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***
New York City.
Sitting on the bench, I was getting high. I'd finally managed to reclaim my headphones. Gwen nestled next to me, warming my right side. She was looking through the pictures on my digital. Turns out she was the one who'd stolen it, not me who'd misplaced it. According to her, she wanted to see what I'd 'clicked' on it. Like you had to steal it for that!?
Petra was sitting on a nearby bench. Drawing something. What a flighty girl! But let's get on with it.
We're all together in a little square. Petra, Gwen, Kurt and me. When we teleported together with the guy, he confessed that he had never jumped with someone before, only by himself. I had to stop myself from killing the arsehole! He's a fucking experimenter! He said it was hard to teleport with me and he was tired. Asshole! Anyway, I had no desire to travel this way. Considering the not-so-pleasant sensations during the process itself, I didn't even want to do it! It's hard to describe the journey itself. Even doubly difficult! On the one hand, it is hard to find an acceptable description. To simplify, I felt sick, heavy, my body temperature rose, my whole body ached, my tail whined... um... just kidding. On the other hand, the journey lasted a split second, and when we emerged a hundred metres from the church, all the negativity was gone. It was as if it had never happened! Just a bitter aftertaste, unpleasant memories..... I had to get a taxi. Though I got a little carried away, adjusting the illusion and lost track of time, but we had time in a pinch. The hearing was just about to start.
The last hearing was a mere formality, but we were all very excited! After all, it was today that Petra's final fate was decided. Whether or not the girl would be called Parker. Matt calmed us down and said that everything was already decided, but it was hard to take away the excitement. Our lawyer and my coach in one person turned out to be right. As Murdoch had predicted, the meeting didn't last long. All the formalities were sorted out, my aunt and uncle signed a couple of documents, Petra confirmed for the last time that she wanted to be with this family, and we were released. Uncle Ben and Mei went home to prepare a festive dinner. They wanted to take my little sister with them, but she wanted to stay with us.
As I've already mentioned, I wanted to spend the day on holiday. So we found a small restaurant, had a little refreshment and ended up in this square. I introduced my sister and my girlfriend to Kurt more thoroughly. I only had time to introduce them to each other before the hearing. Too bad Felicia wasn't with us. She's had quite a few absences from the university lately. So she's decided to close them down before the good teachers tell Hardy senior. Because if she found out about it, the cat would have to endure a scandal and temporary reduction of free time, cash, and other liberties. So there was the cat.....
Wagner was in a kind of prostration. He reacted slightly inhibitedly to stimuli, was shy and timid when asked something, so I had to do it for him. I had to make up a little cover story. I didn't want to tell the girls the truth yet. I had to test the validity of my illusion. It would be much better to be noticed by people I could trust than by random people. Of course, I'll tell them the truth, but a little later. Anyway, I could understand Snake's reaction perfectly well. I even felt a little sorry for him. He'd never had any friends before! It was really hard for a guy to go out during the day. And at night he had to hide! Suddenly he's surrounded by people as direct as Petra! The little one frightened him so much that I had to shout at her! Eventually she took offence... and went off to harass the strangers.
The square served as a shelter for various creative people. At the entrance we stood near street musicians for a while, listening to their compositions. Further on there were a couple of trick jugglers. Guys in circus outfits were nimbly tossing in the air and catching all sorts of ceramic dishes. Kurt watched them with interest at first, but then he snorted contemptuously and moved on. I was left to marvel at how the illusion accurately captured the original facial expressions! A little further on we came across a workshop on making what the circus performers were juggling. The girls happily went to learn, and if it were not for the protective aprons, would have got dirty from the feet and up to the ears. But there was joy! Full of joy! Eventually we found an empty bench near a street artist and sat down to rest.
What was I saying? Oh, yes! Petra took offence at me, left poor and unhappy Kurt behind and went to piss off the painter. He was just painting a portrait of a lady with a dog, and then my little sister began to ask him about something. The man held out for a long time, about fifteen minutes. But then he couldn't stand it and looked at me pitifully. Pretending not to see, I quickly took out my headphones and immersed myself in the world of music. The artist looked up into the sky and whispered something. Eventually he paid the girl off with a set of pencils and a piece of paper.
- Hee-yah! - Gwen yanked my headphones and they slid down around my neck, and a camera screen was shoved under my nose. - Who's the hottie?!
Hmmm... The picture was of a red-haired girl, fixed by me in a jump. I tried to remember this face full of freckles...
