Post by Jack on Jun 3, 2013 6:39:52 GMT -8
For continuity purposes I will continue my unfinished job thread here, as I make room for the new jobs.
Jack yelled in response to a knock at his door. A small timid girl who was his fifth secretary walked through and motioned for someone or some people to enter in after her. Several men entered the room and at the head of them was the man in charge himself.
"Have a seat"
The Australian said as he motioned to the pair of leather backed seats in front of him and across from his desk. The man who lead them waved off his two guards who just took a step back. Jack glared at the girl which was the sign for her to quickly show them to some comfortable lounges. The lounges were large enough to fit several people and the two of them occupied spots opposite from one another. To their left and next to the fire place which had been well attended. This room was probably the only room so well furnished in this side of the building. Jack's personal quarters were quite bare and spartan like.
"How's did the last delivery come along? I heard that it was quite the difficult job"
Jack's assistant handed the male a drink, black English tea. Which the gentleman accepted with the pompous etiquette he always displayed irrespective of the company he was in. Jack almost felt like yelling out 'Don't be nice to her it'll make her soft' but he chose wisely against it.
"Not that bad I lost a man and two more got injured but we killed thirty."
As the commander it was his duty to ensure the mission succeeded no matter what. If his men died it was on his hands that they died, but if they failed it was because of him.
"Decent. I didn't think such a simple task would prove so difficult."
The man continued to speak as Jack grit his teeth thinking 'He's teasing me the little shit's actually fucking teasing me!'. Jack's hands dropped for a second before returning to the table. He placed his cleaver and mace in wide view only to warn his partner that sometimes it was best to get to the point.
"Why were there so few casualties? Against such odds it's only logical that more would have gotten injured. From the report you wrote and confirmed by your men you initated the enemies while giving the signal for your men to retreat. Effectively you took on up to thirty hostiles alone. Why do you always take such needless risk?"
He placed down his cup of tea and crossed his legs one over the other before resting hands together on top of the other. The purple eyes of Phoenix bore into Jack's unsettling him.
"You risk your life as if it means nothing. Do you forget who you are?"
"I am the commander of Invictus!
"You are the leader of the Grey Mercenary Corps also, you have a larger duty to your company and a larger duty to me. It is not time yet for us to put our plan into action."
They did not look away from each other, Phoenix even went as far as to raise his voice at him. Thinking as to why did he bring two men with him. The only logical solution was that Phoenix was trying to flex his authority.Jack thought for the first time slightly worried that Phoenix had gone off the deep end and lost it. The beast that was Jack O'Connor was quickly being pushed into the corner and just like a lion with it's back against the wall he will attack eventually even if the person he was going to attack was a person he'd die for if need be.
"I have another task for you."
As Jack heard these words anger flared up inside of him. Standing up in a violent manner he even knocked over his drink.
"Just get to the damn point!"
The man growled. Phoenix didn't even blink at the onslaught of verbal rage Jack threw at him, despite the fact that the look he was receiving would make any lesser man cower in fear. No he simply drank his tea comfortably and then returned Jack's stare.
"These two men will oversee the operations of Invictus in your absence"
Turning his head to look at the new pair.
"What's the names? And Conrad and Peter should be in charge when I'm not here!"
The two men Phoenix had brought along with him were standing up, hands on blades and looking at Jack with eyes of hatred. Until Phoenix waved them down, the look Jack gave them was one of contempt. It told them that if Phoenix wasn't here he would have ran at them and cleaved them in half.
"They are my personal guards and more then capable of replacing you for a short while. Conrad and Phoenix will accompany you."
Returning to look at Phoenix his eyes narrowed for a brief moment before relaxing and sitting back down in his large and comfortable chair. A few seconds went by in dead silence, the crackling of wood could be heard. He finally motioned with his hand and he looked around
"So what's this all about?"
For the first time Phoenix paused unsure how to proceed.
"There's a very important job. Well series of jobs, not only for you, but for this whole organization. If you're successful we will increase our standings considerably. Failure, well failure means our existence will be severely threatened.
The younger male drained the last of his tea before continuing.
"Through our contacts we have made the arrangements to have your profile be put forth as a candidate for a certain position."
Jack's eyes widened
"Me?"
He said almost shocked, Phoenix merely rolled his eyes and continued.
"Yes you."
Phoenix proceeded to call in Jack's assistant who entered with a huge file that was almost large enough to be a novel. It contained maps, and detailed reports on what field agents had reported on the matter. Some of it was printed the majority of it was hand written.
"This so far is what we've been given about the mission up to date. He wants to meet with you and to show you off to his, court."
Jack was now stunned
"Show... show me off?"
Jack didn't like the sound of that.
"Yes show you off. From what we've gathered in our numerous missions trying to infiltrate his mansion. This Octavian likes to acquire the strongest fighters. In this case hire them to fight for him or carry out dangerous missions. Before he considers a company for a mission he asks that the company send him their champion and he hosts a tournament."
"You are to fill several roles in his organization but from what's described here they are all very intense combat roles. I would not put it passed him to be involved with gladiatorial like events where combatants fight to the death, all we know is that there is a tournament and sometimes fighters return sometimes they don't. So if from what we've been given by these documents and our contacts on the inside you will probably have to go through some seriously dangerous tests before winning the first contract"
Jack sighed as long as he didn't have to sleep with the man he was fine with it.
"So that's all we know for now. You will have to go to his large estate and be presented in front of his so called court and then serve him for the time being. It really seems that this is one of the few ways to establish a potential long term working relationship with this man. The payment for just showing up and taking part in his tournament is more than we make from several large contracts by our own standards.
He had heard enough, if Phoenix wanted him to do something is was usually best to do it because failure to do so means you've screwed up one of his genius plans.
"Fine, I'll fucking take this job but I swear if these fucks have fucked up everything I've done here with Invictus I will not only gut them in front of the men but I'll probably kill you too!"
With that they were done, the men all got up and left, leaving Jack to brewed over his feelings.
Brushing dust and hair from his clothes, Jack made sure that he looked his best. Several people hurried around him, making the lengths of his pants were correct that his shoes were perfectly shined. Seeing to his uniform to make sure he was perfectly dressed for the occasion. They had got a new sword for him, a ceremonial naval one from the 18th century but Jack turned it down. He liked to have his own steel nice and close.
Adjusting a few weapons around his weapon belt so they were evenly distributed, Jack outstretched his arms horizontally so he could be brushed down like a dog. He stared long and hard in the mirror, for a brief moment he even enjoyed it all.. Sighing he thought to himself You are a grand commander, act like one but he wasn't really the commander that mattered there was always someone above you. In this case, clients, very wealthy and powerful clients, who demanded everything from you. Even your life.
This particular client was no other than a self title emperor, he named himself Octavian, but in all reality all he was, was just a rich man with a private army. It's rumored that prospecting mercenary lords like Jack risk their entire forces just to win his approval.
For a spot on his list meant more wealthy and support that only Barker could match. Certainly for those who wish to fight Barker having individuals such as Octavian as your bank would set you up for a long time. For people like Jack all it meant was a larger, stronger and better equipped army.
It was times like this that he wondered whether or not his partner actually cared for him. Jack was no diplomat yet why was he being sent off to deal with potential clients, especially clients as important as this. They argued long and hard, it ended with Phoenix assuring him that Jack was the man for the job, that Octavian had requested him personally. Of course he didn't refrain from lecturing him on manners.
Slowly Jack reaches for his glass of scotch, two little ice cubes floating in the brown liquid. Lifting it to his mouth he take a large sip of the potent liquor. Instead of placing it down he drains the glass and demands another one. Outstretching the glass to his right, not even looking at where his hand was. Before long he could feel liquid being poured into the glass, turning to see who filled it.
