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year 5, quarter 3
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Avalanche. That name brought back memories. Not terribly fond memories either. She had to fight to find the fragments of materia to save Elfe and stop Fuhito from razing humanity off the face of Gaia. It had been a suicide mission, but she was willing to sacrifice it all for the citizens of Midgar and Veld. It was not something she regretted. It did not help that the Vice President was funding them out of grudge to his father. But maybe she needed to employ similar tactics to keep them close and try to understand what this new sect was all about.
They reached out to her first, of course, via email. The light from her cell phone glared and the chime woke her out of the dead of sleep at two in the morning. The message was curt and to the point. And who was she to turn down a request for information against one of her nemeses in this town. Cissnei tapped her chin and looked out the window of her flat. The snow seemed to glow as it covered some of the electric lights over the town. It was beautiful. It would be even better without the Sirkorsky gang.
She responded to the email with the cliché shady bar, Old Mac’s and a time set for 8:45pm. She gave no additional information in the email. They knew who she was, and they knew where to find her now. She placed herself in one of the corners, instead of her usual spot. Old Mac had accommodated her with her favorite drink. She let the amber liquid swirl in her glass as she looked over the bar.
The bouncer was actually on guard tonight, a big burly man with a few missing teeth. The waft of the sulfur scent from the heaters hit the new customers hard. Already the crowd was rowdy. The ladies and lords of the night were already doing their work with the patrons. They sat next to the brutes and cuddled up close to them, whispering enticing words into their ears. Giggling would then ensue, and gruff hands would land on delicate knees.
Another section of the bar had tables pushed together for a game of poker. Each person seemed serious on their cards, their expressions revealing nothing about their hand. In the booth next to them were a few gambling with dice. Odds or evens. They were especially rowdy with each roll as some lost their money and maybe more in a single roll.
But there were those quiet in their drink, just wanting to pass the time. They bugged no one in the corners they skulked in, but it just made the place feel a little shadier.
Cissnei took no real note of the patrons, except of their presence and gauging them to see if they would trouble her. She kept a casual eye out for the one who would meet with her. Typically, she would have met at her agency, but that was recently bombed. Cissnei was looking for a new one. But this location should do in the meantime. No one questioned shady dealings here.
Out of the multitude of characters, who were really there on their account, and who weren't?
There is always something suspicious in other people for those who is wary. Innocent movements can be taken as a sign. Innocuous words a veiled threat.
A grin. A wink. Two people exchanging handshake. A secret code, perhaps. A smile. A secret smile? Did they actually know each other? A laughter from the corner of the table sounded a little off-key.... Or were it? The people playing poker seemed to steal glances towards her from time to time. Or was it only a mind trick?
For an organization who announced a return from their year-long hiatus with an unprecedented robbery on what was once thought to be impregnable Sonora Trust Bank and was quickly involved in an assassination of a prominent Torensten Duke, one could never be too careful with this organization.
They might have eyes and ears everywhere.
Avalanche.... Even now, some of them might be watching Cissnei.
No, surely they were watching her.
But who?
The bartender... seemed busy catering to a pair of newly arrived bikers. The burly man's bandana color's matched with the woman's scarf.
A drunk lady in an elegant dress outside insisted on coming in, but for some reason the bouncer barred her. Their heated exchange too far to be heard in this rowdy bar.
A group of five gaunt office workers huddled close in a table, seemingly discussing an important corporate secret. They had no female companions.
One of the person in the dice table seemed to be winning constantly. A young man with intelligent eyes behind a thin glasses. He was accompanied by a pretty girl no older than high-schooler, but with grim maturity in her face. Their intertwined arms sometimes veered to naughty areas.
Beside them a hulking man with muscles bulging from his dirty white vest rubbed his stubby chin, seemingly calculating his next chance.
A woman with neon-pink hair and punk outfit was seemingly caught cheating on the poker table. She was vehemently defending her stance against her accuser, a tall lanky man which looked like he had been staring at computer screen for too long.
