Steel Skin: Pitch Black

31:00 That Katana And Her Baby Brownings

THAT KATANA AND HER BABY BROWNINGS

Puno ngayon ang lahat ng media platforms ng Russia ng iisang balita. The news is even currently broadcasted in televisions sa lahat ng channels. It's like an atomic bomb exploded and now the people of Russia is under hysteria. From the diners, cafes, small-time restos, to radio in all stations, tutok ngayon ang mga tao sa balitang iyon.

Because the largest empire of syndicates, that was declared under hybernation as the flag is raised halfway through the tall pole up front their headquarters, is now under a huge comeback. The television showed an image of the headquarters kung saan nakatayo ang mataas na pole, and the flag is now raised upway the top. Umani ito ng samot-saring reaksyon.

It mattered to them, the people, because it is Russia. No need explanations.

And now everybody saw the Sol et Luna's Alpha coming back.

--

Jourdan Romano gave her suitcase to Novano who is now opening the car's door for her.

"Welcome back." anito sa malalim na boses, suot ang executive suit nitong itim. He even bowed for a second but Jourdan instantly raised her hands, gesturing him to straighten his back again.

Without uttering a single word, pumasok si Romano sa kotse, kaya ito isinara ni Novano at lumipat sa tabi ng driver sa drive seat.

Nang mai-andar na ng driver ang kotse ay nagsalita si Novano.

"The timing is perfect, Maddox and his men is now in Milan." anito. Pinakita nito ang isa na namang litrato sa likuran at pinakita sa Alpha.

Walang emosyong itong tiningnan ni Romano. Saka niya inangat ang tingin papunta sa rear view mirror kung nasaan makikita si Novano.

Muli siyang tumingin sa bintana sa gilid niya.

"Where will he be tonight?" tanging tanong nito.

"At a japanese restaurant somewhere in the city. 9 pm based on his schedule."

"I want the complete address after landing in Milan." sagot ni Romano sa kanya gamit ang malamig nitong boses. Tumango si Novano.

Muling itinago ni Novano ang litrato sa loob ng suit. "He has received the notice of excommunication." anito, saka siya lumingon sa Alpha sa tabi niya.

"And he is fuming mad." dugtong nito. Jourdan curved her lips a little.

"Sino bang hindi magagalit don?" pabulong nitong tanong sa sarili, kaya naman hindi na sumagot si Novano.

"The fact that it's a kind of punishment painful than being black-listed." lumingon si Romano kay Novano matapos itong sabihin, pagkatapos ay nginisihan ito.

"Who would dare not to get mad, Novano?" kalma niyang tanong dito, matapos pawiin ang ngising iyon sa labi.

Namuo ng katahimikan ang paligid matapos magsalita ang Alpha, at hindi na piniling sagutin ni Novano.

Habang tahimik sa upuan niya'y kinuha ni Jourdan mula sa suot niyang coat ang litratong ipinakita sa kanya ni Novano noong unang beses silang nagkita mula sa ilang taong pagtatago.

Nang makuha niya ang litrato'y tinitigan niya ito. She looked how wrecked Valdemar Florentin's face is, lying unconscious at that hospital. She rubbed her thumb at the man's face in the picture. Tumamlay ang mga mata niyang nakatitig sa litrato ng lalaki.

Nang magsalita si Novano.

"All groups have been notified by your return. You have to come to Russia sooner by the way, they will be leaving to hide after seeing the flag like that."