To his surprise a younger male, maybe nineteen or twenty years old stood there. Wearing a uniform reminiscent of what you'd expect officers to be wearing in dress uniforms during the 1940's. He had a jeweled saber strapped to his waist. "Is this a bad time to have disturbed you mister O'Connor?" the boy said at last. Jack shook his head and cautiously finished his glass of whiskey. The boy noticed that Jack had not worn the blade provided and he frowned. "Was the blade not to your liking sir? I can have it replaced. I'm sure the Emperor doesn't mind waiting"
Giving up Jack shook his head again. "No need sir, I was waiting until the end to place it on." Jack motioned for his servants to bring forth a two point harness which was attached to him like a seat belt. There his blade hung on the outside while his own weapons hung on the inside. Slowly he was escorted out of his room and into a banquet hall. An armed escort really? he thought as he made his way into the hall the size of several school halls.
There at the end was a very fat man surrounded by retainers. He was guarded by many different people and all of them were watching Jack thinking the exact same thing as him. How many could I kill before they kill me? he thought. As he approached the throne he stopped at a respectable distance and bowed as he was taught to do. "I've heard a great deal about you and your associates from one of my men." The Emperor motioned to a man Jack recognized as one of his previous clients.
"I have a many of jobs for not only you but for your organization. I've been assured by many that your organization is best suited for my... special needs" the Emperor let out a chilling laugh as he grabbed a hand full of berries and placed them into his mouth. Leaning onto his side the man wearing a toga munched them down and glared at Jack. "Right all is sorted" He waved over his scribe. Which placed in front of him the contract signing it at all points needed he waved everyone away after he placed down his seal.
You say kill and I kill!
The next day he was woken up early by a loud bang at his door, several well armed men walked in and at the front of them was the personal butler of the Emperor.
"This man will be your own personal assistant he will see to every one of your personal needs until your contract is over. These three girls here will assist your butlerand by extension you and your men." Pulling out a scroll the man read several things by decree of his magnificent Emperor Octavian. A large chest was brought in, "Here is some equipment to help you with your trials in the evening familiarize yourself you'll need to be comfortable."
He turned and walked out with his armed escort and Jack flicked open the chest and it was filled with armor, it seemed to be a mix of metal, Kevlar and other materials. "I guess I can wear some of it." Sighing to himself he just looked at his butler"Name?". The man bowed and introduced himself as Philip and then proceeded to introduce the three ladies who assisted him.
"Right well, we're hungry and then I guess I need to try this armour on!" the man bowed again and the four of them moved off to get them their food. Sitting down at a communal table between their three rooms Jack looked to Conrad and Peter. "What fucking shit has Phoenix gotten us into this time. If he wants to fuck somebody it's going to have to be one of you two." They both looked at each other and laughed before Conrad spoke up. "Fuck off, if it's anybody who's going to be taking it up the arse it's you chief. You see the way that creep fucking stared at you in that uniform. Fucking licking his fingers as he drooled over your body hahaha!" they were taunting him now and he had half a mind to reach over and rip both their throats out but he decided not to.
When nightfall came and it was time for him to go meet this emperor, he was dressed in protective armour provided. Using his jacket to substitute traditional chain mail the chest plate or more importantly metal reinforced kevlar body armor fit snugly around his chest.
As he was used to wearing his dragon's plate underneath or over his regular clothing his overcoat was large enough to accommodate the extra size and fit over his chest plate. For his thighs there were legging like clothing with metal plates strapped around the outside. Standard grieves worked as shin pads and they stopped just after his knee.
He looked quite the part a somewhat modern knight off to fight in a tournament. Jack could only come to the one conclusion about his attire that this Emperor favored himself like an Emperor from ancient Rome and wanted to see people bloody and kill each other. The armour wasn't for their safety it was so they could hit and kill each other in more brutal ways. For a helmet he was wearing a Corinthian type helmet several had been provided but all the clothing he had wore, looked more Mediterranean than classical European. Turning to face his men Jack nodded "Well lads, I'll see you when I get back."
Moments later loud knocking was heard at their door, one of thew female assistants opened the door and it was one of the other many butlers who worked in the mansion. "If you please follow me, Mr O'Connor" Jack followed reluctantly and was escorted by armed guards to a large part of the mansion.
They were always undercover even in parts where he knew was the outside but there were tarps and marques up. He broke out into a medium sized arena and had to duck his head as he moved through what would have been the armory and holding cells.
Eventually he was escorted through a much larger double door archway that lead to the arena floor. Stands on three sides and a wall which was the holding area, it was actually quite beautiful sight. Torches were lit to give them light and along with the emperor and fifty or sixty other guests. "The last of my warriors joins us! Let these games begin!"
The lots had been drawn and now only was Jack's first opponent was a large man about the size of Vetis or even larger. He was also the first to fight tonight. He was fighting a well armored warrior that boasted metal fists the size of an adults skull. Jack assumed that he was used to always fighting people much smaller than Jack so he chose to fight with basically metal boxing gloves. Sighing Jack took the center of the arena and jumped on the spot.
Drawing his weapons, Jack tried to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent. However as the man charged at him Jack's mind went blank, he no longer cared about playing it cool. His heart rate rapidly accelerated as the adrenaline kicked in.
Swinging his mace forward it morphed into a flail as the ball accelerated toward it's target. The chain rushing out of both the handle and the ball as it grew in size. It hit the man cleanly in the chest and knocked him off his feet. With a click of his wrist the chain snaked back so it was a meter long and the male paced around his downed opponent.
The man got to his feet and roared, Jack answered his challenged and weaved under his first swing bringing his cleaver down hard onto his knee but unable to hack in through the metal plating before having to again weave away. However just like a Dempsey role in boxing as Jack weaved away he swung his flail around so it swung in and crashed with the man's thigh. Despite his flail being so heavy the man wore what looked like double bullet proof plated pants shrugged the blow off and continued to come forward.
For the next few minutes Jack and the man exchanged blows until the large man tired out. The kill came quick and spectacularly, flashing in he broke through the metal and opened the man's arm up, before swinging his mace around and knocking him off balance. Jack followed up by push kicking him to get more distance and he launched himself into the air after the man. Just like in 300 Jack brought his cleaver down onto the man's skull. The full weight of his body came crushing down.
Together theyfell to the ground Jack pinned the man's shoulders down as he let go of his cleaver and held his mace in both his ahnds. This man's strength was at least twice that of Jack's however that did nothing for him today. Removing his own him and opening the man's visor so they could see each other. Jack brought his mace down so the flat of the head was being smashed into his nose, blow after blow blood eriupted from his crushed face. There was no longer shape to it, it was just a mess of flesh and blood. Jack let out a laugh as he wiped the blood from his face which only spread it across his face. Standing he bowed to the emperor and the audience before moving across to the docks.
Several fights followed his and four more people died as two guys managed to take themselves out. It was quite spectacular Jack enjoyed it whole heartily. Fighting his common man it was what he was born to do.
After a short period of rest he was once again standing in the arena facing yet another opponent this time he was fighting a spear user. The tall Australian merely watched his opponent he had seen his previous fight, the man had won splendidly using a flurry of thrusts and slashes to wear down his opponent it was indeed beautiful. However the man was also rash and let himself be insulted too easily. Jack had noticed that when the other man had dodged or blocked a few of his strikes the man would instantly follow up with an almost hurried attacked.
Therefore Jack decided it was best for him to not take out his weapons. The man opposite him thought Jack was giving up not wanting to fight. However Jack adopted a fighting pose"Giving up I see?" as Jack took his Aikido stance, the man went red in the face.
