The Liberal Assassin

A wet towel was pressed against my head as another groan left my lips. My stomach continued to spasm at the thought of the impossible speed and life-threatening turns. Anyone who found that fun had to be out of their mind. I will never again accept a lift on that monster. Once is more than enough and I'll rather train with Nash for a month than go on that again.

"I apologise, Titus. I might have gotten carried away back there."

"You… don't… say…"

Rush chuckled before sitting down beside me. When my stomach finally stopped threatening to climb out of my mouth, I removed the towel and sat up.

"Never again," I said. Rush shot me an apologetic look and nodded.

"Now that you're not screaming for dear life, where would you like to start?"

Looking around I noticed how only the two of us were present. "Where is everyone else?"

Rush shook his head. "I had them run some errands, thought you would appreciate some private time. This isn't a simple trip to the Slums, right? You're probably here to research some things. I've read about your resignation too. A genius like you would never relinquish so easily. What is your endgame?"

Those violet eyes betrayed nothing and I had to admit he was good.

"How about a question for a question? I can answer first."

The smile was cold and violet eyes were guarded. "Sounds good. What's your endgame?"

The poker face I'd perfected over the years came naturally. "I want to cure Luna of its sickness. The society is poisoned. What is your relationship with Ignacio Cross?"

"We were childhood friends. Why did you resign?"

"I had more important roles to play than the Chairperson of Luna Services. Why is Ignacio so afraid of the Red Rumble?"

At that, Rush's poker face broke. "Afraid?"

Not affirming or denying the question made Rush frown and he finally averted his gaze. Hands tightly clasped together, I could feel the anguish rolling off in waves from the man who looked so defeated.

"Did he say that?" the voice was soft and hoarse from the emotions threatening to spill.

"No. His eyes told me so."

"I see. That man still can't hide what he's feeling, huh? It's not a great story. We used to be very close, like brothers. Grew up together, graduated together and all…"

"Used to?"

"Yes, used to. After we left the Inner City for the Slums due to politics and corruption I started the Red Rumble with him. We were successful until that argument. I wanted to change the way Luna worked too. However, Ignacio was against my method of change. After that argument, he disappeared on me and entered the Inner City. It wasn't until the recent announcement that I knew Ignacio was working in the Inner City as a Special Pass worker."

"What was it that he disagreed on?"

Rush chuckled hollowly. "I wanted to plant bombs all over the Inner City as a warning and kill the Parliament members starting with the one we all know."

"Vox Madero?"

Rush smiled. "Ignacio hated the loss of innocent lives. I told him they were collateral damage for the greater good but he was adamant about it. Before I could apologise, he left. We've put up wanted posters of him but he was nowhere to be found in the Slums."

That explained a lot. "You know, I can understand where you come from. Ignacio is someone who believes in righteousness more than justice. It was difficult working with him too."

Rush sighed. "It doesn't matter anymore. He's doing better than I thought he would. I don't want to involve him in my plans. He doesn't need to get his hands dirty."

"I'm guessing you still haven't given up on change?"

Rush shook his head. "No. I would like to set things in motion but there were some complications. The Night Walker, I don't know how to find that elusive man. He is all I need to make that change a reality."

Almost… I almost did a jig of joy when he mentioned the Night Walker. That was my bargaining chip.

"I know who he is. However, in return, I'll need you to agree to work for Luna Services. I need someone familiar with the Slums to manage the logistics and distribution."

Rush eyed me. "Show me proof you know the Night Walker and we have a deal."

"Eh? I can't do that now. If there is anything else I can do to prove how serious I am I would do it in a heartbeat. However, I can't show you proof I know the Night Walker … it requires preparation you know? He is a busy man."

Conceding, the maroon head sighed. "Unless you can help me convince our Pantiumite supplier to continue supplying us Pantiumite, there is no deal."

"If it's simply business negotiations I think I can handle it."

"You don't understand… I'm talking about Area Forty-One. That man is crazy! I've never met him in person before."

"How did you get him to be your supplier then?"

As if reading my mind, Rush nodded. "That man sent us a letter with a batch of Pantiumite telling us to sign the contract if we want to do business with him. It's odd but it worked out until recently. Lately, there have been no supplies and no replies even though we kept our end of the bargain."

"Did you pay him?"

"Not in credits. The man wanted photographs of some locations he would specify. We run his errands while he supplied us Pantiumite."

"How do you know he is in Area Forty-One then?"

"That's where we can easily sneak in and out from the Inner City. The supplier made a tunnel when he got fed up with delivering via drones. He said they were too easily spotted after the fifth interception from a rival gang and told us to pick it up from his house."

"Ok… I don't see the problem then. Is he not answering the door?"

"We don't even get to see the door. The man is crazy. It's not an ordinary house which is why we need the Night Walker."

I glanced at the time reflected on my Orion dialler. "Well, there is still some time left before nightfall. How about we take a look? I could try to talk to him before I contact the Night Walker."

Rush slumped. "I guess you'll just have to see it to believe it. Come on, I promise to go easy this time."

I eyed the demon vehicle and relented reluctantly.

***

Tall walls?

Check.

Traps?

Check.

Homing lasers?

Check.

Deadly chemicals and bio-toxic waste bombs?

Check.

Plasma rays?

Double check.

This was an Area for the mentally unsound not the mentally paranoid! It wasn't hard to get through it but it was absolutely ridiculous. Now I understood what Nash was talking about.

Beside me, Rush shuffled. Seeing the cameras moving and scanning made him nervous. As Titus Crowley, there was hardly anything I could do.

"I guess you meant it when you said only the Night Walker could help you out. Let me try making an arrangement with him, we'll be in touch."

"Yes, please. The sooner the better. Do you want a lift back?"

"It's alright. I prefer to walk. Thanks for the offer."

"Anytime."

The sound of engine roaring to life faded into the distance and I sighed. Whoever this K.S. was, he was madman through and through in more than one way. Why Rush thought it was a good idea to make deals with a loony goes beyond my comprehension. However, that's the least of my concerns.

I sighed and took a last look at the insanity. Now to prepare for an infiltration…