Enforcer Federico's offer

~~~Two years ago~~~

tuk tuk tuk

Rain drops fell heavily, creating pools of water mixed with blood. Commander Federico tossed the rifle in his arm away. he had long run out of bullets and started using the butt of the gun to bash at the head of who ever he saw.

Sweat and blood lingered on his slightly scarred face. But that didn't bother him, he was on a mission for a reward too tempting even he couldn't give up on. Just as he was about to step inside Ravetech's secret base

"I heard the news but never in my life would I have thought. The Great Federico would turn his back on Earth and side with lunatics". Someone stepped out. He was 6.7, broad shoulders and black flowing hair. neat mustache and bushy beard. looking around at the dead soldiers he shook his head "what a pity"

"I didn't turn my back on Earth Thomas. I'm trying to save it from dying. I don't care what you think of me but I have my orders. I have to get in there." he said while getting into a fighting stance "even if I have to go against you" he sneered. Thomas stood still looking at him "go against me? hahahaha. like you could even touch my beard" he suddenly burst out laughing then took a battle stance "let's see what how much you have improved".

Almost immediately both of them launched at each other and attacked fiercely. Thomas punched from under to give a stunning uppercut but Federico shifted his head backwards slightly to dodge. almost immediately another punch was coming from his right, he lifted up his right arm to block but the blow never came.

"blurgh, argh" he felt pain in his left abdomen and coughed up blood. While his face came down a knee was rushing up to greet it. He reacted quick enough to dodge at first but then another punch landed on his side. Federico pulled back to create space between them.

"I see you're still not good enough

Commander Federico" he sneered.

"I see you're still using tricks in a fight" Federico spat and stood up straight, his hand on his chest.

After what seemed like an eternity Thomas turned around and started walking away.

"..."

"I can see it's useless trying to stop you. Go do what you must but make sure you're on the right side, I wouldn't want to kill my own student" came His final words as he disappeared into the darkness.

Federico stared at that direction for well over five minutes before walking into the building. The next morning news had it that a RaveCorp secret testing lab exploded with head of military Commander Federico in the premises.

~~~Present~~~

"Federico Bellini"

that was a name the ruling families never thought they would hear again. It was surprising to them.

Patriarch Ogawa turned to look at the old general as if asking 'care to explain'. But it seems like even the Guerins didn't know about the situation either. "I know just as much as you do Mr Ogawa. but it seems like we've been fooled" he commented gravely before turning back to face the stand.

"it's been a while since I've attended a meeting like this" Federico's calm voice sounded across the room, silencing every chatter and drawing attention to himself once more. "logically speaking I should be dead. but all thanks to my family and great leader, I'm still here today.... here's to life and family" he raised his glass and got a response from the audience.

"Commander Federico. when you said family just now did you mean the Guerins?" a middle age fat business asked the question that was probably on everybody's mind. " because it seems even the old commander looks suprised".

"no my friend. I wasn't talking about them in the slightest. I mean I was nearly killed by them in the first place" Federico stared calmly but the hatred in his eyes could not be hidden.

(what does he mean my the Guerins nearly killed him)

(wait....is he talking about that explosion that happened two years ago on Ravetech's blacksite?)

(maybe that's what's his is talking about. damn imagine being betrayed by your own people. truly heartbreaking?)

Conversations like these were taking place around the ball room, and with each padding Old man Guerin's face was getting darker from anger. when the General beside him couldn't bear the pressure coming off him anymore, he took a step forward and asked loudly. "how were the Guerins responsible for what happened that day. according to the reports that day. You were out to investigate a case with the potential of disrupting world order and you never gave anybody your destination or take with you any backup." he stopped to look around at the crowd "doesn't this smell of a self-scripted, self-directed act?". he sneered.

Federico looked amused at this accusations and shook his head.

"that day I got an alert that can only be issued to the commander stating that RaveTech is experimenting on humans and developing a new machine that might end up obliterating the planet. further instructions said to move quickly and with a small group to avoid alerting the enemy." Federico gave a disinterested reply and picked up another glass, it was like he wasn't concerned at the least.

"that does not mean we set you up. Does it?" the General fired back.

"it isn't?. then do you mind explaining to me how I got that mission. A mission that only one person in the world can issue?. or how RaveTech's guards knew that I would be there or what route I would take going there. or how the only thing I met in the blacksite was a bomb ten seconds away from blowing." Federico fired off and was getting angrier as each question came out.

He stopped and started regulating his breathing In order to calm down.

The General shrunk back after being attacked like that. naturally he couldn't think of a counter attack, so he just tried to make himself less noticeable.

(damn. so it's really true they set him up?)

(it seems so. now it would be hard for the Guerins to get more soldiers. because nobody wants to be backstabbed. you know that right?).

(you guys seem to be missing something. the mission. he said only one person can issue it. and there was only one person above him in rank.)

the moment this person said so as if planned everyone turned to look at the old Patriarch of the Guerins.

"if it wasn't for His majesty Grant the Emperor's dark guards I would've been dead. and for that I owe him my life. over the past two years I've worked hard for the Emperor and his soldiers. we are now family, and nothing can break than bond.

but we go by a name." Federico continued "we call ourselves Midgard".

All of a sudden there was pin drop silence. it was so silent the you could literally hear someone's breathing from across the room.

(hey it seems I misheard just now. did he say Midgard?)

(oh you heard it too?. I thought i was going crazy. hahaha)

(isn't Midgard the new group who has been causing chaos along the Central's borders recently?)

(it would seem so. and yes he said Midgard).

Side talks erupted barely five seconds later. naturally everyone was shocked.

"I can see that you're misinformed about our campaign. You see we never attacked anybody or anything. What we did was dispose of the Rave Tech black sites used for illegal testing, destroy the caravans that the Guerins used in smuggling weapons to the underworld forces owned by the Schneider family, burned the Private storage units hidden by the McDonald's while giving all the food away to those that really need it" Federico stated in a matter of fact manner. "if anything I would say the leaders are the cause of the chaos. always were, always will be".

"so it's true then?. The Wilkinsons are supporting MidGard as the rumor says. Mr Wilkinson can you give us an explanation of what's going on here?" Old man Guerin finally spoke regarding the issue.

"I wouldn't say I'm supporting them old Patriarch. They merely showed me the truth. Our truth and the way forward. I believe you would understand when you see him too." Finley Wilkinson the current Patriarch said with a vague smile.

"Now with that off the table" Federico retook the stage. "and this meeting in place. I see no perfect time to announce that Midgard is taking over the rulership of planet earth. All rulling Patriarchs are expected to sign these documents relieving themselves off the command of their various sectors." he said while some guards brought in some documents.

"Well all except the Kizuhiko Patriarch. who will be under the research department of Midgard." He added with a smile.

And of course Ogawa was not going to have it. "Do you think I'm a dog who will grovel at your feet. sign what?. I'd rather die than pick up that pen." He practically yelled at the top of his voice. It was understandable because the contract stated that every single machinery and design plan will be passed on to Midgard. his entire life's work.

All the while Federico had been occasionally staring at his watch, as if waiting for some news. Then his watch vibrated. He couldn't stop the smile that was blooming on his face.

"I think that is unnecessary. Because my men just succeeded in taking down your homes and offices. Everything." he paused to look at them. "so you either sign it or none of you will leave here alive tonight". Immediately after he finished talking about two hundred Midgard soldiers rushed into the room with Laser point guns aiming at every single person in the room -except the Wilkinsons- ready to shoot.

"you don't really have a choice here" Federico chuckled and sat down on a chair "you have two hours to come to a likeable response" he added with a mysterious glint in his eyes.