- I took a picture once. She's a musician, I think. - I said uncertainly, trying to remember the details of our meeting. - Yeah, that's right. Here's the next one. Here are the rest of the guys from her band, I sent her photos to her email later.
- All right...' Gwen says grumpily. - And who's that? A musician too?! Why are you clicking all kinds of girls!
No, I don't understand her. What am I supposed to do, take pictures of blokes? And what can I say to her? You meet a pretty face, you take a photo. It's my hobby. How else can I explain it? Wait, so she's jealous of me?
- Why are you flirting so openly with the teachers? А?! You think I didn't see you smiling sweetly at that old stump?!?
- I wasn't flirting with anyone! He came up to me! I was waiting for you, by the way.
- Yeah, she was waiting for you. I saw you waiting! Flirting all over the place! That you're interested in older men, and you don't care about young boys like me?!
- I wasn't flirting! And anyway...' Gwen paused and looked at me suspiciously. - Why are you joking with me?
- Rather frankly mocking. - muttered Petra from a neighbouring shop.
- Sorry, sorry... - I laughed, for which I paid with a bitten ear.
- Listen, Pete... - after a couple of minutes the girl turned to me. - This friend of yours, he's kind of weird.
Looking at Kurt, I smiled. He was running through the grass, trying to catch up with the dog of the madam whose portrait I was just finishing. The animal was small and had a lot of bows, like a pocket terrier. It was evidently a little afraid of Wagner, perhaps smelling sulphur or something else, but it ran away with all its might. Behind these two children ran in a train. They were as amused by the game as Kurt was. Yeah, what can I say? The guy definitely needs to be out in public as much as possible, or he'll go completely wild...
- Kurt's a good guy. - I suddenly realised I'd been playing the experimenter a little too much. We need to secure our rear end a little bit. - But he's got a little secret. It's almost exactly like Petra's.
- Does he? He's a mu... Mm-mm...' I covered the girl's mouth with mine.
- Hush. - I asked when our mouths finally lost contact. - Can we not talk about this outside? I promise I'll tell you everything, but I'll tell you later. Okay?
- I'll be fine. - Gwen agreed easily. She was silent for a couple of minutes, flipping through the photos, but then she remarked in a rather unexpectedly displeased tone. - Only somehow you have too many secrets, you know. Especially from me!
- Really? - I was actually a little taken aback. - I'm sorry if I was. I thought I told you and Felicia everything. It must have slipped my mind. - and to get away from the slippery subject of trust and mistrust, I turned the conversation back on track. - Here's one more thing. As for Kurt. You keep an eye on him in case I'm away. Okay? Petra's got him worried enough as it is, and there's people coming.
- People? I thought we were just waiting for Cat? All right, all right! Don't tell me, let it be a surprise. I hope it's a nice one. I'll keep an eye on Kurt, of course.
I had to keep my mouth shut. Something tells me Gwen won't like the surprise. Must be a hunch.
Thank the Thunderer Thor, the artist has finally finished the portrait of the lady. The one with the dog. And Madame, after yelling at the hooligans who were 'bothering her with Juju,' took the terrier and proudly lifted her chin and walked away. Kurt, along with the rest of the young kids, was upset. But then the boy saw what Petra was doing and went to the poor artist for paper. He was outraged at first, and shouted that he was being robbed, but noticing this, Petra jumped up to the scene. In the end of twenty minutes of wrangling, the poor man gave her the canvas, frantically gathered up the rest of his supplies and hurried off to change his place of business.
- Tiger!' I pulled my shoulders in sadly when I heard M.J. shout. - Hello again! Gwen, Petra hello!
- Hi Mary Jane. - Gwen gave her a strained smile and elbowed me in the side. Poor me, poor me! Who told me to invite a redheaded girl to come out with us tonight?!
- Hey! Guys! There you are!
Felicia was approaching us from the other entrance to the square, and not alone. Next to her was a guy with short red hair, a little bigger than me, about the same height. Hmm... No! There aren't many people with that hair colour in the world, are there?
- I'd like you to meet her. - she exclaimed with joy. - My friend Harry Osborne! You don't mind if he hangs out with us tonight, do you?!
