag."
Caelum ignored the remark as he slowly opened the window, cautious of any creaks. Slowly he lowered himself down atop a crate, careful not to land on the loud steel rafters. Peering around it seemed security had finished their patrol and would be returning to their office on the first floor.
Waving Lukas to follow, Caelum pushed ahead. Scouring every corner of the building, he and Lukas found the security office on the first floor. One guard came out and was promptly incapacitated by Caelum. As he lowered the unconscious man down he was already jumping forward with Lukas. A single shout erupted only to be cut off with each guard's conscious state. In a few seconds, five guards were out cold and neatly lined up on the floor.
With no worries, the two boys spoke freely as they snooped around for the truck's keys. Unlatching the backs, they set about loading their hauls. "So how'd it go with Professor Port?" asked Lukas grabbing a crate.
"He took the request well." Caelum placed a crate with a grunt, running to grab another. "Laughed proudly, saying we're growing young men. It was only natural we would want more free time for ourselves. Team CFVY put in a good word too. He finished saying that with how much we've improved he said it would be a crime to keep us from exploring town."
"And look at what we're doing with it" laughed Lukas. "Actual crime, guess they were right about troubled youths having too much free time."
Caelum didn't comment on the obvious irony of what they were doing as huntsman in training. Soon the two trucks were filled with well over their quota and the boys dusted off their hands, opening the garage doors.
Slowly they drove to the front with Caelum in the lead vehicle. He flashed his lights, once, twice, and once again. The gates opened. Driving past the guard booth, he saw the two sisters sitting with two unconscious men at their feet.
"We got bored" smiled Melanie.
"And they got handsy" grimaced Miltia at the two men. Caelum noticed one had a very noticeable red mark on his face as the two girls hopped up. Miltia and Melanie opened the passenger door and joined Caelum, the former pressed a finger into his cheek. "Not bad for a first job.
"Sure you dont want a permanent position with us?" asked Melanie.
He kept his silence as they drove to the designated rendezvous, weathering their harassment. Once there, another set of trucks and a few hands awaited them. The boys were told their job was done and the cargo was promptly transferred onto the untraceable vehicles.
Arriving back at the club, the Malachites tried to drag the two boys to party with them. Seeing Caelum's mood, however, Lukas promised them another time.
On their personal bullhead back to Beacon late in the night, the boys landed in Forever Fall and quickly hid their vehicle with foliage. Returning to campus on foot they discussed their next steps.
"We'll have a few more jobs like this when my old man needs 'em done. I'm sure he'll schedule around our classes."
"I have no qualms with that."
"After a few more he intends to introduce you to our 'mutual acquaintance.' Seeing as this is your project, Father wants you to lead your own negotiations. Says to take who ya want as well for muscle, brains, suggestions, etc."
"I do intend to take Raiden along. His technological know-how and innovative sense will be useful for designing and material requirements. I wish to focus on engine overhauls, stabilization, and cloaking foremost."
"And you doubt he'll refuse right?" Caelum stayed silent as Lukas chuckled. "Cold and calculative alright. Just remember, you and I both know you're walking a thin line. One that'll get you and others strung up by the neck. Though I'll applaud you for focusing on what to prioritize. I half imagined you would strap a cannon on it first. Seemed more your style."
"It crossed my mind"
Lukas shot a glance at Caelum seeing no difference in his deadpan expression. "Was that a joke?" He received no reply as they continued trekking. "Come on answer me! Did you actually make a joke just now? Their mild argument persisted till they returned to their dorm to see two exhausted teammates sound asleep and a head of ginger hair haunting their dreams.
-Chapter End-