Just A Game

Dark Angels

     Upstairs Arco paced back and forth, head tilted up. A blue aura glowed around both ears. A voice emanated through the aura, "I am aware you're the first choice of everyone in the Western Sphere. Flawless by every account. But I warn you. This situation is beyond anything you've ever faced. If you were to accept it it would surely push you to your limit." "Dark Angels don't tolerate threats. If this is a threat you will be eradicated" Arco said in a solemn tone. "I do not threaten you but offer prudence. You would be going up against a formidable opponent. Unlike any other you've encountered." "If you're telling the truth what kind of compensation would you offer?" Arco demanded. "I'm a wealthy man Mr. Vane. I can offer ten times the payment you've received from any previous engagement. And that's just for starters. I understand you're currently unable to stay in one place for too long. I could offer a permanent refuge on a set of islands complete with your own air transports. Any weapons, vehicles, tech, or specialists you need I could accommodate." Mr. Abreo said. "Could you assemble an army if we were to need it?" Arco questioned. The request clearly threw Mr. Abreo off guard. He paused for a moment. "Yes, I suppose if that was your desire it could be accomplished." Mr. Abreo remarked slowly. "Lend us this army now and we will accept your terms." Arco spoke firmly. "Ah, clever, however, I cannot lend that kind of assistance in this undertaking. Mr. Vane you must understand, being a man of my reputation I cannot afford to leave any trace of association or connection with you or the operation. It's not a matter of trust but of self preservation. Rest assured if you are to accept this responsibility and succeed you and your members will be rewarded beyond all hope and imagination. If you are to fail, all accords are void. I never knew you and you have your reward. Do you understand?" Mr. Abreo prompted. "Perfectly." Arco replied. "Do we have a deal then?" Mr. Abreo asked with interest. "No. You can keep your filthy wealth." Arco said with indignation. He cut communication and slowly closed his eyes.

     Downstairs the room was a buzz. Pip was entertaining the crowd with what his magnetic legs could do. Sticking perpendicular to the wall where studs were hidden within. A little clumsy but effective to a fault. Even Shenzen and Vectell had drinks and made quiet conversation. With a small sound the room became hushed and very still. The group listened intently as slow footsteps descended the stairs. Every one made a firm resonant sound against the wood as Arco approached with no apparent urgency. He came to the bottom, hands held behind his back meeting the curious stares. "Well don't stop on my account." Arco said, raising his arms and peering with narrow eyes. Arco Vane was the leader of the Dark Angels. His name was known through all of West Sphere. He had dark hair that spiraled around his head in a similar fashion to Pip's. He wore dark pants and shirt with his favorite purple jacket over top. He always left his jackets unzipped. The top was lined with white fur. No one spoke but glanced at each other before Pip spoke up. "Are we moving?" he said with a hint of anxiety. Arco smiled walking closer. "Oh, Pip. You and your wild imagination. I'm quite fond of it you know. No. You've worked hard. All of you. It's time to relax and lay low for a while." Arco replied casually. Pip lit up with excitement but the others appeared unconvinced. "Any news?" Elana pressed. "It's nothing to worry about. An extensive offer but surely a trap. Something too good to be true. I refused." Arco said. There was a pause again. "Well you've gotta tell us more than that." Bludge pleaded. Arco looked at Bludge knowingly, "I was speaking with Mr. Abreo. He was trying to recruit us." "Wait did you just say Abreo?" Bludge said with wide eyes. "Yes Farling Abreo. Quite unusual isn't it? He wanted us to fight a battle he claimed was out of our league. A temptation to be sure." Arco said in a certain voice that sounded like he was analyzing the situation. "Abreo must be desperate to come to us. Why would he risk it with how famous he is?" Fez asked. "Exactly. It's some kind of trick. I wasn't sure of his motives but I'm convinced they're not in our best interest." Arco said. "Did he say anything about the reward?" Bludge inquired expectantly. Arco proceeded to tell them of Mr. Abreo's grand promises. "No way!" Pip said with amazement. "Boss I know you're the boss but don't you think something like this is at least worth looking into?" Bludge said looking as amazed as Pip. "That does sound pretty great." Elana piped in thoughtfully. "No more running." Shenzen added. "What kind of battle?" Fez asked with curiosity. Arco sighed seeing that none of them were ready to dismiss the topic. "According to Mr. Abreo there is a top priority prisoner currently held captive in a stronghold called Surestone. It's in a confidential location secured by the Western Sphere's military." Arco said. "You mean a base we've never heard of?" Pip asked. "Yes. Supposedly it is not public knowledge. The prisoner is charged with serious crimes against the Western Sphere. Mr. Abreo claims these charges are false and that the prisoner is a superlative man who was framed." Arco said. "So why does Abreo care about busting this guy out so bad? He doesn't exactly have a charitable reputation." Fez wondered aloud. "Mr. Abreo said he is a dear friend and close ally. In short he is both a good person and a crucial asset to Mr. Abreo." Arco said. "That doesn't sound too bad. We've invaded Western Sphere bases before and we're already wanted. What gives you the hunch that this is a trick boss?" Bludge asked in an innocent tone. "Something is off about the way Mr. Abreo described the situation. He said that those guarding the stronghold are not ordinary Western Sphere soldiers. Apparently they're the elite. Unlike anything we've ever seen. They wield considerable Jenzu talent. It seems far-fetched to me. Why would the Western Sphere keep their best men huddled around a prison in the middle of nowhere. At least that's the picture I got from what Mr. Abreo was describing." Arco said. Fez paused thoughtfully, "Boss you know I respect your judgement but don't you think it's possible you're overthinking this? The Western Sphere has been building up it's Jenzu presence in recent years. There might be more valuable and dangerous prisoners in there than just this guy." "Maybe they're building it for us." Shenzen said. The comment brought some light laughter. "Boss you know we don't go down easy. We've had some bad missions but there's never been anything we couldn't conquer with some time and planning. This could be our greatest gig ever!" Bludge said with enthusiasm. Arco seemed to consider the ideas. Vectell walked over and stood by Arco. "Come on everyone I'm with the boss. I have never known him to be wrong. He's the most qualified and skilled strategist among us. If he feels uncertain I trust him." Vectell said firmly. "Thank you Vectell. Truly. But they're right." Arco said. Everyone appeared stunned, Vectell most of all. "I might be wrong. The Dark Angels is not a dictatorship. It's a friendship. You all know I do not hold this position to usurp power. I may be the angels head but what good is the head without the arms, legs, and torso. Or the wings. After this discussion I'm not entirely sure of my hasty decision. Especially when I neglected to consult my party. Since there are strong opinions I propose we vote on the matter. I will not participate in the vote because I, myself, am still unsure. Is this satisfactory to everyone?" Arco asked. After glancing at each other there were some nods in the affirmative. "All those who think it wise to reject this mission please raise your hand." Arco declared. Vectell raised his hand. The others contemplated the decision. Shenzen looked as if he was going to raise his hand but did nothing. "All those in favor of accepting it please raise your hand." Arco said. Everyone raised their hand except Vectell and Shenzen. Shenzen appeared torn on the decision even though his vote would not sway the majority. "Come on Shenzen, join team private islands!" Bludge encouraged. Reluctantly Shenzen gave a half smile and raised his hand. "That's what I'm talking about!" Bludge said cheerily. "It's settled then." Arco said. After making a precise gesture with his right hand a blue aura glowed around both sides of Arco's head. "Yes Mr. Abreo It's me again. My apologies, we have changed our minds. The Dark Angels would like to accept your offer."