"You think you can defeat me? The greatest spear fighter in all of America with your bare hands! In that case I'll end you quickly so you can see the folly of your hubris! Now die!" the man charged at Jack with above average speed but nothing his student Phoenix couldn't match or beat. Jack stepped off to the side and turned his hips so the length of his stomach was in the same direction as the spear thrust. The spear head moved through where his belly button used to be, indeed had he not moved away he would have been impaled by such a strung, committed thrust. The spear head grazed his plate armor. Jack's left fist would slam under the arm pit of the man's following arm as he stepped toward his opponent.
His hands grabbed onto the shaft and performed an Aikido technique called jo dorri. Jack's right hand grabbed the spear between his rear and leading hand, while Jack's other hand grabbed the spear in front of his leading hand. Taking the space Jack performed a spinning motion and cut down similair to how one would swing a bokken. The technique was Shiho Nage. Disarming the man he spun the spear around and stabbed him in the base of the neck. Driving the spear all the way through the back of the skull Jack roared in delight.
OOC: The technique Shiho Nage performed by Saito (at 5:40) in the first video is the way in which Jack performed it. However the second link is another variation, that's shorter and will still get the idea across.
IC:
A huge applause followed as his name was chanted through out the arena in that moment he had a very large feeling of love for his partner Phoenix who has sent him on such a wonderful mission. You know me so well, old friend Jack thought as he raised his arms into the air wielding the spear of the fallen and roared toward the crowed, some yelled back others such as a few women shied away with a giggle or a squeal followed by laughter and applause. Jack moved back to the barracks and looked at some of his opponents they all stood with eyes of contempt, they knew they would have to kill him but they would do it in the arena. For now at least they were brethren.
"Ladies and gentlemen" an announcer called out as he gathered the attention of the crowed "We will now
A few days later (words = 3556)
Two men are facing each other their blades drawn, poised and ready for use. How he got in this position Jack doesn't really know, one thing lead to another. The man he was being sent after wasn't in California. So he hopped onto a ship which was using the age old method of wind as power and sailed to another state. Only when he got there he quickly found out that outsiders weren't particularly welcomes in the so called neutral zones. By neutral they more meant like everyone who isn't us is a cunt. That's sure how Jack felt right now. Slowly Jack backs toward the door where he came, but he can't go any further because there's two very, very large men standing in position at the door. He doesn't even know what he said wrong, all he did was walk into the bar and ask one of the workers if they knew a Steven Tude.
"I'll ask you again, outsider. What do you want with a Mr Steven Tude?" From his tone Jack couldn't work out whether or not he was defending Steven or wanted to kill him. "Just a job" the bartender spat and then growled "What sort of job are yer doing?" Jack shrugged his own blade still raised and his flail ready for use. "That's my own business sir." One of his own men edges closer to him, his own blade drawn and ready to defend Jack to his death if need be. "Jack" Conrad whispered in a hushed voice however Jack waved him aside "not now!"
At the present time Jack is weighing up his options he's faced with three armed thugs opposite him if they decided to press him he wouldn't have a problem defending himself it's Conrad and Peter he's worried about. If they were smart they'd turn and attack the guys at their back and leave the three to Jack. Sighing he decided to make up his mind "Conrad, Peter. Take the guys at the back leave these three to me" they nodded and turned to face the guys who were cutting off their retreat. The three in front thought that Jack would now step back just merely fending them off until they can withdraw. That's incorrect Jack steps forward taking their ground, his left hand is raised up with his cleaver.
First attack was rushed, they wanted to end him quickly, Jack used the blunt of his cleaver to divert the man's attack and let his own momentum carry his hand across the serrated edge of his cleaver. Jack laughed as he saw his blade melt through the flesh as if it were butter and drag itself all the way to the bone. The man's hand was cut deep rendering it useless. He would probably lose it, in this day an age medical supplies were rare and the chance of infection was high.
Circling around Jack stomped the man's knee out and used the but of his blade to knock the man out before continuing to move around. The remaining two. The first kill always had to be fast and brutal, but he didn't want to start a rampage, for now he had defended himself without killing anyone in a gruesome manner.
Didn't I say I was going to kill you?
"Enough!" the barkeeper called out as the two men at the back went down with knives in their chests. "I won't have you lot killing any more of my customers!" Jack laughed. "Do you know what I did to the last barkeeper who was a jerk to me? I took over his bar. Made a nice penny off of it too." When ever you threatened an old man's life work you were sure to stir up some deep feelings of fear. "Tell us what we want to know and we'll be gone!". The bartender swallowed nervously and looked around, "Old man try and reach for that spear and see what happens" he stopped moving.
Suddenly a deep dark voice erupted from somewhere to his right "I'm the man you're looking for kid so put down the blade and have a drink". Jack stared at the new comer and did so. He signaled Conrad and Peter to take up guard posts either side and he moved over the the new man.
The new man was dressed well for travels. With kevlar jackets and pants he was decked out top to bottom in weapons. His hair long and unkempt. He was a modern day cowboy or it could just be the fact that he was wearing a cowboy hat, had an Texan accent and looked like he belonged in Fallout. In any respects Jack sat down and was poured some low grade whiskey in a shot glass. He waited for Steven to pour some for himself before Jack touched he glass and raised it into a toast and downed it. As soon as Jack's neck was exposed Steven lunged at him. Jack however was quicker, his blade was on a quick released clip. Apply upward force as it clips right on out. Swinging himself back in his chair so he touched the one directly behind him to balance himself. He blocked the blade and kicked the table hard into him so he forced Steven back.
Just like he had practiced his quick switch Jack clipped his flail off and clipped back his blade onto his right clip usually reserved for his flail.Launching himself into the air Jack released his flail so it grew in side and morphed from a mace into a huge morning star. Swinging it around Jack brought it down right next to the head of Steven. The ground splintered but the large metal ball stayed at rest, as Steven began to move Jack pressed his foot down on the man's chest and began to crush the life out of him. To finish it all off Jack released the spikes on his morning star's head so the razor sharp blades were only inches away from killing Steven. Jack sighed he had been lied too again by these people. "Conrad! Peter! I want you to burn down this fucking bar and make sure no one gets out alive. This one however and that one I want you to fucking skin alive. You maggots have lied to me for the last time!"
As Conrad and Peter were about to go on with their business a loud whip slashed Peter across the neck and wrapped around him on the second swing, this time taking him to the floor and choking him. Jack's eyes diverted to the new comer, if the man on the floor looked like a cowboy this guy was in fact the real deal. Plate armored kevlar ranger clothes, a star belt with holsters were guns would once be now holstered knives. "I believe I have one of yours now partner. Let him go." Jack laughed and began to crush the man's chest further, you could hear him scream as his rib cage was about to give on out.
Peter however clashed through the whip and escape getting to his feet, however before he could move an arrow whizzed passed his face. Jack just shook his head "Tsk, tsk, tsk, why do you pick on, only peter? I want some love also." A female beside the newcomer drew another arrow and aimed it at Jack. "That can be arranged stranger!" Jack began to apply more pressure on the man's chest. "Your weapons drop them and have my man Conrad here collect them. At the first sign of resistance I kill your man and then every person within this bar." Jack laughed as he stared at the shocked out as the leader began to remove his holsters. The girl was reluctant "Sure you could probably kill me, but with the way she fires those arrows I'll be able to avoid the majority of them and proceed to kill as many people come within my reach".
The girl fumed "Risk is part of the job! Let's just kill him now dammit!" the leader placed his hand onto her shoulder to let her relax and eventually she too surrender her weapons. Jack released the pressure off of the man's chest and instead stopped down hard on his face, breaking his nose and knocking him out. He proceeded to pull out a large scroll breaking the seal. "Are you Steven Trude, of the Desert Outlaws?" the man nodded as he spat in Jack's direction. "Then by the order of Emperor Octavian of California I am charge to oversee the completion of the task you were assigned for and paid for by his royal majesty..." by this stage Jack was getting tired. "Yadda... Yadda it goes on about his magnificence, some more bullshit here and there. If you do not comply I am entitled to kill you, will be given compensation for doing so and then am charged to complete the mission in your stead." Jack sighed as he handed the scroll back to Conrad.