- How could you?! - I shot a glance at one red-haired girl, and then at the equally red-haired boy, and smiled. - Of course we don't mind! We're all for it! My name's Peter! This is my little sister Petra! - I quickly introduced to each other all those who have not yet had time to get reacquainted, leaving at the end of the sweetest thing. - And this is my friend from kindergarten, you might say! The lovely Mary Jane Watson! She sings very beautifully and will soon become a beautiful and most importantly famous singer! - I pushed the embarrassed MJ right in front of Harry.
- Nice to meet you. - He kissed the girl's hand and smiled idiotically.
- I got it! - I mumbled to myself, barely audibly, so no one else would hear, and smiled slyly. At least one hit for sure. MJ's not bad-looking, not at all! And Harry, he's got a crush! You can't mistake that idiotic smile for anything else. I hope he can get MJ interested in him. It'll make my life better. Judging by how quickly he pulled himself together, he's got some experience.
- What are you whispering? - Gwen's quiet voice made me hiccup nervously, and I was glad I didn't jump up and down. Where's my spider sense when you need it?! - Is this your surprise? Yes?! What's a Tiger?
- Honey, I can explain. Honestly! They made me do it!
It was fun to go on holiday with a big group. It took us quite a while to decide where to go. We all had very different interests, and we could not come to a common denominator. Our fierce argument was eventually broken off by Petra saying that she was hungry. I had to wonder where she could fit so much in. But it was no use arguing. We had to look for a decent place to eat. Harry suggested a karaoke bar, and I supported him wholeheartedly. Obviously, once we were there, we asked MJ to sing for us. I don't need to tell you that one red-haired bloke admired her singing the most.
Then everyone else took turns singing. If the fairer half of our company could still hit the notes decently, the guys, not excluding me, had a terrible voice! But at least we laughed at each other. Kurt gradually got used to the company of so many reasonable people, and Petra actively helped him. She didn't try to bother him any more, though she had to do some more explanatory work with her, and a little indoctrination. The girl decided to go the other way round and began to 'teach the lad how to iron his trousers', or simply how to live.
The other two blondes took the redhead under the elbow, took her aside and began to whisper something to her. I was afraid of what they were doing. But I could tell from the confused looks MJ gave Harry that they'd figured out my plan to get the two of them together. And more importantly, they'd decided to support it! I don't know what they were whispering to her, but by the end of the session, my childhood friend was looking at Osborne with a very interested look.
I, on the other hand, had to communicate with Harry. I must admit I was wary of him at first. Knowing how much trouble his family, and he in particular, could bring me, I was a little prejudiced. If it were up to me, or rather if I had the means, I would have blown up and bankrupted the entire scientific business his father owned. Nothing personal, just a precautionary measure. It sounds a little scary, destroying innocent people, but it's just a thought! And I don't have the resources to pull off such an operation.
Anyway, I've changed my mind about Harry. Or rather, I just stopped smiling so strainedly when talking to him. Harry wasn't as fortunate as one might think. He was well-educated, well-read, and interesting as a conversationalist. He didn't get cocky, didn't act like a millionaire's son. He was interesting to talk to, on a wide variety of subjects. I think we could have become good friends.
Until the evening we roamed from place to place, visiting various places in the city. I think the holiday was a success. At least everyone was satisfied. Mutual interest between the red-haired part of our company, increased by several points. I didn't want to leave, but I got a call from my family. My aunt and uncle wanted to have their part of the conversation with Petra, and to celebrate the change of her surname at home. Harry was quick to find a way out, suggesting a night out at some club. His desire to be together with MJ for longer was obvious. Everyone liked the guy's idea and said goodbye for the time being.
Harry took MJ home. We drove to my place. On the way, we dropped Kurt off at his church. Kite was a little overwhelmed with new emotions, but on a note of optimism, he agreed to come with us to the club. Really, he wanted to stop by the house for a while. To appease that priest who's keeping an eye on him.
***
New York State University.
- Come on! Mr Pierce!
The aforementioned mister swallowed, and tried to squeeze himself even harder into the back of the chair. Under the pressure of the professor's massive back, it only cracked pitifully, refusing to bend any further. With his left hand he frantically fumbled for his tie, and barely managed to loosen it. He stared into the large green eyes as if mesmerised. With a titanic effort the man forced himself to blink and lower his head, thus breaking eye contact. But the trick had failed, and now Pierce was staring involuntarily at the girl's cleavage. As if teasing, the platinum blonde corrected the collar of her white shirt, further exposing her stunning forms.
