CHAPTER 8 - FAMILIAR

“No. It will be dangerous for Oriana to secretly investigate that syndicate group.” Kate objected. A letter of help came and so, all High Members were present at the Meeting Hall.

            “Please, I want to be of assistance to everyone. I’m familiar with the Sei Language, and we once tried to investigate that group. So, among all of us here, I am the one compatible for this mission.” Oriana pleaded, kneeling on the floor.

            “I’m against it. What would we do if the worst thing will happen?” Biting her lips, Olive opposed her. Her eyes were filled with anxiousness.

            “Do you have any proposal you would like to suggest?” Nathan asked.

            “We could send out Kate instead. She is our best spy. Her specialty is gathering dangerous information after all.” 

            “If she can fully understand Sei Language, then that may have been a possibility. But we have no time to teach her that language, and this matter requires our immediate attention and wisest decision. Sending Oriana to investigate from the inside is our best option.” Venice stated. As the head of the Investigation Department, Venice’s goal is to gain important information with these rare cases and so, they need someone who can fully understand Sei Language.

            “This mission will be held at the bar. In order not to be caught, you need to disguise yourself as a prostitute and entertain them. They can touch you if they want to. You’ll be working with those nasty drunks. Can you handle that?” Leon blurted sheepishly. He does not trust her. Even a percent or two. 

            “If this is the proof of my loyalty, I can.” She looked at him with determination is present in her eyes. 

            “As long as you don’t goof things up.” Raith said cheerfully and smiled.  

            “Zi, if you allow, Raith, Kate, and I will disguise as party people. We will make sure to take the table closest to them.” Natsuki suggested and stood up from his seat, confident that everything will be just fine. Ashriel nodded in agreement.

            “This will take place tomorrow night at the Cire Bar near the capital of Carlibias. We will leave tomorrow morning. Venice will be in charge of the plans.” Venice nodded and took the files scattered on the table when she realized something. She looked at Nathan, who seemed to have the same realization.

            “We? You’re joining?” Nathan asked with his furrowed eyebrows.

            “Why can’t I? Have you forgotten who’s the strongest here?” Ashriel retorted, smirking.

            “I’m fully aware of that, Ash. But you are the Ruler. The Leader of the Empires.” Nathan answered, sibilating the word ‘leader’.

            “Exactly, Carsillion. I’m the leader.” 

            “But-“Nathan swallowed his words when Ashriel pressed her index finger to his lips, shutting his mouth.

            “The eleven of us will go together with Lady Kitori. No more objections. Adjourn.” 

***

               Following the plan, Natsuki, Raith, and Kate disguised as ordinary people, wearing black contact lenses and covert tactical earpieces. Kate wore her black, silky wig as well, while Oriana dressed as an entertainer.

           The mission started at precisely six in the evening. Outside the bar, the remaining High Members are stand by as reinforcement. Kate looked at the following table. There are six men, each has guns.

           Oriana opened the bottle of Bacardi rum, served, and entertained them. The plan flows smoothly. But then, three men stood up and walked away. Oriana cannot leave the table so, she threw Kate a quick look. Kate, being Kate, got her message.

           “Where are you going?” Raith quickly fished Kate’s hand and squeezed it tightly when she stood up.

           “That’s something you must not ask.” She pinched his nose with her free hand the smiled and walked away. The bar was not crowded even though it was a cheap one.

            Something’s not right.

           The three men walked towards a small room and entered it. Kate hissed. There’s no other option left. She looked back to see if someone is following her and when she saw no one, she quickly entered the room. It was dimly lighted and mossy. She was completely unsure of the room’s purpose. 

           “Sir, the deal is almost over.” The tallest man said on the phone. Hearing how close they are, she hid under the old, rusty table. 

           “Make sure to close the deal and get the money. I sent men to ambush them so contact me after your transaction.” The man in the other line answered. Kate gasp quietly. The voice sounds very familiar to her. The man said something, but she couldn’t hear it, so she moved closer. Unfortunately, she bumped the piled rusty tube, echoing a loud noise throughout the whole room. She flinched and covered her mouth.

           “Who’s there?!” The man shouted. She heard the men prepared their guns. 

           Crap. Think Kate. Think!

~ Loyalty needs to be put to test. ~