"So here we are mate, you either comply and we go off like lovely friends finish this damned job go home and get paid or you fight us we kill you. Potentially die ourselves and then no one gets paid." His men were tense he could feel it. "So what's it going to be mate? You've been unarmed and I still have your cute little friend here."the man put up his hands and Jack removed his foot from the man's chest. Picking him up by the shirt with one arm he tossed him across the pub to their group. The man slid along a table before crashing to the ground and Jack only laughed. Motioning to a table Jack sat down and called for some whiskey. "So ... apart from the fact that I should fucking kill you right now lets get down to it. Why haven't you guys completed your job yet or died trying?"the man sighed as he took a shot of alcohol.
"Before I tell you I want you to understand just one thing kid. We're no cowards. That being said I don't take the lives of my men lightly I'm not going to put them into danger because of the arrogance of some" Jack stopped him then and there. "Everybody out of the fucking bar!" They didn't want to comply at first and the bartender refused. But all it took was a stare from Jack and him throwing over a large bundle of cash for the man to agree. "When we're done the first round for these guys is on me okay?" the bartender nodded and then Jack looked back at his man. " fat fuck." he finished.
"This self proclaimed Emperor has had it in for him since he turned down his last mission which was more or less a suicide! I don't know what you've done to piss him off kid but you're one unlucky bastard if you're on his radar. He wanted us to take out a well guarded military compound belonging to some of his competition. Currently there are lords, ladies, kings, queens, empresses and emperors but they're nothing next to Barker. So they fight each other to see who has more power. So what happens when one of his generals doesn't want to take on a mission which they know will be a failure they hire people like us. People like you!"
Now it was time for Jack to take the shot, refilling both their glasses after he did so "The intelligence that was provided said this" the man handed him a folder and Jack read it through. Their numbers, patrol times everything you needed to know. "But that wasn't the case." Jack thought for a second before speaking but they spoke at exactly the same time.
"No information is this good"
"No information is this good"
"So then what happened?" the man laughed and took a shot, Jack joined him nodding his thanks as the man refilled his glass. "So we stalled, it was all to fishy. He had us wear uniforms with the insignia's of his competitors on it. If we were successful it could have been anyone of them but if we failed wearing the uniforms of his enemies there would be a war." they drank again this time Jack filled their glasses. "So we backed off, this Octavian wasn't too happy about that so they sent a party after us and we made short work of them. Now he sends you."
Jack grimaced "Well look this is the bottom line. I was put up for this job by my partner who wants to secure jobs from this guy. So we have a few options here. Either we complete this job and Octavian won't bother us unless it for more work and I get more work for my organization. Or we turn this around on him and work for one of the many other lords or what ever they're called who would want this guy off the map."
The man didn't like the sound of that "So are you suggesting we sell out and fight Octavian instead?." Jack laughed "Could you imagine the money." Jack clicked his fingers and Peter brought out a clipboard. "You guys are good. Despite your lesser quality members, but how about you join me. I can make you guys great. we need people like you on the front lines." The man thought about it for a few seconds. Before he could speak, "If you have any doubts how about we have a little test? This base which was so hard for you to penetrate how about we go do it now?" The man was a little shocked "I... this information is useless!" Jack picked it up and tossed it to one of his men. "Then I guess we'll just improvise" standing up "What ever your answer is it's either complete this job or die. But if you think Octavian will let you live long you're kidding yourselves. We however only use them for their money they do not pose any threat to us."
Jack turned to leave "You have a day to talk it over with you men, here are our preliminary contracts, sign them if you all agree to making a deal if not you have until nightfall to get out of here because come morning you're either joining us, completing this job or we'll kill you" Jack motioned to both Conrad and Peter to follow him out.
You choose how to live and how to die!
The next day at around five in the morning Jack and his two guards made their way outside the back of the pub/hotel where they are been staying to find a fully assembled group. He handed back the clipboard with the preliminary contracts on them untouched. "We've decided to finish the job however as for joining you we'll decide that at a later date" Jack nodded. "As for John he has a few broken ribs and won't be fit for the job so we're leaving him behind."
Jack turned as signaled for them to move out without as much as saying a word. The sun was about to rise on the horizon so they still had maybe three hours of travel time before they had to take their first break and then constant breaks from there.
For the next few hours they continued to walk in silence, by the time the sun had risen it was already beginning to get hot. Despite this being the middle of winter deserts could still get hot all time of the year. So Jack and their small little company decided to rest for the next few hours. By nightfall they would make it to a little small mountain range where there was a marked cave that Steven used when he was in this area as a small base. "From there we could scout out the enemy come morning and plan an attack for nighttime."
Jack nodded his agreement as they erected a tent which would keep them all in the shade for the next two hours. They had to carry all their belongings with cars being too expensive and costly to run. "So tell me what is this base we're meant to hit?". Steven handed Jack a can of water and then sighed as he removed his hat. "It's a warehouse of sorts, we saw trucks come in and out of it when we were scouting it. But they have scouts at multiple points. From what we've guessed it that it's probably a large warehouse for say petrol".
The male nodded again, "Yes if you were in possession of a large amount of petrol in this world you would be very rich. But if you blow the place up you lose all that petrol. So our emperor here decided to sacrifice us. When we attack this place it's a trap and we are all killed. Not only does the emperor trick his competitors into fighting each other he probably tips them off so to gain their trust and a cheaper deal on this petrol. He's a businessman after all. Your orders were this, attack the establishment not blow it all up. So this is what we're going to do."
For the next fifteen minutes Jack explained his plan. When he was done they all looked at each other with worried looks. "So let me get this straight. You want us to break in and blow up one of the warehouses without any petrol in it. Then you want us to steal multiple trucks and bring them all the way back to California. From there you just expect us to collect our payment and either leave or join you."
"Now that point I agree with, we are going to collect our payment! So after we collect our payments you're going to contact this Pickmon who owns all this oil which you've just stolen and tell him that his partner just sold him out?" They stared at him for a long while as he sat their contemplating everything.
"Yes. Although I won't be doing the talking. There are a few things we can assume here firstly it was no coincidence that I personally was called up, this emperor never heard of me. At least not directly. No one of his advisers told him." The white of his teeth formed this malicious smile as he thought about it all. "Which means my partner and his Associates planned this all. Not only do we get paid for this job, but the damage we have done to Pickmon is a fraction of what it could have been, he will see this. Then by securing future jobs from Octavian we can also turn around and collect payments from Pickmon."
Steven began to protest but Jack stopped him by lifting his hand "Now lets look at the table, Pickmon loses one or two trucks filled with valuable petrol, he also loses an empty hanger. In exchange he doesn't lose his whole base which would be worth millions plus the loss of lives. He also gains valuable information in knowing that one of his largest competitors is trying to set him up."
A deep laughter exploded out of him as he stared around at the room "But that's not it, my associate is smarter than this. He knows how much businessmen crave information. He'd understand that there's mutual gain continuing to trade with Octavian. But the whole time he would be thinking of a way to wipe the man out. Now if this Pickmon actually wins we're in the green but if it's the flip side we're also in the green." He tossed the empty water can to the side "That's not even taking into account the fact that Octavian has sent a squad after us to kill us all in the event we succeed. So what we're going to do is this."
"We're going to ambush them kill them and then dress them up into the clothes we were provided. After all this is done and my associate contacts Pickmon. He's going to explain it all now Pickmon can contact who ever we've framed and they can not either chose to band together and attack Octavian or do nothing. Either way we've created more enemies for Octavian and kept us in the good books. " So Jack was finished with everything he had to say and just sighed as he bedded down for a nap.