The man only had to remind himself once again that his wife would be waiting for him at home today. A woman he really loved, who looked like a little Fey against the background of the large and pumped up, but terribly stiff professor.
- 'I must buy Margaret a bunch of flowers!' - he frantically put a notation in his brain.
Stroking the edge of the table with his hands, the man thanked the Almighty for prompting him to buy such a wide piece of furniture! Today, according to the schedule, he was to be the one who had to take the students' time off, and he was not happy about this "gift" of fate. He knew the girl in front of him. He had managed to replace a colleague who taught at her place. This acquaintance was superficial. Although some of the staff shared rumours with him, and he had a rough idea of who Felicia Hardy was. Not a persistent truant, but very close. Pierce was having a lousy day, and he was taking it out on the poor debtors, squeezing them dry. Forcing them to remember things they didn't know they knew. Surprisingly, some of them even remembered.
But such a trick didn't work on this stunning blonde. As soon as she sat down opposite him, the man's heart skipped a beat, and then started to work with redoubled vigour, bringing blood to his face and other organs.
- Well, Mr Pierce! - Hardy sang affectionately, and with an elegant movement she tucked a stray curl behind her ear. - Why don't you give me automatic grades? You'd only save time. Look out the window, it's already evening. It's nighttime! Don't you want to go home?
- 'Yes, home! To my wife!' - The man caught on to the idea, and in one fell swoop grabbed the papers the girl had slipped him. Almost without looking at what he was writing, he gave her the highest mark and handed them to the satisfied blonde with a sharp motion. In his mind he pictured the night he would give Margaret and himself. Hardy snatched the document and, singing something joyful, vanished from the room. - А? - muttered the man coming to his senses and looking round the room. Of the whole crowd of debtors in the room was the last one left for today.
- Professor, I'm ready to answer. - repeated the red-haired boy in embarrassment.
- Ah, Osborne! Give it here! - After marking the grades, Piers handed the paper back to his student. - Don't skip, Osborne! And that's it... keep quiet!
- Of course, sir!
With the door carefully closed behind him, the redhead finally allowed himself to bend over in laughter. What it had cost him to hold back, ten minutes earlier, watching the performance his acquaintance had put on... better not to remember!
- How did I do him? - smiled slyly Felicia that waited for the guy in the corridor.
- You're just perfect! - praised Harry sincerely. Last year, when they had first met, he himself had had a very long time of Felicia Hardy's illness. It had been painful, especially when he had been unequivocally rejected. But the young man was able to develop in himself a little antidote to the causative agent of such diseases. And now beautiful girls did not hurt his heart as much as before. In general, that lesson he learned well, and realised that only status and fortune is not enough in love affairs. - Your talents amaze me! Ha ha ha! I never thought it was possible to close all the tails I had in one day! Thank you so much!
- Stick with me, youngster! And you won't be lost! - She stuck her nose up proudly.
- Ha! I'd love to hold on! - Harry gave his friend an eager look, and sat down on the wide marble window sill.
- I'll beat you up! - Felicia jokingly threatened with her fist.
- That's what I mean! - The lad sullenly frowned.
- And then I'll tell Peter, and he'll beat you up too! - continued the student.
- Whoa! Peter? Your boyfriend? That's who you've been hanging out with lately.
- Boyfriend's not a boyfriend, but he'll beat you up, you bet he will. - the cat's a little embarrassed.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! - The guy didn't pay attention to his friend's change of heart. - Peter? Isn't that the guy who lectures instead of Connors? Someone told me you were hanging around him at the first lecture. I didn't believe it.
- He's not 'the guy'! - Hardy was outraged.
Felicia told her acquaintance a slightly corrected version of her acquaintance with Pete. Avoiding slippery topics of course. Harry wasn't such a good acquaintance, much less a friend. It was just that the cat had always remembered her mother's admonition, and therefore willy-nilly kept in contact with promising or notable students and even some professors. Cynical? Let it be! She had never given it much thought.
Among a bunch of snobs, from the male part of her acquaintances, Harry managed to overcome her feminine charms very quickly. At one time this interested the girl, and she spent a bit of her time on the redhead. Gave a turn, but suddenly realised that among her conditional 'list', the guy is almost the only one with whom it is pleasant to communicate. And who she didn't have to turn her nose up at. As the story unfolded, a cunning plan was hatched in her pretty little head! Her friend Peter Parker had recently, without asking, appointed her finance manager of their still maturing firm. And she had no intention of forgetting such a terrible deed! He had to heap such a burden on her fragile shoulders. Did he really think he could make her work on her own! And he's just going to shut himself in his basement and invent something he doesn't understand?! Ha! I don't think so!
