"Wait you can't be serious," Ambitan protested, "We'll just be stomped out like bugs. It doesn't even matter whether or not I'll join."
"If you actually decide to pull off what I think you're trying to do then why should they care? They'll just be indiscriminate with whoever they choose to rain hellfire on."
To this Clemont countered, "Sometimes you have to raise a little hell if you want things to change. Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say."
"Not like your opinion matters. Even if you voice your disagreements do you really think we're going to stop? The Faceless have already committed to the cause."
"Either be a part of this change or stop wasting my time and leave. There's more than enough to do as is," Clemont said, laying down an ultimatum.
Ambitan dragged a bar stool over to him and took a seat. His eyes wandered glancing around the room at anywhere but Clemont. For a bar, the bottles didn't look like they had liquor or anything at all inside them.
The bar itself was also dusty as if one had not cleaned it for a while.
Breaking his musings, Clemont said, "Kid make a decision already. Thinking of other things isn't going to help solve your dilemma right now."
*Tap*
*Tap*
*Tap*
Ambitan's foot rapidly pattered on the floor as he wrangled with his head. 'Do I really want to do this?'
'If I just secure the scholarship then these people will be going after me too? I really would just be joining this broken system I suppose.'
Standing up he kicked the barstool back which drew Clemont's attention, "Well you make a decision yet?"
Ambitan nodded stoically, "I will, I'll join this goddamn thing already."
"Really? Huh, most people sort of get scared off when I talk bout the whole revolution stuff…" Clemont trailed off, "You do know that entails vast amounts of violence right?"
"Seriously Clemont, I know I'm a kid and all but I still grew up here after all. You're acting like violence wasn't ingrained since birth," Ambitan joked.
"Good."
For a minute the conversation between them stagnated, and an awkward atmosphere settled in the air.
From time to time, their eyes would shift around the room, taking in the various objects.
Then, having had enough of this, Ambitan said, "Is that it? Just good?"
"Not some fancy terrorist mission or hostage situation to toss me into? Just… good?"
"Look Ambitan, it's not like we've got some sort of protocol on what to do when recruiting revolutionary child soldiers in the mission of creating a better tomorrow."
"And to answer your question, we're not hitting the Upper Sectors yet. We're establishing ourselves down here. Through vast amounts of violence primarily. But we need a sufficient power base before even thinking of getting those swine."
"So… is there anything for me to do?" asked Ambitan.
"I guess, I guess I'll just fill you in a little more. Just to reiterate what I've said before, you snitch, you die. This bar is a front for The Faceless, which explains those empty bottles. Helps out that alcohol is expensive, so those that can actually afford it don't frequent places like here. The exclusivity really helps out a ton."
"Cheap beers are for those speakeasies on the streets, not that anyone gives a damn."
"So if there's something to do you head over here, assignments are typically handed out here. Word of advice though, integrate yourself into the group first. The others have yet to be informed as to who you are so make sure to not startle them lest you receive a bullet."
"Anyways, you can move out of whatever back alley or so that you've been living in and get a room upstairs. It's a little broken down and there are some holes in the walls but eh, it's probably better than what you've got now. Most likely anything could be considered an upgrade."
"But I've strayed sort of off-topic, once you settle in and get your shit together you're basically going to help gather some information on the Gnashers. You know those child-labor fucks?"
"Yea, they've been awful rowdy so the group sort of wants to make an example of them. That's what was going on a couple of days ago by the way. Now that I think of it though, it shouldn't have been too long after you talked to Vergil that the shootout occurred."
"So you're supposed to get close to several of their victims and try and glean any information you can off of them. Sort of like where they'll be in the upcoming days. If you can, as a great bonus if you could obtain a copy of the key they use to control the chips then that would be great."
"So infiltration? Do I have a story or something or do I just go in and they won't really care?"
"Try not to lash out at the overseers. If you do that won't help you blend in. Also, the chips are programmed for compliance, not complete mind control. Not that that's even possible anyways. So when you're asking the kids questions, try phrasing them in certain ways so that they can actually provide meaningful answers that don't go against the chip."
"Okay if that's it then I'll get started now. Will I be receiving back up so that someone can show me the ropes or nah?" Ambitan asked.
"We're a bit stretched right now, so I'm afraid we can't offer you much. Though for someone so new to this gig and who had such hesitations beforehand, I can't help but notice that you're being abnormally calm about this," Clemont commented.
"Oh no. Dear lord no. I'm scared shitless and I'm out of my mind right now. I'm just acting like it. Slap a smile on my fucking face and nod. Not like freaking out is going to get me any assistance anywho."
"I'm also going to assume that I'm not getting any sort of tools to help me out here? Nothing to trace back to you guys?"
"See?" Clemont cheered, "You've already pretty much got it down pact. You'll do just swimmingly. I'm sure of it."