[/ul]
Jack yelled in response to a knock at his door. A small timid girl who was his fifth secretary walked through and motioned for someone or some people to enter in after her. Several men entered the room and at the head of them was the man in charge himself.
"Have a seat"
The Australian said as he motioned to the pair of leather backed seats in front of him and across from his desk. The man who lead them waved off his two guards who just took a step back. Jack glared at the girl which was the sign for her to quickly show them to some comfortable lounges. The lounges were large enough to fit several people and the two of them occupied spots opposite from one another. To their left and next to the fire place which had been well attended. This room was probably the only room so well furnished in this side of the building. Jack's personal quarters were quite bare and spartan like.
"How's did the last delivery come along? I heard that it was quite the difficult job"
Jack's assistant handed the male a drink, black English tea. Which the gentleman accepted with the pompous etiquette he always displayed irrespective of the company he was in. Jack almost felt like yelling out 'Don't be nice to her it'll make her soft' but he chose wisely against it.
"Not that bad I lost a man and two more got injured but we killed thirty."
As the commander it was his duty to ensure the mission succeeded no matter what. If his men died it was on his hands that they died, but if they failed it was because of him.
"Decent. I didn't think such a simple task would prove so difficult."
The man continued to speak as Jack grit his teeth thinking 'He's teasing me the little shit's actually fucking teasing me!'. Jack's hands dropped for a second before returning to the table. He placed his cleaver and mace in wide view only to warn his partner that sometimes it was best to get to the point.
"Why were there so few casualties? Against such odds it's only logical that more would have gotten injured. From the report you wrote and confirmed by your men you initated the enemies while giving the signal for your men to retreat. Effectively you took on up to thirty hostiles alone. Why do you always take such needless risk?"
He placed down his cup of tea and crossed his legs one over the other before resting hands together on top of the other. The purple eyes of Phoenix bore into Jack's unsettling him.
"You risk your life as if it means nothing. Do you forget who you are?"
"I am the commander of Invictus!
"You are the leader of the Grey Mercenary Corps also, you have a larger duty to your company and a larger duty to me. It is not time yet for us to put our plan into action."
They did not look away from each other, Phoenix even went as far as to raise his voice at him. Thinking as to why did he bring two men with him. The only logical solution was that Phoenix was trying to flex his authority.Jack thought for the first time slightly worried that Phoenix had gone off the deep end and lost it. The beast that was Jack O'Connor was quickly being pushed into the corner and just like a lion with it's back against the wall he will attack eventually even if the person he was going to attack was a person he'd die for if need be.
"I have another task for you."
As Jack heard these words anger flared up inside of him. Standing up in a violent manner he even knocked over his drink.
"Just get to the damn point!"
The man growled. Phoenix didn't even blink at the onslaught of verbal rage Jack threw at him, despite the fact that the look he was receiving would make any lesser man cower in fear. No he simply drank his tea comfortably and then returned Jack's stare.
"These two men will oversee the operations of Invictus in your absence"
Turning his head to look at the new pair.
"What's the names? And Conrad and Peter should be in charge when I'm not here!"
The two men Phoenix had brought along with him were standing up, hands on blades and looking at Jack with eyes of hatred. Until Phoenix waved them down, the look Jack gave them was one of contempt. It told them that if Phoenix wasn't here he would have ran at them and cleaved them in half.
"They are my personal guards and more then capable of replacing you for a short while. Conrad and Phoenix will accompany you."
Returning to look at Phoenix his eyes narrowed for a brief moment before relaxing and sitting back down in his large and comfortable chair. A few seconds went by in dead silence, the crackling of wood could be heard. He finally motioned with his hand and he looked around
"So what's this all about?"
For the first time Phoenix paused unsure how to proceed.
"There's a very important job. Well series of jobs, not only for you, but for this whole organization. If you're successful we will increase our standings considerably. Failure, well failure means our existence will be severely threatened.
The younger male drained the last of his tea before continuing.
"Through our contacts we have made the arrangements to have your profile be put forth as a candidate for a certain position."
Jack's eyes widened
"Me?"
He said almost shocked, Phoenix merely rolled his eyes and continued.
"Yes you."
Phoenix proceeded to call in Jack's assistant who entered with a huge file that was almost large enough to be a novel. It contained maps, and detailed reports on what field agents had reported on the matter. Some of it was printed the majority of it was hand written.
"This so far is what we've been given about the mission up to date. He wants to meet with you and to show you off to his, court."
Jack was now stunned
"Show... show me off?"
Jack didn't like the sound of that.
"Yes show you off. From what we've gathered in our numerous missions trying to infiltrate his mansion. This Octavian likes to acquire the strongest fighters. In this case hire them to fight for him or carry out dangerous missions. Before he considers a company for a mission he asks that the company send him their champion and he hosts a tournament."
"You are to fill several roles in his organization but from what's described here they are all very intense combat roles. I would not put it passed him to be involved with gladiatorial like events where combatants fight to the death, all we know is that there is a tournament and sometimes fighters return sometimes they don't. So if from what we've been given by these documents and our contacts on the inside you will probably have to go through some seriously dangerous tests before winning the first contract"
Jack sighed as long as he didn't have to sleep with the man he was fine with it.
"So that's all we know for now. You will have to go to his large estate and be presented in front of his so called court and then serve him for the time being. It really seems that this is one of the few ways to establish a potential long term working relationship with this man. The payment for just showing up and taking part in his tournament is more than we make from several large contracts by our own standards.
He had heard enough, if Phoenix wanted him to do something is was usually best to do it because failure to do so means you've screwed up one of his genius plans.
"Fine, I'll fucking take this job but I swear if these fucks have fucked up everything I've done here with Invictus I will not only gut them in front of the men but I'll probably kill you too!"
With that they were done, the men all got up and left, leaving Jack to brewed over his feelings.
Brushing dust and hair from his clothes, Jack made sure that he looked his best. Several people hurried around him, making the lengths of his pants were correct that his shoes were perfectly shined. Seeing to his uniform to make sure he was perfectly dressed for the occasion. They had got a new sword for him, a ceremonial naval one from the 18th century but Jack turned it down. He liked to have his own steel nice and close.
Adjusting a few weapons around his weapon belt so they were evenly distributed, Jack outstretched his arms horizontally so he could be brushed down like a dog. He stared long and hard in the mirror, for a brief moment he even enjoyed it all.. Sighing he thought to himself You are a grand commander, act like one but he wasn't really the commander that mattered there was always someone above you. In this case, clients, very wealthy and powerful clients, who demanded everything from you. Even your life.
This particular client was no other than a self title emperor, he named himself Octavian, but in all reality all he was, was just a rich man with a private army. It's rumored that prospecting mercenary lords like Jack risk their entire forces just to win his approval.
For a spot on his list meant more wealthy and support that only Barker could match. Certainly for those who wish to fight Barker having individuals such as Octavian as your bank would set you up for a long time. For people like Jack all it meant was a larger, stronger and better equipped army.
It was times like this that he wondered whether or not his partner actually cared for him. Jack was no diplomat yet why was he being sent off to deal with potential clients, especially clients as important as this. They argued long and hard, it ended with Phoenix assuring him that Jack was the man for the job, that Octavian had requested him personally. Of course he didn't refrain from lecturing him on manners.
Slowly Jack reaches for his glass of scotch, two little ice cubes floating in the brown liquid. Lifting it to his mouth he take a large sip of the potent liquor. Instead of placing it down he drains the glass and demands another one. Outstretching the glass to his right, not even looking at where his hand was. Before long he could feel liquid being poured into the glass, turning to see who filled it.