- Listen, Harry. Let me introduce you.
Ha-ha! Let that evil Parker get acquainted and get to work. She can't do it alone, can she?
***
New York City. Slums Hall.
At the appointed time, we stood outside the club. Our little group waited for only two redheads. They were running late, and it was Harry who had set the time. I'd spent so much time getting new clothes for Kurt that I wasn't even late. The clothes I'd modelled for Snake were suitable for everyday wear, but for parties, I needed something more... um, expensive. So I had to use the girls to fast-track the guy into a fancy outfit.
- It doesn't look good. - I nodded at the club building with a slight note of incomprehension. I imagined a more respectable place, and a richer one at that. Two rich people like Harry and Felicia can't go to a bad club, can they? But a shabby-looking house, and in a not-so-wealthy part of town, didn't look like a fancy, expensive nightclub.
- It's not much of a place. Third-rate. - Felicia explained. - I didn't even know about it before. But recently, the owner of the club changed. He's invested a lot of money in it. They've already renovated the inside and installed new equipment, so I had a chance to check it out a couple of times. I have to say, if you don't look from the street, it's a very nice club. Especially since they have a great DJ for tonight's party!
- Didn't you have enough money for the exterior? - I was still sceptical.
- Ha! - the girl smiled at something. - Think of it as the new boss's obsession. He is still that type! You must have heard of him....
- Hela! Guys! Here we are! - interrupting Felicia, MJ and Harry came up to us. - Did you miss us?
- No.' smiled Gwen.
- Of course we did! - The cat exclaimed indignantly, almost simultaneously with her, and poked her fingers accusingly at the latecomers. - Where have you been for so long!?
- I'm sorry. - MJ was embarrassed. - It's my fault, I took too long to get ready.
- Come on, let's go!
They let us in without any questions. The local guards must be familiar with the kind of people the club welcomes at any time of day or night. As soon as Harry said a few words, we were immediately given a girl-administrator, who took us inside and gave us the best table. What can we say about the interior decoration? Felicia was right! From this side of the door, the club was sparkling, and impressive! By the time we arrived, the fun had already started, and the huge dance floor was about half full. We didn't want to rush onto it. I don't know, as others, but without minimum amount of anaesthesia I didn't intend to jerk my bodies, even under such powerful bass!
When the ordered alcohol hit my brains, Gwen finally managed to push me out to dance. Somewhere nearby, my childhood friend was flashing flames, and Harry's green-haired goblin was bouncing along beside her. My almost domestic cat was hovering around a familiar half-demon, laughing madly with him at the pair of them. Club music was blaring in my head. Dozens if not hundreds of people were moving to the beat of the frantically changing tune. All that existed for me were Gwen Stacy's amazing eyes. They were mesmerising, laughing at my clumsy movements. And I laughed with them.
I don't know how long we danced, I didn't feel tired. But after a while, when the alcohol had almost left my mind and blood, we moved back to the table to replenish our energy. Then there was dancing again, and the table again, and dancing, and.... Anyway, time flew by. At some point Felicia said goodbye to us. She needed to go home. Someone called and she left with a sour face. Someone must have told the elder Hardy about her daughter's truancy after all. We were upset, of course, but it was too early to leave, so we decided to hang out a little longer.
About half an hour later, the rest of the ladies went to powder their noses. The three of us went for a smoke, despite the fact that none of us smokes. But it was necessary to get some fresh air. It was quite busy in front of the building. People were walking back and forth. Two guards were explaining something to three tipsy kids in raised tones. Music was playing loudly in one of the cars. Heh-heh, looks like they're having their own party here! Harry was asking me about MJ, and I guess he really liked her. I knew the girl well enough to tell Osborne everything I knew. What she liked and what she didn't like. After all, if it worked out, I'd be happy for the guys. Despite our little disagreements with the girl, I considered her my friend, so I just couldn't wish her anything bad. Harry, as far as I could tell in one day, was a perfect match for her. Smart, handsome, and rich. Of course, I was a little worried about what his father might turn himself into, because it might affect the boy, too. So I'm gonna keep a close eye on their relationship. Just in case.
- I haven't seen Kurt for a while. - Harry said worriedly.
- Yeah, let's go look for him.
