MERCHANTS I (Ch. 67)

Several day's later Raven is seated

 before his newly acquired laptop set,

(I really should move, at the very least money isn't a problem anymore, it's funny actually, i always thought that'd solve all my problems) he mules watching the video before him with a deep frown, 

(I see why Nathan reached out to me, at least he's learnt to trust friends, so they really are holding Alexa and Ary captive as they do several other streamers and force them to make videos and live streams under tight surveillance), 

{Well they do prefer runaway teens desperate for money and fame},

(Never the less it's disgusting, and this is the only one known),

{How exactly did they end up trapped?},

(This branch of MERCHANTS are known as one of the leading streamer, influencer and Tuber label, they probably only imprison the teens they're sure have no affiliation in order to prevent problems, that and it's beyond likely that they have the police in their back pockets),

{When you have the king of money and power they do nearly anything is possible},

(Apparently i do, it's really to bad mom is away, i'll have to get in the old fashion way),

{And do what? Do you even have a plan?} Silver chastises,

(I might not, but i know who potentially will) he grins thinking to Klaus only to frown thinking back to the abrupt message he'd recieved from Vin's previously unknown number, 

(He mentioned he'd deliver something I'd need to have if im even to begin to go against them, he created them, he caused this, abd worst of all he refuses responsibility) Raven ponders,

{Looking at it from a relatively neutral stand, it really isn't, his only ask was to get the alotted fee every month, how they did was not his concern, nevertheless, he does play a major part in being responsible},

(Well then!, I never thought i'd be heading back to Belgrade quite so soon), he muses as he pulls his bag over his shoulder before heading out of his apartment.

   Raven now seated on the train to Belgrade messages Kaytlin who gets in touch with Klaus in order to coin a plan,

(It seems the most likely to succeed mode of infiltration is to apply for a job then get into tge building),

Hours later and upon exit Warden Nathan and Elaine stand just outside the station smiling as they spot him,

"Hey guys" he calls awkwardly,

"Thanks a lot for this Raven" Elaine responds, "those girls adore you",

"Anytime, so here's the plan....."

 Jimmy stares at the bare walls of the solitary confinement wall mulling deeply over his life ever since the intrusion of Raven Voss, 

(It doesn't add up), me muses, (it really doesn't) he ponders continuously, until a relatively insane thought occurs, (that's only possible if.....),

"Hey!" The guard calls opening the door, "you're luck kid, that father of yours pulled some strings, your getting out on payroll, please, please don't fuck it up, frankly we're all sick of you, you've nesrly crippled ten! Inmates this month and probably injured more overall", Jimmy, still in a state of abject discombobulation while walking past a prison, in this prison are a pair of twin brothers with an ungodly resemblance, then it dawned on him, 

(I can't believe no one realised it., The bastard didn't even bother to change either's name, they never appear together, alway coincidentally and conveniently absent at the time of the other's presence, it's crazy, it realy is, if bullshit like martial arts are real then.... I'm sure!, They're one and the same aren't they!, They're the same person!, Raven Voss Has two bodies!), He concludes with determined belief, (the bastard put me here for no reason!, He was never going to die!, i just need to prove it, and i bloody hell will!), He grins as he exits the prison yard.

With the plan decided and the plot in motion Raven now sporting a black suit, tie and trouser with a white shirt steps up through the [MM] MERCHANT MAVERICK branch, at the door is a brunette lady, definitely in her late teens, 

"Welcome to MM of the MERCHANT'S CONGLOMERATE how may i help you?" She greets cheerfully, Raven beams her a smile having taking note of the four young men in black on either side of the hall each protecting a path leading to a different section of the sky scraper,

(Highest or lowest?),

{The tech boy theoried they'd have the streamers holding cells in a nigh impossible place to find},

(So the safest bet is...)

{Underground},

(In a sky scraper?),

{You're well aware they also own the surrounding buildings},

(Alright then) Raven replies ending their conversation, 

"Good morning ma'am, I'm here for an interview?, I was told to come in for that today"

"Interview?, Name please" she inquires a bit perturbed,

"Damir Dinko",

"Oh yes i have you here" she smiles, "that's an interesting name, you don't look like the typical scandinavian",

"Mixed blood" Raven replies vaguely,

"Ah a man that likes his secrets, or are you just a mystery man?" She chuckles to which he grins,

"Why can't i be both?" He replies when the entrance door opens and a muscular young man in clear gold line glasses, a white suit and side parted hair steps in with six men in black close behind,

{They're all Shifters} Silver notes,

"Good morning VP Darwin" the lady greets towards the man who gives her a nod before turning to Raven in wordless question, quickly picking up on it she responds,

"He's in for an interview" she states,

"Very well, i will conduct it" a Low baritone voice responds, Steeling himself he puts away the urge to cycle his force to prevent being noticed as he follows silently behind him surrounded by his men.

       Eventually they arrive at his office, Darwin pulls his jacket before taking a seat and signalling to the guest chairs, his men exit the room leaving only he and Raven,

"So Mr Raven Voss, you've set workers in your sights, though id strongly advise, it'd be wise of you to abandon this.... shall we call it ...'endeavor'" he states,

"You know me?", (How?),

"You baffle me, for someone whose clearly not inept you ask such questions, three of four crews are gone and in alm incidents you where a major part off now tell me how could i possibly not know you hmm?",

"I'm flattered but i don't need the fans" Raven mocks, "Ale..." 

{Don't!} Silver interjects, {you speak of them and you'll never see them again, you really need to learn to negotiate},

"Illegally holding teen's and young adults in holding cells underground and forcing them to make videos, streams and worst of all 'mature content' for some of your metaly sick viewers, quite a scandal"

"Am i supposed to be scared?, What exactly does your word call for?, How much is it worth?, A pretty face will get you nothing"

"You're right, so i won't be saying it as Raven Voss, i'll be saying it as heir to the Voss Conglomerate" Raven grins Maniacally, Darwin's eyes flash with intent to kill but Raven's grin simply grows wider, 

"That's quite a bluff 'Voss' he mocks"

"It seems even MERCHANT'S ability to gather information cannot rival our own, you may be big, but i know you're not foolish enough to go against us",

"Sophistry" Darwin mocks, "i know a corporate war isn't what you want nor will it get you your desired effect, so tell me, what exactly do you want?"

"To destroy MERCHANTS" he replies definitively,

"Unfortunately i can't allow that" Darwin replies, 

"that really is shame, cause it won't matter" he replies before picking up his buzzing phone,

"Ah i see" he mutters, "the middle floor huh?" Raven states training his eyes on Darwin's, the latters eyes grow colder as the tension rises,

"It really doesn't matter what you say, even the police..."

"Police?" Raven mocks, "I'm well aware the surrounding districts forces are on your payroll" he states, "you know the problem with money?, Even if you have some to bend people to your will it's ultimately fragile to those who either have more or something stronger" he concludes,

"Something stronger?" Darwin bites,

"Shifters" he grins, "i know there's little i can do today, so i'll leave you with a name, 'Rachel Voss'",

Darwin bursts into a fit of chuckles, 

"You'd violate the non interference agreement?, If you do, then MURAKAN steps in",

"So you lot did betray Hide" Raven grins as Darwin quickly picks up on his slip, "Have a good day, DARWIN TRIP" Raven calls as the latters expression goes dark, Raven exits but Darwin still seated picks the office phone and makes a call,

"We've been compromised".