To his surprise a younger male, maybe nineteen or twenty years old stood there. Wearing a uniform reminiscent of what you'd expect officers to be wearing in dress uniforms during the 1940's. He had a jeweled saber strapped to his waist. "Is this a bad time to have disturbed you mister O'Connor?" the boy said at last. Jack shook his head and cautiously finished his glass of whiskey. The boy noticed that Jack had not worn the blade provided and he frowned. "Was the blade not to your liking sir? I can have it replaced. I'm sure the Emperor doesn't mind waiting"
Giving up Jack shook his head again. "No need sir, I was waiting until the end to place it on." Jack motioned for his servants to bring forth a two point harness which was attached to him like a seat belt. There his blade hung on the outside while his own weapons hung on the inside. Slowly he was escorted out of his room and into a banquet hall. An armed escort really? he thought as he made his way into the hall the size of several school halls.
There at the end was a very fat man surrounded by retainers. He was guarded by many different people and all of them were watching Jack thinking the exact same thing as him. How many could I kill before they kill me? he thought. As he approached the throne he stopped at a respectable distance and bowed as he was taught to do. "I've heard a great deal about you and your associates from one of my men." The Emperor motioned to a man Jack recognized as one of his previous clients.
"I have a many of jobs for not only you but for your organization. I've been assured by many that your organization is best suited for my... special needs" the Emperor let out a chilling laugh as he grabbed a hand full of berries and placed them into his mouth. Leaning onto his side the man wearing a toga munched them down and glared at Jack. "Right all is sorted" He waved over his scribe. Which placed in front of him the contract signing it at all points needed he waved everyone away after he placed down his seal.
You say kill and I kill!
The next day he was woken up early by a loud bang at his door, several well armed men walked in and at the front of them was the personal butler of the Emperor.
"This man will be your own personal assistant he will see to every one of your personal needs until your contract is over. These three girls here will assist your butlerand by extension you and your men." Pulling out a scroll the man read several things by decree of his magnificent Emperor Octavian. A large chest was brought in, "Here is some equipment to help you with your trials in the evening familiarize yourself you'll need to be comfortable."
He turned and walked out with his armed escort and Jack flicked open the chest and it was filled with armor, it seemed to be a mix of metal, Kevlar and other materials. "I guess I can wear some of it." Sighing to himself he just looked at his butler"Name?". The man bowed and introduced himself as Philip and then proceeded to introduce the three ladies who assisted him.
"Right well, we're hungry and then I guess I need to try this armour on!" the man bowed again and the four of them moved off to get them their food. Sitting down at a communal table between their three rooms Jack looked to Conrad and Peter. "What fucking shit has Phoenix gotten us into this time. If he wants to fuck somebody it's going to have to be one of you two." They both looked at each other and laughed before Conrad spoke up. "Fuck off, if it's anybody who's going to be taking it up the arse it's you chief. You see the way that creep fucking stared at you in that uniform. Fucking licking his fingers as he drooled over your body hahaha!" they were taunting him now and he had half a mind to reach over and rip both their throats out but he decided not to.
When nightfall came and it was time for him to go meet this emperor, he was dressed in protective armour provided. Using his jacket to substitute traditional chain mail the chest plate or more importantly metal reinforced kevlar body armor fit snugly around his chest.
As he was used to wearing his dragon's plate underneath or over his regular clothing his overcoat was large enough to accommodate the extra size and fit over his chest plate. For his thighs there were legging like clothing with metal plates strapped around the outside. Standard grieves worked as shin pads and they stopped just after his knee.
He looked quite the part a somewhat modern knight off to fight in a tournament. Jack could only come to the one conclusion about his attire that this Emperor favored himself like an Emperor from ancient Rome and wanted to see people bloody and kill each other. The armour wasn't for their safety it was so they could hit and kill each other in more brutal ways. For a helmet he was wearing a Corinthian type helmet several had been provided but all the clothing he had wore, looked more Mediterranean than classical European. Turning to face his men Jack nodded "Well lads, I'll see you when I get back."
Moments later loud knocking was heard at their door, one of thew female assistants opened the door and it was one of the other many butlers who worked in the mansion. "If you please follow me, Mr O'Connor" Jack followed reluctantly and was escorted by armed guards to a large part of the mansion.
They were always undercover even in parts where he knew was the outside but there were tarps and marques up. He broke out into a medium sized arena and had to duck his head as he moved through what would have been the armory and holding cells.
Eventually he was escorted through a much larger double door archway that lead to the arena floor. Stands on three sides and a wall which was the holding area, it was actually quite beautiful sight. Torches were lit to give them light and along with the emperor and fifty or sixty other guests. "The last of my warriors joins us! Let these games begin!"
The lots had been drawn and now only was Jack's first opponent was a large man about the size of Vetis or even larger. He was also the first to fight tonight. He was fighting a well armored warrior that boasted metal fists the size of an adults skull. Jack assumed that he was used to always fighting people much smaller than Jack so he chose to fight with basically metal boxing gloves. Sighing Jack took the center of the arena and jumped on the spot.
Drawing his weapons, Jack tried to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent. However as the man charged at him Jack's mind went blank, he no longer cared about playing it cool. His heart rate rapidly accelerated as the adrenaline kicked in.
Swinging his mace forward it morphed into a flail as the ball accelerated toward it's target. The chain rushing out of both the handle and the ball as it grew in size. It hit the man cleanly in the chest and knocked him off his feet. With a click of his wrist the chain snaked back so it was a meter long and the male paced around his downed opponent.
The man got to his feet and roared, Jack answered his challenged and weaved under his first swing bringing his cleaver down hard onto his knee but unable to hack in through the metal plating before having to again weave away. However just like a Dempsey role in boxing as Jack weaved away he swung his flail around so it swung in and crashed with the man's thigh. Despite his flail being so heavy the man wore what looked like double bullet proof plated pants shrugged the blow off and continued to come forward.
For the next few minutes Jack and the man exchanged blows until the large man tired out. The kill came quick and spectacularly, flashing in he broke through the metal and opened the man's arm up, before swinging his mace around and knocking him off balance. Jack followed up by push kicking him to get more distance and he launched himself into the air after the man. Just like in 300 Jack brought his cleaver down onto the man's skull. The full weight of his body came crushing down.
Together theyfell to the ground Jack pinned the man's shoulders down as he let go of his cleaver and held his mace in both his ahnds. This man's strength was at least twice that of Jack's however that did nothing for him today. Removing his own him and opening the man's visor so they could see each other. Jack brought his mace down so the flat of the head was being smashed into his nose, blow after blow blood eriupted from his crushed face. There was no longer shape to it, it was just a mess of flesh and blood. Jack let out a laugh as he wiped the blood from his face which only spread it across his face. Standing he bowed to the emperor and the audience before moving across to the docks.
Several fights followed his and four more people died as two guys managed to take themselves out. It was quite spectacular Jack enjoyed it whole heartily. Fighting his common man it was what he was born to do.
After a short period of rest he was once again standing in the arena facing yet another opponent this time he was fighting a spear user. The tall Australian merely watched his opponent he had seen his previous fight, the man had won splendidly using a flurry of thrusts and slashes to wear down his opponent it was indeed beautiful. However the man was also rash and let himself be insulted too easily. Jack had noticed that when the other man had dodged or blocked a few of his strikes the man would instantly follow up with an almost hurried attacked.
Therefore Jack decided it was best for him to not take out his weapons. The man opposite him thought Jack was giving up not wanting to fight. However Jack adopted a fighting pose"Giving up I see?" as Jack took his Aikido stance, the man went red in the face.
