About an hour later, Palmer and Ronan were settled at the joint. Palmer proceeded to brief him on the reason for the urgent meeting.
" Thank you for meeting me here Ronan", Palmer said as he settled down.
" Don't mention it, besides you're the Boss. Anytime you need me just beckon and I'll respond". Ronan replied.
" So why did you ask me to meet you, you sounded really urgent", Ronan continued.
" Well I have a really important job for you. I can assure you that if you're able to carry out this operation successfully it'll compliment all our previous efforts", Palmer started.
" I think I may have found the mother crystal", Palmer said.
" Wait, what?!, how did you…. How were you..?" , Ronan asked in disbelief. " I thought that was just a myth, a fable made up by the elders. Besides they also said it couldn't be found". He continued.
" Well…, my friend it's as real as the hair on your head. Also I've found it and I want you and your team to get it for me", Palmer replied.
" As we speak, preparations are being made to transport it to the Special forces and Defense Base for more testing. I want you guys to intercept the transport, retrieve the crystal and bring it home to me". Palmer continued as he sipped off his glass of wine.
" How do you expect us to carry out this mission?, Yeah, we specialize in infiltration and breaking into vaults but this is a whole different scenario". Ronan said.
" I trust you and I know you can do this ", Palmer said trying to persuade Ronan.
" Alright, even if we're to do this, what's the strategy. We're going to need a very solid plan". Ronan stated.
" Leave that to me, just get your team ready and meet me at the base tonight for briefing". Palmer said and stood up to leave after gulping down his drink.
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As soon as they were done with their duties at Cadres, Alex and Liam returned to base. On getting there, they went straight to the Lab to complete the test on the powder (Gloo : the name given to the substance by Liam).
On getting the results, they noticed the Gloo contained elements of which they knew nothing about.
" This is….. something is not right. Most of the components of these Gloo can't be found anywhere. They're like myths" ,Alex said looking confused.
" As if you read my mind, I've never seen anything that exhibits these properties. Do you think we should contact our superiors to see if they know anything about these". Liam responded.
" That's a very good idea, but getting to Research Center at Leov, that's a very long journey coupled with the terrain, it's going to take time and that's a luxury we do not have", Alex said.
" But we don't have a choice,do we?", Liam asked Alex.
" Not really. Prepare yourself, we'll set out tomorrow. I'm going to inform the Captain of our trip", Alex replied and left the room.
On his way to the Captain's office, Alex ran into Marcos.
" Yo! Alex, what's up my man", Marcos said as he approached him.
" I'm good, longest time. You're like a rare gem to find, where have you been all this time?", Alex asked.
" To be honest Alex, Combat unit isn't what it seems, all that rigorous training and routines makes it difficult to have free time. So it's been really hard to keep up". Marcos replied.
" Yh, I understand. It not as if we at the Intel unit have it any easier. We've just been trying to keep up especially with the attacks going on". Alex replied.
" Well, how about we go out for a drink and catch up with each other. What do you say?", Marcos suggested.
" About that, I'm really sorry but I don't think I'll be available, I have a deadline to meet on a case. How about moving it to a later date?". Alex replied assuring him they'll surely get together when next they meet.
After talking for some time, Marcos then delivered a message to Alex from his father. He gave him the letter and left. Alex continued to the Captain's office to inform him of the journey he intended to make.
" Good day Captain", Alex greeted as he walked into the room. Apparently the Captain was working on some files scattered on the table.
" Good day to you too, Alex. Go straight to the point and let me know what you want, as you can see I'm very busy". Morgan said with his head still buried in what he was doing.
" I have come to request permission from you that I and my partner intend to travel to Leov for consultation based on our research on the Gloo. I believe we're almost getting a breakthrough on this". Alex said.
" You're free to go, but you guys should do your best to return as soon as possible. By next week we'll be having alot of work on our hands and I'm going to need all hands to be on deck". Morgan replied Alex. He also gave him some other tasks to perform on his way to Leov.
********** *********** ************
On hearing about the new discovery (the crystal), Mark decided to report the case of the Halo crystal suits prototype that was stolen. He went to the General's chambers to brief him on the situation.
On getting there, he knocked and was asked to come in.
" Good afternoon General", he said as he took a seat facing the General.
"Good day Mark, it's been a long time. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?". The General ( aka Anthony)asked.
" Actually, I came here to brief on the inventory taken after the attack on our base at Al-Anon". Mark replied and paused for a while to see if he had Anthony's attention.
" Go on, I'm listening. So what did we lose to the attack". Anthony said as he could sense where the discussion was headed.
" Although we only lost a few men and some really sophisticated weapons, the attackers also carted away something of great value" . Mark Continued.
"What exactly is this equipment or weapon?", Anthony asked impatiently.
"The Halo crystal suits prototype, one of our strongest weapons". Mark replied.
" You said what?!, how could this happen?, Do you have any idea who might be responsible for this?", Anthony blurted out.
"As a matter of fact I don't, but I have a feeling that this new discovery will attract their attention.. I'll advise that put effort to ensure the safe movement of the crystal". Mark replied.
" You can go, I'll look into the issue. Thanks for the update ", Anthony said.
********** ************ ************
With the transportation of the crystal to the base set to take place the next day, Bayne not willing to let go of his 'find of a lifetime' made frantic efforts to sabotage the transfer. When it seemed like all hope was lost for him, he got a connection to Ronan who was also on a mission to get the crystal.
When they met, they got down to business:
" Hello, I'm Bayne and you must be?l", Bayne said as he settled down beside Ronan who was sipping a cup of wine.
" What do you want, Bayne or whatever your name is?", Ronan replied. " I have alot of work to do. He continued.
" Well, as a matter of fact, I got information that you are after the crystal and I'm here to propose a partnership. You've got the Manpower and weapons and I've got information that would help you". Bayne replied.
" So what do you say? Are you up