Chapter 17: Ace the Assassin

The chapter opens with Colonel Johnston, Lt. Campos, and Cpt. Jackson driving towards Purgatory City in their convoy, discussing their plan for the investigation.Cpt. Jackson breaks the silence, asking about the plan, and Lt. Campos takes the lead in explaining their strategy while sighing."The plan is straightforward. Since we've brought a small convoy, we should gain access to the city. We will demand an audience with Ms. Elsa Gates, and if they refuse, we'll threaten to bring in a larger force. Once we meet her, we'll discuss the recent issues and offer assistance if needed."Cpt. Jackson nonchalantly takes a drag from his cigarette. "Alright, sounds good."Colonel Johnston chuckles, appreciating Lt. Campos' initiative. "Great plan, Lieutenant!" He smiles and gives her a thumbs up.Lt. Campos facepalms, muttering, "It's a pretty simple plan, Colonel. You should be able to come up with at least that much, Sir."Colonel Johnston laughs heartily, "Well, I'm more of an act-first type of guy, what can I say?"As the group arrives at the entrance of Purgatory City, they encounter a large gate with a robotic voice greeting them."Welcome to Purgatory City. You may call me Melody. How may I assist you?" the voice says.Colonel Johnston steps forward, introducing himself, "Yes, my name is Colonel Johnston. I'm here with my lieutenant and captain, following orders from the World Government."Melody responds, "Welcome, Colonel. I'll notify the boss that you have arrived."Colonel Johnston expresses his gratitude, but his mind is filled with questions. "Why did she say 'the boss'?" he ponders silently. The group waits outside the gate, curious to see what unfolds.Cpt. Jackson remarks, "This place is nuts. The technology in this city makes our own look like a joke."Lt. Campos adds, "Indeed. Ms. Gates is the smartest person in the world and a technological innovator. Without her, many of the advanced technologies we have wouldn't exist."The gates begin to open, and Melody returns with the news, "You have been granted permission. Welcome to Purgatory City."Meanwhile, atop a towering building, Mr. J gazes down at the city. Melody stands by his side."Mr. J, I have allowed them entrance to Purgatory City," Melody informs him.Mr. J acknowledges her, saying, "Thank you, Melody. It was inevitable that the military would come to investigate. If I ignore them here, they'll only bring reinforcements. Colonel Johnston, the prodigy of the military, he'll be very dangerous to deal with... Assassin, I have a task for you."From the shadows, Ace emerges, reminding Mr. J of their name, "Again, the name is Ace. What do you need?"Mr. J smiles, "What do you think of Colonel Johnston?"Ace ponders for a moment, then responds, "Hmmm, he's quite capable and actually quite interesting. Do you want me to kill him?"Mr. J shakes his head, "No, I don't want him dead. That would raise alarms within the government. I want you to capture him."Ace sighs, slightly disappointed, "Not as fun, but consider it done."Mr. J's smile widens, "Good. Report back to me when you're finished."The narrative shifts back to Colonel Johnston and his group as they stroll through the city, taking in the sights and conducting their investigation.Cpt. Jackson breaks the silence, asking, "So, what's the plan now, Colonel?"Colonel Johnston ponders for a moment before turning his gaze to Lt. Campos.Lt. Campos sighs, aware of her role in guiding the team. "I recommend we split up and conduct further investigations. Something is clearly amiss in the city. Let's reconvene at 1900 St., at the Cafe there."Both Colonel Johnston and Cpt. Jackson nod in agreement, and they disperse to explore different parts of the city. Unbeknownst to them, Ace observes their movements from the shadows.Eventually, the three of them regroup at the Apple Cafe located at the city's center. Opting to sit outside, they order food and drinks.Once settled, Colonel Johnston asks eagerly, "Did either of you find anything?"Cpt. Jackson responds first, his tone filled with disappointment. "Not much, to be honest. I spoke with some citizens, and all they could tell me was that they've seen less of Ms. Gates lately and noticed increased security."Lt. Campos follows up, recounting her findings. "I decided to discreetly gather information from various business owners and underworld contacts. It seems that Ms. Gates was on the verge of launching a groundbreaking program with her artificial intelligence, Melody. This program would have enabled Melody to bridge language barriers, becoming fluent in all languages. However, she encountered difficulties in finding the right algorithm to apply to the AI. That's when she sought the help of an AI expert named Mr. J. He managed to solve the problem, and a few weeks later, Ms. Gates activated Melody to handle many city functions. The remaining details are relatively unimportant."Both Cpt. Jackson and Colonel Johnston are astonished by the wealth of information Lt. Campos has gathered in such a short span of time.As they continue their discussion, their waitress interrupts to take their orders. However, she accidentally spills all their drinks, leading to an apologetic outburst."I AM SO SORRY! LET ME GET SOMETHING TO WIPE IT OFF RIGHT AWAY!" she exclaims, tears welling up.Colonel Johnston and Cpt. Jackson burst into laughter, quickly assuring her that it's not a big deal. Colonel Johnston flashes a warm smile, causing her cheeks to turn rosy, and she hurries off.Lt. Campos looking like a little jealous and Cpt. Jackson chuckling to himself. The moment Lt. Campos sees this she gives him a death stare. The group finishes their meals and prepares to leave. Colonel Johnston concludes, "Based on the information we've gathered, I have a clear picture of what's going on. But there's one final step: we need to visit the Gates building. Let's go!"As they head towards the Gates building, an unexpected interruption occurs—an ominous knife flies through the air, halting their progress."Who's there?" Colonel Johnston calls out, readying himself for a confrontation."Welcome to Purgatory City," a voice echoes, and the three military officials come face to face with Ace, the Assassin.