The Bakery Shop
"Good morning. Please gather around, I have a very special announcement to make," Ms. Etty, the shop manager, says, and everybody in the bakery stops what they are doing and pays attention to her. "Our catering services are required at the nearest Motel. We are going to have a very busy day, as the event will commence by 4 pm." Ms. Etty pauses, then clears her throat before proceeding. "Ajoke! I want you and Malik to head to the Motel immediately; their manager has something for me." She informs, and Ajoke nods.
After that, Ajoke and Malik hurry to the Motel in their delivery van. While Malik waits patiently in the lobby, Ajoke goes to talk to the receptionist, who then directs her to the manager. When Malik is waiting for what feels like an eternity, he senses a movement approaching him.
"You're waiting for someone, aren't you?" the stranger asks. Then, Malik turns to face who it is, but the man has half of his face covered with his cap, and he's dressed in a heavy jacket.
"Excuse me?"
"I asked if you're waiting for someone because you've been staring at the receptionist without moving your gaze," the man repeats.
"Yes, I am," Malik responds calmly. "I'm sorry, but have we met?" Malik inquires, and the man lets out a slight laugh, which makes Malik wonder what's funny about his question.
"Does it even matter? What a silly question," the man asks Malik back with a hint of annoyance.
"I don't mean to sound rude, just wondering," Malik apologizes. The man scoffs before speaking.
"Don't worry, we will get to know each other better. Farewell, Malik." The man says when he sees Ajoke approaching.
"Let's go, Malik," Ajoke starts to drag him out. Malik feels restless, as the strange man mentioned his name. How come the man knows his name? Have they really met before? Malik ponders the questions, but he couldn't find an answer. Despite being far from the Motel, Malik can still feel someone's gaze burning holes through him.
The Veil
King Ra'shal's trusted adviser comes in, then bows before his lord. King Ra'shal signals for him to rise and proceed with what he came for. "What's the status of Cane's mission?" The king asks, and with that, the adviser snaps his fingers, then a mist appears. For a moment, it seems like a white smoke, but a second later, the mist displays Commander Cane in the Motel.
"What is he doing?" The king asks, and the informant gets to the business.
"Carrying out your orders, my lord. I sense he's closing in on the target." He responds
"Why was he wearing that ridiculous disguise? He looks vulnerable and insignificant in those clothes," King Ra'shal gives his negative comment.
"He must maintain a low profile, my lord, to avoid detection." The adviser explains. He snaps his fingers again, and the mist disappears.
"Keep me informed about his progress."
"Of course, my lord." He bows once again.
Meanwhile...
Malik and Ajoke return to the bakery, puzzled by the strange encounter.
"What was that all about?" Ajoke asks Malik.
"I have no idea, but I feel like I've met that man before," Malik replies, still wondering about the stranger's familiarity.
As they enter the bakery, Ms. Etty approaches them. "How was your it?" she asks.
"Strange," Malik replies. "We met a weird guy who knew my name." Ms. Etty's expression changes to concern. "What did he look like?" she asks. Malik describes the man, and Ms. Etty's face lighten up.
"I think I know who that might be, our another favorite customer I guess," she says. Then return to her office as Ajoke follows.