"You think you can defeat me? The greatest spear fighter in all of America with your bare hands! In that case I'll end you quickly so you can see the folly of your hubris! Now die!" the man charged at Jack with above average speed but nothing his student Phoenix couldn't match or beat. Jack stepped off to the side and turned his hips so the length of his stomach was in the same direction as the spear thrust. The spear head moved through where his belly button used to be, indeed had he not moved away he would have been impaled by such a strung, committed thrust. The spear head grazed his plate armor. Jack's left fist would slam under the arm pit of the man's following arm as he stepped toward his opponent.
His hands grabbed onto the shaft and performed an Aikido technique called jo dorri. Jack's right hand grabbed the spear between his rear and leading hand, while Jack's other hand grabbed the spear in front of his leading hand. Taking the space Jack performed a spinning motion and cut down similair to how one would swing a bokken. The technique was Shiho Nage. Disarming the man he spun the spear around and stabbed him in the base of the neck. Driving the spear all the way through the back of the skull Jack roared in delight.
OOC: The technique Shiho Nage performed by Saito (at 5:40) in the first video is the way in which Jack performed it. However the second link is another variation, that's shorter and will still get the idea across.
IC:
A huge applause followed as his name was chanted through out the arena in that moment he had a very large feeling of love for his partner Phoenix who has sent him on such a wonderful mission. You know me so well, old friend Jack thought as he raised his arms into the air wielding the spear of the fallen and roared toward the crowed, some yelled back others such as a few women shied away with a giggle or a squeal followed by laughter and applause. Jack moved back to the barracks and looked at some of his opponents they all stood with eyes of contempt, they knew they would have to kill him but they would do it in the arena. For now at least they were brethren.
"Ladies and gentlemen" an announcer called out as he gathered the attention of the crowed "We will now
A few days later (words = 3556)
Two men are facing each other their blades drawn, poised and ready for use. How he got in this position Jack doesn't really know, one thing lead to another. The man he was being sent after wasn't in California. So he hopped onto a ship which was using the age old method of wind as power and sailed to another state. Only when he got there he quickly found out that outsiders weren't particularly welcomes in the so called neutral zones. By neutral they more meant like everyone who isn't us is a cunt. That's sure how Jack felt right now. Slowly Jack backs toward the door where he came, but he can't go any further because there's two very, very large men standing in position at the door. He doesn't even know what he said wrong, all he did was walk into the bar and ask one of the workers if they knew a Steven Tude.
"I'll ask you again, outsider. What do you want with a Mr Steven Tude?" From his tone Jack couldn't work out whether or not he was defending Steven or wanted to kill him. "Just a job" the bartender spat and then growled "What sort of job are yer doing?" Jack shrugged his own blade still raised and his flail ready for use. "That's my own business sir." One of his own men edges closer to him, his own blade drawn and ready to defend Jack to his death if need be. "Jack" Conrad whispered in a hushed voice however Jack waved him aside "not now!"
At the present time Jack is weighing up his options he's faced with three armed thugs opposite him if they decided to press him he wouldn't have a problem defending himself it's Conrad and Peter he's worried about. If they were smart they'd turn and attack the guys at their back and leave the three to Jack. Sighing he decided to make up his mind "Conrad, Peter. Take the guys at the back leave these three to me" they nodded and turned to face the guys who were cutting off their retreat. The three in front thought that Jack would now step back just merely fending them off until they can withdraw. That's incorrect Jack steps forward taking their ground, his left hand is raised up with his cleaver.
First attack was rushed, they wanted to end him quickly, Jack used the blunt of his cleaver to divert the man's attack and let his own momentum carry his hand across the serrated edge of his cleaver. Jack laughed as he saw his blade melt through the flesh as if it were butter and drag itself all the way to the bone. The man's hand was cut deep rendering it useless. He would probably lose it, in this day an age medical supplies were rare and the chance of infection was high.
Circling around Jack stomped the man's knee out and used the but of his blade to knock the man out before continuing to move around. The remaining two. The first kill always had to be fast and brutal, but he didn't want to start a rampage, for now he had defended himself without killing anyone in a gruesome manner.
Didn't I say I was going to kill you?
"Enough!" the barkeeper called out as the two men at the back went down with knives in their chests. "I won't have you lot killing any more of my customers!" Jack laughed. "Do you know what I did to the last barkeeper who was a jerk to me? I took over his bar. Made a nice penny off of it too." When ever you threatened an old man's life work you were sure to stir up some deep feelings of fear. "Tell us what we want to know and we'll be gone!". The bartender swallowed nervously and looked around, "Old man try and reach for that spear and see what happens" he stopped moving.
Suddenly a deep dark voice erupted from somewhere to his right "I'm the man you're looking for kid so put down the blade and have a drink". Jack stared at the new comer and did so. He signaled Conrad and Peter to take up guard posts either side and he moved over the the new man.
The new man was dressed well for travels. With kevlar jackets and pants he was decked out top to bottom in weapons. His hair long and unkempt. He was a modern day cowboy or it could just be the fact that he was wearing a cowboy hat, had an Texan accent and looked like he belonged in Fallout. In any respects Jack sat down and was poured some low grade whiskey in a shot glass. He waited for Steven to pour some for himself before Jack touched he glass and raised it into a toast and downed it. As soon as Jack's neck was exposed Steven lunged at him. Jack however was quicker, his blade was on a quick released clip. Apply upward force as it clips right on out. Swinging himself back in his chair so he touched the one directly behind him to balance himself. He blocked the blade and kicked the table hard into him so he forced Steven back.
Just like he had practiced his quick switch Jack clipped his flail off and clipped back his blade onto his right clip usually reserved for his flail.Launching himself into the air Jack released his flail so it grew in side and morphed from a mace into a huge morning star. Swinging it around Jack brought it down right next to the head of Steven. The ground splintered but the large metal ball stayed at rest, as Steven began to move Jack pressed his foot down on the man's chest and began to crush the life out of him. To finish it all off Jack released the spikes on his morning star's head so the razor sharp blades were only inches away from killing Steven. Jack sighed he had been lied too again by these people. "Conrad! Peter! I want you to burn down this fucking bar and make sure no one gets out alive. This one however and that one I want you to fucking skin alive. You maggots have lied to me for the last time!"
As Conrad and Peter were about to go on with their business a loud whip slashed Peter across the neck and wrapped around him on the second swing, this time taking him to the floor and choking him. Jack's eyes diverted to the new comer, if the man on the floor looked like a cowboy this guy was in fact the real deal. Plate armored kevlar ranger clothes, a star belt with holsters were guns would once be now holstered knives. "I believe I have one of yours now partner. Let him go." Jack laughed and began to crush the man's chest further, you could hear him scream as his rib cage was about to give on out.
Peter however clashed through the whip and escape getting to his feet, however before he could move an arrow whizzed passed his face. Jack just shook his head "Tsk, tsk, tsk, why do you pick on, only peter? I want some love also." A female beside the newcomer drew another arrow and aimed it at Jack. "That can be arranged stranger!" Jack began to apply more pressure on the man's chest. "Your weapons drop them and have my man Conrad here collect them. At the first sign of resistance I kill your man and then every person within this bar." Jack laughed as he stared at the shocked out as the leader began to remove his holsters. The girl was reluctant "Sure you could probably kill me, but with the way she fires those arrows I'll be able to avoid the majority of them and proceed to kill as many people come within my reach".
The girl fumed "Risk is part of the job! Let's just kill him now dammit!" the leader placed his hand onto her shoulder to let her relax and eventually she too surrender her weapons. Jack released the pressure off of the man's chest and instead stopped down hard on his face, breaking his nose and knocking him out. He proceeded to pull out a large scroll breaking the seal. "Are you Steven Trude, of the Desert Outlaws?" the man nodded as he spat in Jack's direction. "Then by the order of Emperor Octavian of California I am charge to oversee the completion of the task you were assigned for and paid for by his royal majesty..." by this stage Jack was getting tired. "Yadda... Yadda it goes on about his magnificence, some more bullshit here and there. If you do not comply I am entitled to kill you, will be given compensation for doing so and then am charged to complete the mission in your stead." Jack sighed as he handed the scroll back to Conrad.