A pair of elegant women in revealing clothes but draped in expensive fur scarves were chatting happily on one end of the bartender table. Their incessant smoking filled the air around them.
The barmaid was carrying a load of used glasses. Perhaps too much. A rather rotund businessman inadvertedly knocked her off balance and she bumped on Cissnei's table. She whispered "Sorry" at her with a smile slightly marred by too much applied lipstick as she continued to weave her way.
And many, many other people packed in this area. Each a potential spy. Each might be a threat.
But so far, nothing extraordinary. The minutes passed....
One of the people who were playing poker stood up, as if excusing himself towards the restroom. As he sauntered close towards Cissnei's table she would have noticed that he had chosen his outfit carefully. In fact, it matched Cissnei's own choice. They could have been a couple. Or, if she had chosen a more formal clothing, an acquaintance from the same company.
He had blond hair with a winning smile. Hardly the face of a terrorist, if terrorists do have stereotypical face. His strong jawline and square chest was rather pleasant to look at.
He unceremoniously took a seat across Cissnei with the smooth movements of one who was an expert in not drawing attention to himself, and smiled.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. We wanted to make sure you were not being followed. And if you were, by whom. I see you did not bring anyone with you."
He casually cracked his neck.
"We've actually prepared a private room in the back. But should you feel safer here in the open, we can understand it too. Hiding in plain sight is something we can relate to, after all."
His tone implied that this organization will not harm her in any way. And he also implied that they would feel more comfortable in a private area, but everything will be left to the information broker. "So, what will it be?"
After all, she had what they wanted. They didn't.
@blacksuit So excited to thread with Cissnei! Elfe will appear sooner or later~
Cissnei knew eyes were on her. She was used to it from her old job. She did not exactly hide her identity or the symbol of the black suit. Let them know who she was. Let them know she was a person of interest. Possibly dangerous. The suit was the first warning.
Cissnei eyed the woman who bumped into her table without much of interest. What Avalanche didn’t know was Cissnei had secured the bar herself. She was friends with Old Mac himself. She took care of some trouble for him. He made sure no trouble followed her here. He was, after all, an ex-assassin himself. He retired due to age, his old bones causing trouble. But he still knew a few tricks and Cissnei was on his good side.
“What do I need to bring someone for when this is a simple business exchange?” Cissnei said with a shrug. He was good to look at but not really her type. “It seems you were doing poorly at the poker table.” She leaned her elbow along the table as she took a sip of the warm liquor. “Did you want a drink?” It was impolite business etiquette to at least not offer.
She quietly observed him, trying to derive his intent about the backroom. Either it would be a simple private exchange, or it was a trap. The Avalanche she knew could use either extreme topic. But if she was to learn more about them, she would have to feed into their dangers. It would be simple to send a distress text to her Turk companions. She probably already let them know if she did not return at a certain point to start an investigation.
She took her time answering him. She was the one with what the wanted after all. She finished her drink. “After you.” She stood up and gestured him to show her the way.
“What do I need to bring someone for when this is a simple business exchange?”
The woman in suit replied with a shrug, which was returned in kind.
"Well, one can't be too careful these days."
Was there some hidden implication behind his words and that understanding look in his eyes? Had Avalanche known more of The Turks activities than they let out?
After all, they were already established. Some even swore that they were the same organization that was eradicated four years ago, only to resurface under a different name.
Same faces, different names.
“It seems you were doing poorly at the poker table. Did you want a drink?”
The man smiled mysteriously and politely waved his hand at Cissnei's offer.
"Was I? And nah, I don't drink when on duty. But thank you nonetheless."
He did not push for answer right away, instead waiting patiently for Cissnei to finish her drink. He seemed, at least, to be an amicable person.
Perhaps too amicable?
There was something behind his eyes that seemed to indicate something else.... Or really, perhaps it was just an imagination.
He stood up immediately after Cissnei stood up herself. Once again, there was that polite smile.
"This way, please."
