This logfile is imported from aitelogs2 and may contain errors or wrong timestamps.
Meeting with Cross #2
Cross tilts his head from one side to the other, weighing the question. "As much as I'd like to see that happen? Like I said, we don't have much to go on when it comes to them. They come in unscheduled. Dock at a seemingly random hangar each time. I've got some people looking into it." he says, although his hands quickly rise up, palms outwards, as he realizes the implications of his own words, "I'm not trying to step on anyone's
toes out here. I know Freedom Falls isn't my-... 'territory'. But when something impacts my people negatively, I can't just let it happen. People depend on me to keep them safe. As much as it pains me to say, I don't believe Commander Arius can be trusted to handle something like this. But As soon as my Enforcers come up with any details that can be acted on, I'll have them forward the information your way." he explains.
"What I'm worried about at the moment, is simply the safety of my people. I'd like you to get them back before these thugs have a chance to sell them like-... like merchandise." he says, sounding disgusted at the thought of it.
Vasquez leans back in her chair, propping her chin up against her fist as she glances off to her screen briefly. "I can't believe slavers are operating here... that's-... it won't be allowed. I can't imagine the Commander or the Matriarch would stand for that if they knew. But... I understand you want your people back safely. Of course you do." she says as she looks back to him and nods. "If the militia got involved
there's a risk of collateral damage. Redrock can rescue them, and then we can organize with the local authorities to make sure the batarians don't come anywhere near here again."
Cross gives a sharp nod. "Excellent. I believe Redrock has a strong place here on Aite. The sort of care you've shown for your city is exactly why I came to you. Which is why I'd like to be as open and honest about the situation as possible. The Dome is a small colony of people. I could send my Enforcers in tomorrow and be done with it. But there are good people living there. They have a small defense force. If I were to openly
march my men into their colony, it's likely to cause a big stir. That's how innocent people die." he admits, his tone growing more serious. "So, I say this with absolutely no malice or ill-intent, but you would be acting as the fall guys. I would be hiring you to assist my Enforcers under the Redrock banner. We have enough intel that getting in, shutting these criminals down, and getting out with my people should be simple
enough. The aftermath is what we're trying to contain by bringing you in. If the attack is traced back to me, that's an act of war on a colony that, frankly? Aside from a few scumbags taking up residence there, I have no quarrel with. But if Redrock were to take responsibility, then it's simply a PMC hired to rescue someone's loved one from a bunch of disgusting degenerates. I trust you keep your network secure enough that
our involvement would be hidden from the public eye...?" he asks, falling silent as he waits for it to all set in.
Vasquez once again listens in silence, nodding a few times in agreement. A small smile tugs briefly at the corner of her mouth before she responds. "Your honesty is appreciated. Redrock has no issue acting in that kind of capacity. If we can save innocent people being sold into slavery and prevent unnecessary bloodshed, that sounds like a pretty damn good day to me. And of course we can keep it quiet. It's no one's
business who our clients are but ours. There's still the matter of payment, but I'm sure that won't be an issue for you..."
Cross gives a bright smile. The sort of smile many would consider charming. "I trust you won't clean out my bank account." he says with a chuckle. "There's three targets we would be hitting. Two buildings serving as housing for our opposition and a third building serving as The Dome's security HUB. Commander Brutus of my Enforcers will be providing two small squads. One will move to contain their security measures and ensure we're
able to exfiltrate without any issues. The other will handle one of the housing units. What I ask of Redrock is a method of transportation for everyone and enough manpower to handle the third target independantly. Unfortunately we won't be able to provide any hardware that may be traced back to the Enforcers. I'll leave it to you to decide what a fair price would be." he says before shrugging dismissively, "Double it. This
is as much about forging friendships with a potential ally as it is about business." he admits, "And I'll sleep better knowing I'm doing my part to keep an honest company in business."
Vasquez ' smile manifests fully. "We'll send a written agreement your way with what I'm sure you'll find an acceptable sum. I'd like you to send whatever details you can our way. On the target, on the mission and on the people we'll be working alongside. We can be ready to move in by Friday, depending on the size of your squads."
Cross' smile remains and he nods in turn. "Friday." he repeats, "I'll have Brutus send the details your way as soon as we're back in Adrasteia." he agrees. He places his hands on his knees and gives a quick glance around before resting his gaze on Vasquez once more, "Well, I won't take up any more of your time. I'm sure you're a very busy woman. I look forward to working alongside Redrock Agency."
Vasquez nods, standing up from her seat to shake his hand again. "It's our pleasure to help prevent this kind of... disgusting activity. And your faith in Redrock is appreciated. I'll make sure we live up to it."