Snake felt a little sick, as soon as we were outside, and he staggered off into the nearest alley... to freshen up, so to speak. A bit away from the entrance to the club, we caught a classic picture. A crowd of gangsters of small tailoring in the number of ten or twelve people, surrounded our friend and shouted something to him. The guy was swaying and had his head down. He did not seem to care at all for these personalities. That he demonstrated by dirtying the legs of the most horny type with alcohol, which had not yet had time to digest in his stomach.
- I don't like this business...' Harry whispered quietly, and with a run, pushed the back of the nearest thug with his foot.
- I do! - Someone cheerfully exclaimed, and a shadow swept by me, slamming into the fight.
Noting for myself that it wasn't even a question of whether Harry should fight or not, I rushed to his aid. Limiting the force of the blow, I worked my arms and legs almost reflexively. These bandits were no threat to me. But it was foolish to show off my abilities. So I relied on the skills Shark had taught me in training. And I must say, they alone were enough for me! Perhaps if our opponents had brought out knives or something like that, I might have had to pick up the pace a bit. But the bandits were the wrong kind, and they fought with almost no sneaky tricks. Besides, the four of us, or rather the three of us, were doing fine. Harry didn't like to fight, he said, but he could do it. The man who came to our rescue so unexpectedly was also a good boxer. Yes, he boxed, but he didn't kick much. Snake, still swaying, but somehow incomprehensible to me every time confidently dodged the blows. A master of the drunken fist, hehe.....
After a minute, when most of our opponents were lying under our feet, we got some belated help in the form of the club's security guards. They quickly cleaned up the mess. Some girl in a strict business outfit, hovered near our assistant, and grudgingly but quietly said something to him.
- Leave me alone, Pepper! - He couldn't take it anymore and, having bypassed the lady, came up to me. - Hi. That was a great fight. My name's Tony. There's a reason I went to the club tonight. Ha-ha-ha-ha.
- Tony? Tony stark? - now that he's closer, you can see his face.
- That's him! The man himself! Why, is there a problem? You don't like Tony Starks? I can't stand them either.
- Why did you abandon the cold fusion reactor?
- Why is that? - Tony was almost genuinely surprised. - I have a working model. Just economically, it is not quite profitable ...
- Oh, come on!' I switched to "you" out of indignation. It was aided by the fact that Stark was seven or eight years older than me at most. - I've studied the matter, and your deductions are amazing, but they're incomplete.
- Boy, do you know how many times a day I come across comments like that on the Internet? - Stark frowned slightly.
- And how many people dare to say that to your face? - I wondered curiously. - By the way, have you thought about the fact that the size of such a reactor is essentially secondary? I mean, it could be made quite compact.
- Yeah, a coffee machine would last about a thousand years. - said my interlocutor thoughtfully.
- But I like the idea of aero stabilisers. But again, it is underdeveloped ...
- Do you have any idea how much energy they consume? - replied the billionaire sourly. - There's no point in refining them if there's nowhere to put them... Wait! Are you saying that...?
- Exactly!
- Shit! Come on, let's go to the club and chat. How do you like my club, by the way?
- Your club? It's not bad on the inside, but it's ugly on the outside.
- Hey! You don't understand! That's the whole idea.
It was funny watching the girls' reactions when I introduced them to Tony. Maybe they wouldn't know anything about the next arms magnate, but if he's on TV almost every day, it's hard not to recognise him. It should also be noted that Tony was a very seductive bastard in his own right. Not relying only on his fame, he immediately began to drive wedges to both girls at the same time. And when Harry and I tactfully hinted that he wouldn't get anything, he almost naturally resented and lamented the fact that such beauties had already been taken away. And that he unfortunate billionaire, from such worldly injustice wants to end his life.
Further party passed in even more cheerful way. Stark's appearance was received with a certain amount of crazy fun by the audience, the alcohol was flowing with renewed vigour, the DJ was working off his fee, and the club was going round and round. Though I was tempted to chat with my new acquaintance, I decided to postpone such conversations for a quieter place. Shouting over the music was all the more pointless! Kurt had withdrawn slightly, sobered up and was even dancing a bit rather than sitting curled up at the table. Gwen dragged me back to the dance floor to dance, our redheaded pair of acquaintances lost somewhere. I wanted to look for them, but my personal blonde hinted that they might want to get to know each other more intimately, so I shouldn't interrupt them. It was hard to disagree. Stark was here and there, always at the centre of things. He was with one lady, then another, then both. He wasn't embarrassed by the flashing cameras and the crowds of girls following him around. Tony periodically appeared near our company, joking, beaming with contentment, like a March cat, introduced us to some people..... In general, his security service is not to be envied, it must be very difficult to guard such a violent type!