He led them both weaving through the crowds. The girl being accused of cheating was now openly shouting with her accuser. The two ladies smoking in the bar had been approached by three slick-looking men and were now sharing a laughter.
But instead of going straight to the back room, the Avalanche man drifted towards the bar, where Old Mac himself was preparing another drink.
He did not say anything. Just a smile and put his hand on the bar. The next instant Old Mac had given him a room key, almost too subtle to be seen.
The old but sharp-looking bartender's eyes narrowed.
"She isn't coming?"
"Nah. She will be. You have something to pass to her?"
It was clear that "she" meant someone else, since Cissnei was right there with them.
The bartender stared at the man for a little while, evidently judging him. The man stood still and kept his polite smiling expression.
"It's good. I'll tell her myself."
"As you wish."
And he went back to his drinks, while the Avalanche man gestured Cissnei to follow him towards the far back of the bar room, passing through a rather rickety door. The whole exchange with the barkeeper had been so smooth it was as if it was a natural thing to do.
Professionals.
Inside they found themselves in a narrow corridor, with several doors lining both sides of the walls. A sharp note of dust and tobacco filled the air.
There were once rooms for private karaoke in this bar, but these past few years had not been friendly to them. Some of them were still working, but a few others were rather dilapidated.
As he led Cissnei through the corridor, he opened talks.
"Old Mac told us about you. Said you helped him out real good. In fact, he was the one who suggested that you might have the information we need."
They had arrived at a door numbered 8. While inserting the key to the door, the man turned to face Cissnei with a grin.
"I am surprised you can get on the good side of that old coot. Sharp as a hawk and three times as dangerous, but trustworthy all the same. He is our longtime friend."
In hindsight, perhaps it was not surprising than an ex-assassin would place himself in a situation where he can benefit from as many parties as possible. It also led a late conclusion on why The Avalanche had readily agreed on the meeting place.
But it would also meant that both parties were safe. This was a neutral ground, with both under the protection of the patron.
The key clicked and the door swung open, revealing a rather dim room.
There was a dusty TV and karaoke set there, with the microphones conspicuously missing. Three sofas were put encircling a knee-high low table, no doubt where people used to place snacks and their ashtrays.
But apart from the worn-down feeling of the room, it was surprisingly clean.
The man held the door open for Cissnei in a decent show of gallantry.
"Ladies first."
And he entered after Cissnei. Afte he switched on the light, the room turned out decidedly friendlier. It was almost comfy.
He was a professional, though. The way he seated himself after Cissnei had seated showed that he was all business.
"The rest will be coming shortly. Especially the one who can authorize our cash transfer, since I am sure it is the main reason we are here."
He was certainly a professional. Patient and courteous on the surface. The members of this organization chose wisely. Her eyes lingered on him as he showed her the way. Though, he seemed to slip as they mentioned another person in front her. She trusted Old Mac, but she didn’t quite trust these Avalanche members just yet. She hoped he was not getting lax in his old age. She also knew better than to ask questions about it.
She smelled worse places. Though the scent of this room was not terribly to her liking. It was better than out there, which smelled like rotten eggs. Her eyes lingered over the karaoke bar. Old Mac couldn’t fix the heater and repair his place, it seemed he couldn’t keep this in order either. Maybe she should have done him a favor and blew those gangsters sky high. He could have collected on the insurance money.
Her expression remained neutral as he spoke. “I wish old Mac would have told me first.” She said dryly, not amused that he was giving away her email so openly. Open and honest clients were one thing. Shady dealers with a history were another. Perhaps it would work out all the same. But she let the man run his mouth. People tended to talk more when comfortable. “Old Mac knows talent when he see’s it.” She conceded. Bars were sanctuaries after all. Especially if one picked the correct bar.
Cissnei gave him a small smile and a nod as he held the door for her, “Thank you.” The room itself was cozy. She took a seat in one of the chairs and crossed her legs. She studied him silently once more, watching as he sat and leaned forward toward her. A sign of an interested party. “I did not realize I would have an audience. Who are the others?” She stated gently, partially amused they were going this far for her. “I will have a water.” She stated, showing she was not nervous, but simply parched. “And if my company drinks, I will drink with them.”