"So here we are mate, you either comply and we go off like lovely friends finish this damned job go home and get paid or you fight us we kill you. Potentially die ourselves and then no one gets paid." His men were tense he could feel it. "So what's it going to be mate? You've been unarmed and I still have your cute little friend here."the man put up his hands and Jack removed his foot from the man's chest. Picking him up by the shirt with one arm he tossed him across the pub to their group. The man slid along a table before crashing to the ground and Jack only laughed. Motioning to a table Jack sat down and called for some whiskey. "So ... apart from the fact that I should fucking kill you right now lets get down to it. Why haven't you guys completed your job yet or died trying?"the man sighed as he took a shot of alcohol.
"Before I tell you I want you to understand just one thing kid. We're no cowards. That being said I don't take the lives of my men lightly I'm not going to put them into danger because of the arrogance of some" Jack stopped him then and there. "Everybody out of the fucking bar!" They didn't want to comply at first and the bartender refused. But all it took was a stare from Jack and him throwing over a large bundle of cash for the man to agree. "When we're done the first round for these guys is on me okay?" the bartender nodded and then Jack looked back at his man. " fat fuck." he finished.
"This self proclaimed Emperor has had it in for him since he turned down his last mission which was more or less a suicide! I don't know what you've done to piss him off kid but you're one unlucky bastard if you're on his radar. He wanted us to take out a well guarded military compound belonging to some of his competition. Currently there are lords, ladies, kings, queens, empresses and emperors but they're nothing next to Barker. So they fight each other to see who has more power. So what happens when one of his generals doesn't want to take on a mission which they know will be a failure they hire people like us. People like you!"
Now it was time for Jack to take the shot, refilling both their glasses after he did so "The intelligence that was provided said this" the man handed him a folder and Jack read it through. Their numbers, patrol times everything you needed to know. "But that wasn't the case." Jack thought for a second before speaking but they spoke at exactly the same time.
"No information is this good"
"No information is this good"
"So then what happened?" the man laughed and took a shot, Jack joined him nodding his thanks as the man refilled his glass. "So we stalled, it was all to fishy. He had us wear uniforms with the insignia's of his competitors on it. If we were successful it could have been anyone of them but if we failed wearing the uniforms of his enemies there would be a war." they drank again this time Jack filled their glasses. "So we backed off, this Octavian wasn't too happy about that so they sent a party after us and we made short work of them. Now he sends you."
Jack grimaced "Well look this is the bottom line. I was put up for this job by my partner who wants to secure jobs from this guy. So we have a few options here. Either we complete this job and Octavian won't bother us unless it for more work and I get more work for my organization. Or we turn this around on him and work for one of the many other lords or what ever they're called who would want this guy off the map."
The man didn't like the sound of that "So are you suggesting we sell out and fight Octavian instead?." Jack laughed "Could you imagine the money." Jack clicked his fingers and Peter brought out a clipboard. "You guys are good. Despite your lesser quality members, but how about you join me. I can make you guys great. we need people like you on the front lines." The man thought about it for a few seconds. Before he could speak, "If you have any doubts how about we have a little test? This base which was so hard for you to penetrate how about we go do it now?" The man was a little shocked "I... this information is useless!" Jack picked it up and tossed it to one of his men. "Then I guess we'll just improvise" standing up "What ever your answer is it's either complete this job or die. But if you think Octavian will let you live long you're kidding yourselves. We however only use them for their money they do not pose any threat to us."
Jack turned to leave "You have a day to talk it over with you men, here are our preliminary contracts, sign them if you all agree to making a deal if not you have until nightfall to get out of here because come morning you're either joining us, completing this job or we'll kill you" Jack motioned to both Conrad and Peter to follow him out.
You choose how to live and how to die!
The next day at around five in the morning Jack and his two guards made their way outside the back of the pub/hotel where they are been staying to find a fully assembled group. He handed back the clipboard with the preliminary contracts on them untouched. "We've decided to finish the job however as for joining you we'll decide that at a later date" Jack nodded. "As for John he has a few broken ribs and won't be fit for the job so we're leaving him behind."
Jack turned as signaled for them to move out without as much as saying a word. The sun was about to rise on the horizon so they still had maybe three hours of travel time before they had to take their first break and then constant breaks from there.
For the next few hours they continued to walk in silence, by the time the sun had risen it was already beginning to get hot. Despite this being the middle of winter deserts could still get hot all time of the year. So Jack and their small little company decided to rest for the next few hours. By nightfall they would make it to a little small mountain range where there was a marked cave that Steven used when he was in this area as a small base. "From there we could scout out the enemy come morning and plan an attack for nighttime."
Jack nodded his agreement as they erected a tent which would keep them all in the shade for the next two hours. They had to carry all their belongings with cars being too expensive and costly to run. "So tell me what is this base we're meant to hit?". Steven handed Jack a can of water and then sighed as he removed his hat. "It's a warehouse of sorts, we saw trucks come in and out of it when we were scouting it. But they have scouts at multiple points. From what we've guessed it that it's probably a large warehouse for say petrol".
The male nodded again, "Yes if you were in possession of a large amount of petrol in this world you would be very rich. But if you blow the place up you lose all that petrol. So our emperor here decided to sacrifice us. When we attack this place it's a trap and we are all killed. Not only does the emperor trick his competitors into fighting each other he probably tips them off so to gain their trust and a cheaper deal on this petrol. He's a businessman after all. Your orders were this, attack the establishment not blow it all up. So this is what we're going to do."
For the next fifteen minutes Jack explained his plan. When he was done they all looked at each other with worried looks. "So let me get this straight. You want us to break in and blow up one of the warehouses without any petrol in it. Then you want us to steal multiple trucks and bring them all the way back to California. From there you just expect us to collect our payment and either leave or join you."
"Now that point I agree with, we are going to collect our payment! So after we collect our payments you're going to contact this Pickmon who owns all this oil which you've just stolen and tell him that his partner just sold him out?" They stared at him for a long while as he sat their contemplating everything.
"Yes. Although I won't be doing the talking. There are a few things we can assume here firstly it was no coincidence that I personally was called up, this emperor never heard of me. At least not directly. No one of his advisers told him." The white of his teeth formed this malicious smile as he thought about it all. "Which means my partner and his Associates planned this all. Not only do we get paid for this job, but the damage we have done to Pickmon is a fraction of what it could have been, he will see this. Then by securing future jobs from Octavian we can also turn around and collect payments from Pickmon."
Steven began to protest but Jack stopped him by lifting his hand "Now lets look at the table, Pickmon loses one or two trucks filled with valuable petrol, he also loses an empty hanger. In exchange he doesn't lose his whole base which would be worth millions plus the loss of lives. He also gains valuable information in knowing that one of his largest competitors is trying to set him up."
A deep laughter exploded out of him as he stared around at the room "But that's not it, my associate is smarter than this. He knows how much businessmen crave information. He'd understand that there's mutual gain continuing to trade with Octavian. But the whole time he would be thinking of a way to wipe the man out. Now if this Pickmon actually wins we're in the green but if it's the flip side we're also in the green." He tossed the empty water can to the side "That's not even taking into account the fact that Octavian has sent a squad after us to kill us all in the event we succeed. So what we're going to do is this."
"We're going to ambush them kill them and then dress them up into the clothes we were provided. After all this is done and my associate contacts Pickmon. He's going to explain it all now Pickmon can contact who ever we've framed and they can not either chose to band together and attack Octavian or do nothing. Either way we've created more enemies for Octavian and kept us in the good books. " So Jack was finished with everything he had to say and just sighed as he bedded down for a nap.
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