My opinion of him as a person was twofold. On the one hand, a kindred spirit! Obviously, he circled around because he wanted to communicate on near-scientific topics as much as I did! At the same time he was a true representative of the golden youth. Tony liked to be the centre of everything, he was used to the fact that he could do almost anything and nothing would happen to him. Money and influence solved any controversy. Arbitrary, uncontrollable, egregious - you could either love him blindly or hate him zealously. And I didn't like it...
In any case, such a short acquaintance is not enough to make up my mind whether to have any further relations with him.
At about three o'clock in the morning I got a message on my mobile phone. It sobered me up. I quickly said goodbye to Tony, to the finally drunken redheads, and left the discotheque, dragging Gwen and Kurt with me. The girl immediately noticed that something had happened, but she didn't ask any questions.
- Oh... - Snake exhaled heavily. - Thank you for getting me out of there! I will never drink anything but water again! - swore to us, or to himself, the guy.
- I'm sorry. - I sincerely repented. - I shouldn't have let you drink, and in such quantities.
- It's okay, it's my own fault!
- Kurt, I'm sorry, we can't take you home. You're gonna have to take a taxi yourself. - I pulled out my wallet, counted out a couple of notes and handed them to the guy, who automatically squeezed them.
- Something wrong? You look worried.
I wanted to answer that it was nothing serious, but after a second's hesitation, I realised that it wouldn't be a big deal if I told the truth. On the contrary, it would allow to establish a relationship with the mutant. If I decided to win him over to my side instead of giving him to the bald brainiac, I should be a little more sincere with him.
- Our friend, Felicia. - I began, clarifying the situation for Gwen as well. - She's missing. Knowing her luck, I'm guessing she's been kidnapped.
- Is it that serious?
- It's not the only incident. - I answer grimly. - That's why she's carrying a tracker. Ten minutes ago, it lost the signal.
- Maybe she just drove into a tunnel or something. - Gwen asked doubtfully, because she also carries a tracker, but she doesn't know what it does, apparently. - And the signal was jammed?
- Gwen, do you think so badly of me? - I'm letting a little bit of venomous sarcasm into my voice.
- Sorry, Pete, I wasn't thinking. - I glanced at Kurt, or rather at the illusion that the girl was covering him. At home, I managed to tell her about the guy's appearance and the invention I gave him.
- So what now? How to find her? - asked the serpent.
- Well, I have some ideas about where she's being held. - I didn't want to say that I could trace Felicia's route at home, and set the point where her beacon stopped working, and it would take a long time to explain all the technicalities. - So let's get her out of here! - I'm smiling bloodthirstily.
- I see. - The guy nods, apparently realising what exactly I was going to do. - Maybe... maybe I can help? - he says hesitantly.
- I don't think that's a good idea. - I shake my head. - Your abilities are amazing, but I doubt you'll be able to dodge a bullet. Why would you risk your head and get involved in an unexplained fight?
- I've read the papers and watched the news a couple of times. Peter, you save people! I remember back then... a red spider on your back... and you were fighting a demon back then.....
- It wasn't really a demon. - I frowned. Maybe I shouldn't have hesitated. But to take almost a child to such a dangerous task... well that's kind of.... Of course I'm very worried about Gwen, but I know that the girl has had a lot of training! And Kurt's just a rookie!
- Whatever! - Suddenly, Snake's voice was clear and confident - he'd already made his decision. - If I have powers, I want to help people, just like you! Maybe that's what my purpose is!
- Aaaaaa.... - I howled, there was no time to show off to the guy! I had to act! - Stay close to me! Listen to my instructions! No loose ends! - I'll decide what to do with him later. At the very least, I'll tie him up at home!
Well, well... First we have to make sure that the equipment worked properly. Maybe there's been a malfunction and I'm worrying for nothing. I don't think so. I designed the girls' beacons to perfection. But I have to check and notify Felicia's mother. I knew her number, so there was no problem, except that I didn't get an answer for a long time, so I was beginning to worry about Mrs Hardy. But the second time I got through. A sleepy and disgruntled voice answered. Oh, dear! I'm stupid, a person's asleep at three o'clock in the morning! But it means that.... Quickly talking to the woman, I made sure that it was not her who wanted to see her. Anyway, Lydia woke up quickly, and promised that she would call me as soon as she knew anything. We collectively came to the conclusion that if Koshka had left voluntarily after just one phone call, then it meant that she was talking to someone she knew. The question is, who would that be?