The handsome man apparently caught Cissne's dry tone in wishing Old Mac had told her first. He quickly gave an assuring chuckle.
"Oh, don't worry. It wasn't anything serious. He simply hinted about the...Turks and the rest we did it ourselves through our network. Call it free advertising, if you'd like."
So, this Avalanche had network. That much was obvious.
The question would be how extensive their network went? And why would they need a help at all?
Certainly, the man spoke only the things he allowed to be spoken.
No... perhaps not that certain. Perhaps he was simply too at ease. It was hard to tell.
The key clicked exactly when Cissnei finished her sentence.
“Old Mac knows talent when he see’s it.”
"That, I can see."
There. That again. That fascinated look towards Cissnei which seemed like he was knowing more than he let out.
Or better, that Avalanche knew more than they let out.
The man held the door open for Cissnei in a decent show of gallantry.
"Ladies first."
***
Again, the man made a reassuring chuckle, as if he completely understood what Cissnei would feel of having other company.
"They are our people, of course. I don't hold all the keys so they are all required. I hope you don't mind."
He grinned. "After all, we wouldn't dare to try anything funny in Old Mac's establishment. That man would have our heads before sunrise if something did happen."
His tone was sincere enough. He really meant this to be a neutral ground.
And he nodded in apparent approval at Cissnei's choice of drinks.
"Water it is, then. You know, they always put a sprig of mint leaves in their jug of water. An interesting touch."
His smile was genuine. He stood up and walked towards the door, where an old-styled intercom was embedded in the wall.
He pushed a button. Before long a voice answered.
"Yes?"
Cissnei might remember the voice of the barmaid who apologized to her before.
"A jug of cold water for room 8 please, dear Julia. Six people. And put less ice in it, would you?"
And affirmation from the intercom and the man walked back with a smile.
He politely sat where he was before and was about to open the talk when the door opened..
Three people entered the room without knocking. Two men and one woman. All were wearing face mask and slick sunglasses, as if they were all having COVID-19 the flu.
Looking closely they might be one of the people earlier in the bar. Or they could be new. But all were wearing formal clothes matching the style of both Cissnei and the man.
Well, all but one. The man who entered second would be recognized as one of the five gaunt office workers Cissnei might have seen before, huddling close in the table.
And wasn't the woman's hair looked like that pretty girl who accompanied the winning youth on the dice table before?
They all nodded to the blond man and Cissnei. The blond man returned the nod professionally.
Without words they sat on the empty sofas and quickly had their laptops opened on their knees.
The blonde man smiled.
"So, let us get to the point. I am sure from our previous correspondence you know what information we require of your service?"
@blacksuit Their intention are intentionally made obscure~ I hope you find them quite interesting!
Cissnei raised a brow at him. There was strength in numbers, but why truly involve so many eyes in such a sensitive business? It seemed sloppy to her. Usually there was a middle man that transferred information to people on a need to know basis. With this many fingers in the pot, the chances of information leakage increased or even the possibilities of mole infiltration. But, who was she to run their organization?
Cissnei gave a light shrug in response to him. He spoke like he understood how she felt. His continuous reassurance for her safety seemed to be more like him filling the silence. She was not nervous based on their numbers. Just confused why so many had to be present. Her own people could be lurking nearby the establishment. Or perhaps she really did come alone. The element of surprise was truly the best tactic in this situation.
Cissnei gave a small smirk at the mint in the water remark. She was sure it was meant to refresh one’s breath after all the crap spewed from one’s mouth. It was truly refreshing in this establishment. In fact, she was surprised Old Mac went out of his way to do that when he could hardly keep up maintenance on the building itself. But she kept such opinions to herself. It was not professional to let such things slip.
