Parallel World
March 1986, Cartagena, Colombia
In a dimly lit bar room, the tension was palpable.
"Aron, check it out," Hades said, nodding towards the bag on the table.
"Fifteen Colt 70 pistols, all new, never used," Hades continued. "I also brought you the 500 rounds of ammunition you asked for. They're all in there. You can count them yourself."
Hades reclined on the worn sofa, reaching for the unopened bottle of red wine on the table. He poured himself a glass as Aron, his trading partner, grinned and stubbed out his cigarette. Aron stood, unzipped the black canvas bag, and revealed over a dozen pistols and several boxes of bullets.
He picked up a Colt 70, pulled the slide back, and it made a satisfying click.
"Yes, it's good stuff," Aron said with a look of approval.
After examining the cold steel, Aron nodded to his associate, who promptly produced a thick stack of US dollars and placed it in front of Hades.
Hades counted the money meticulously. Eighty-two hundred-dollar bills, no more, no less.
"Pleasure doing business," Hades said with a smile, pocketing the money. He stood and extended his hand.
The two were old acquaintances. This marked their fourth trade together.
"Hades, do you have any heavy weapons?" Aron inquired, handing the black bag of pistols and bullets to his men.
"What kind of heavy weapons are you looking for?" Hades asked.
"AKs, MP5s, or other automatic rifles. I need something with more firepower."
"Yes, I can get those. How many do you need?"
"The more, the better. Forty if possible."
"Forty? Damn, Aron, are you planning rob a bank? Why so many?"
Aron smiled but didn't answer. Hades knew it wasn't for a bank job. In Colombia, banks were heavily guarded, with police stations nearby. The country was rife with gangs and drug dealers, leading to daily gun battles and countless deaths. Even police officers weren't safe on the streets.
"An AK is easier to get. A brand new AK-47 will cost you $1,000 each, with three magazines and 300 rounds of ammunition."
"That's steep," Aron frowned. "I could get two for an extra $300 outside."
"You can't compare prices like that," Hades said sternly. "The AKs sold outside are second-hand, heavily worn. Mine are brand new, with three magazines and 300 rounds. The bullets alone cost $300. We've done business before. I never overcharge friends."
"Besides, this thing is priceless. If you have so much heavy firepower, are you still worried about not being able to make back the money for this batch of guns?" Hades added with s smirk.
Aron pondered this and realized it made sense. With that arsenal, he could take out a rival's shipment and make a fortune.
"Alright, Hades, you're a shrewd businessman. I want forty AK-47s and an additional 5,000 rounds."
"No problem, but for such a large order, I need a deposit."
"A deposit? Damn it, Hades, you never asked for one before. Why now?"
"Aron, don't be upset. It's a lot of goods. If you change your mind, I'd be stuck with them. A deposit ensures our cooperation remains friendly. Just $10,000."
"Shit," Aron grumbled, but he knew the quality of Hades' weapons. They were clearly produced by a military factory. Not wanting to sour their relationship, Aron signaled his associate, who counted out the deposit from a suitcase.
"This is $10,000, Hades. I expect the same quality as before, or I'll be very unhappy."
Hades took the money with a smile, unfazed by Aron's veiled threat. "Don't worry. There's no better quality in all of Colombia than mine."
He counted the bills quickly and accurately. Satisfied, he pocketed the money, stood, and extended his hand again.
"Aron, it's been a pleasure."
Aron, slightly unsteady, put down his wine glass and shook hands. "Hades, I hope to get the goods as soon as possible."
"Don't worry. You'll have them within three days," Hades assured him.
Aron was impressed. Acquiring that many military-grade AK-47s in three days in Colombia was no small feat. It that the power behind the other party is much stronger than he imagined.
Little did Aron know, Hades had no such connections. He had a powerful secret: a "golden finger".