Initiate Condemnation

{ MAY 2159 | 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE JENZAYA EXTINCTION }

"Ian! Veronica!" Midas called into the living room where everyone sat. "Meet me in my study!"

Ian stood up. "This is for the next mission, isn't it?"

"Tsk!" Venus fumed in his seat. "When am I gonna get to wreak havoc?"

"You'll get your chance. Now's just not the time," Veronica smirked.

The two headed towards his office and entered, walking in on Midas typing eagerly on his computer.

"Come! Sit! I have some debriefing to do."

The two sat in chairs across his desk.

"I've just found our next opportunity at hurting the Nexus."

"An individual?"

"Yes, Ian. This is going to be a hit-and-run, of some sort."

"Oooh… Sounds interesting..." Veronica leaned in. "Who's the lucky person?"

"So I've done some research in the last week on the government's economical investing, and I came across a company called Initiate Co. based in the Pactolus District. They've apparently got the closest connections to the government in terms of funding. The CEO of Initiate Co., Richard Jennings, is our target."

Veronica's smile grew. "A man with a lot of money…"

"And taking him out will cut the connection of a closely-related company?"

Midas shook his head at Ian. "It'll be more than that. When they need the funds the most, they'll realize this strike has impacted their economy directly. You see, Richard Jennings knows someone in the Nexus personally. That's why his company is so cut-throat with the government. If we sever this connection, the Nexus won't be able to count on Initiate Co. anymore."

"So how're we going to find this guy?" Ian asked.

"We already have." Midas smiled. "I breached an expanded database of work schedules for various departments in various districts, and through filtering 'Richard Jennings', I came across an announcement on one location's dashboard for its employees. It announced the visiting of Richard Jennings to its location on May 18th."

"That's three days from now…"

"Where? What location?" Veronica was curious.

"Let's just say that you'll have hometown advantage, Veronica."

Her eyes grew. "U-Umbra? Umbra District?!"

Midas nodded.

"I haven't been there since… Ever since the last memory I could recall…"

Bloody innards.

"I know, and that's why I've chosen you for this task. Maybe you could rekindle something while you're there. But you can't get too distracted. You're going to be the hitman for this mission."

"Hitman? I'm going to kill Richard Jennings?"

"Yes, Veronica. Ian, you're going to be her support. Not with the kill, but with getting her to her target."

Ian felt uninformed. "And where is this all going to happen?"

Midas laughed awkwardly. "Umbra's Gentlemen's Club."

"A gentlemen's club?!" Ian was surprised.

"You'll be in your proper domain, Sin of Lust." Midas looked towards Veronica. She was breathing heavily. "I'm sure you can already tell what method we'll use to close the gap between you and your target. If you feel uncomfortable with it, you can back out—"

"No." Veronica shot back. "I'll do it. Let me kill him."

Midas was surprised. "He's all yours."

"And for me? What exactly do I have to do?"

"Ian, you're going to attend the club as if you're just a customer. Your presence there is what'll matter though. With the size of the club, nearly everyone will be within your ability's radius. I'm going to give you an ear-chip and communicate who to control at certain times when needed. This is how we'll get Veronica into the club without suspicion."

Ian nodded. He straightened his face.

"Richard Jennings will be visiting the club at 9 pm on that day. We'll properly go over the layout of the club and its security measures by then. Also Veronica, you're gonna need some new 'clothing'..."

"Leave it to me. I'll get it myself," she smirked.

"Good. We've got three days to prepare. Let's be ready in two."

Veronica and Ian nodded in understanding.

The target was highlighted, and the hitters were set.