She sat calmly on the chair. She was up straight with one leg crossed. Hands crossed calmly on her top knee. She regarded the new occupants coolly, giving them a nod, but nothing more. She wondered why they need laptops for this discussion. Did they all need to take notes? Or were they live streaming to someone? It mattered not. She gave the man a smile as he got to the point. She took her time mulling it over as she regarded him with ochre eyes. “And let’s say the email was insufficient. First, tell me what information you want.” She wanted to see if it was the same as the email. She was double checking to see if the person here knew what was in the correspondence. In other words, was this the right person?
“Second…” Cissnei’s polite expression turned into a slight frown. Her words were gentle, but firm. “I refuse to do business with anyone except the leader. And I especially will not do business with those who cover their faces.” Cissnei did not come here to be pushed around. She had what they needed, and she would do business on her own terms. Their email failed to take her into account, as if she were simply a machine. “We are, after all, on neutral grounds, as you keep telling me.”
A knowing smile. No hesitation. No surprise in there.
Only knowledge.
Knowledge that he had done this countless times before.
“Valid questions. Allow me to answer your second question first.”
And he gestured towards the other people there, who sat silently as statues.
“You are only doing business with me. These people: their business is with me, not with you. For all intents and purposes, I am the leader of my organization in this area. And as you can see, I don’t cover my face.”
A smirk.
“In fact, if these people bother you, I can have them waiting on the next room. Would that fit you better?”
No clue. No hint as to what their purpose were. The man was not going to give any information outside the scope of the deal.
Same as the Turk.
“As to your first question, I shall repeat what we have both known. Sikorsky’s Gang. We need information on their members. Their numbers. Their names and perhaps some information on their person. Their hideouts we have uncovered, but for more… ah, sensitive, secure data, I was told that you are the best on the job.”
His tone was ambiguous. Carefully ambiguous. His last sentence could be meant as a compliment, or a subtle threat.
“I was under impression that you have brought the data we want already, and that we can finish our deal here and now.”
***
Meanwhile, in one of Sonora’s labyrinthine alleys…. “Captain! We’ve lost contact of them!”
“What?! 3rd squad, all of them?”
“No response, Captain.”
“Dammit! Send the 5th and 7th on his trail! I want 9th and 2nd to close the northern area! How much will it take to take down a single man?!”
“Captain, communication from the 12th! They are in trouble!”
“What? What is it?”
“….”
“What is it dammit!”
“We’ve lost them, Captain….”
***
“…Elfe? Why did you- Is that blood?”
“Yes. Lend me your cloak.”
“Yeah sure. Here.”
“… Thank you.”
“Trouble on the way here, hm?”
“Yes.”
“They are inside. Be warned though, Gold does not like it when you interfere with his business.”
“… I won’t. I only want to meet his client.”
“The Turk woman? Why are you interested?”
“…”
“…”
“… I don’t know.”
@blacksuit Advancing this quicker than originally planned
Cissnei was not convinced. She was to take his word that he was the leader? However, his cool nonchalant attitude was certainly convincing, even if it was nerve grating. Despite her circumstances, she sat still, undeterred and no emotion on her face. “Yes. I would prefer them to leave.” She took her glass of water and sipped. They simply wanted to show her their power. How amateur. Numbers meant nothing and instead it revealed to her their capabilities. She lifted a brow at him, waiting for them to leave as she drank her water.
[break][break] Once they left, she set her drink down with a clank and met his gaze. There was nearly a static between them as their eyes met. “I do have the data.” She really did. But she didn’t take well to threats. In fact, it only made her want to threaten back. It made her bare her teeth and want to bite. “But we both know information is important and that’s why we’re here today.” She crossed her arms and stared at him.
[break][break] “I only agreed to meet with you. I never agreed to give you the information. I am still making up my mind to do that. What do you wish to do with the information.” She typically did not ask. But they were getting under her skin, and she did not need the Sonoran police on her heels. Especially not when she was trying to weed her way into their trust. Quietly, she paused as if to wait for some answer. And if they did not answer, she simply did not give it. Their exchange would be lost and all that she missed out on was a bit of time and a pocket full of money.