- Gwen. - I spoke to the girl as soon as I hung up. - Listen to the mission. You contact Shark now and ask him for guns, ammo and explosives. Plenty of the latter. And whatever gear you can find for Kurt.
- There are weapons...' the girl interjected in a low voice.
- Where from? - I just sighed heavily, watching her crumple. - Okay, you'll tell me later. Everything else?
- No.
- Well, wake up Shark, then. You'll call me later.
- I will.
I had to get home. I could track Felicia's suspected location in my lab. And I had a few more calls to make.
***
New York City. Slums Hall neighbourhood.
A gorgeous platinum blonde sat in the backseat of an expensive car. A middle-aged man with a short black hedgehog of hair slammed her door softly and a minute later was seated beside the girl on the other side of the car.
- Jacob? What's wrong?
The car started softly, and the man hesitated a moment, smiling happily.
- There's someone here to see you, girl.
- What? Jacob, what do you think you're doing?!
- Easy, Miss Hardy. - The locks on the car doors clanked softly, and the driver turned for a moment to look at the excited girl. - I wouldn't want to spoil such a pretty face, so let's not be silly.
Felicia shuddered. The driver was creepy. Totally white skin, just like the hair on his head. A small nose pressed into his face, thin lips, but at the same time his mouth was quite large. The lower part of his face seemed too big. The man looked like a dead man, a frightful sight.....
- You see, girl,' Jacob, a.k.a. Lydia Hardy's security officer, said, taking her purse and phone away from her, 'it's nothing personal. It's all about the money. Would you say that a steady job and a good salary is better than a one-time fee? No matter how big it is? Well, you're right about something, of course. Except I've been gambling a little bit lately. And gambling debt is--
- Shut up! You idiot! Sit down and shut up!' the scary albino exploded.
As if Felicia had been waiting for this, she elbowed the former security officer in the nose. She curved round and drove her sharp heel into the back of the driver's head. Hearing the cracking sound, the girl was afraid that I was overdoing it and pierced the skull. The car swerved, spun out onto the pavement, and almost crashed into the side of a house. Jacob howled, one hand on his broken and bloody nose, the other trying to grab Cat. But she hit the man in the head a couple more times, and with the third blow, she knocked him out with a precise hit to the temple. Meanwhile, the unharmed driver stopped the car, lowered the back of the seat, and deftly twisted the resisting Felicia. The girl was surprised to realise that this albino was much stronger than an ordinary man, she could not get out of his steel grip no matter how hard she tried. The driver with his free hand easily ripped off the seat belt and tied Cat's hands and feet securely.
- Miss Hardy, I asked you...' Cat shivered under the albino's hard stare, but clenched her teeth and said nothing.
The driver deftly returned the car to the road and drove on. It was much easier to drive through the city at night, so after half an hour the car stopped near a large high-rise office building. The door opened, and a man in a black dinner jacket stared into the cabin. He looked like an albino with sharp facial features, but unlike him he was swarthy. He also had one part of his face that dominated the rest. His forehead bones were suggestive, Felicia had never seen people with such a large forehead before! Taking the girl out of the car, he slung her on his shoulder and entered the building.
- I hope you have realised the futility of any rash actions, Miss Hardy?
The albino, having left the car with the emotionless Jacob near the entrance, accompanied his colleague and 'guest'. Cat had no choice but to nod. She had already realised that her adversaries were mutants, well one of them for sure! So she should wait and find a moment to escape. The albino looked at the girl doubtfully, but still released her legs. The lift took the trio to the right floor and after a couple of minutes they entered a large, spacious and bright office.
At the head of the desk sat a large, one might even say huge dark-skinned bald man. His white jacket seemed to be barely hanging on and was not far from falling apart at the seams.
- Wilson Fisk? - the girl couldn't contain her surprise.
- Ah, Miss Hardy! - he exclaimed good-naturedly. - You're just in time! Tombstone, Sledgehammer, thank you for your prompt delivery, you are dismissed.
The men accompanying the girl left in silence. But Cat didn't pay any attention to that. Her eyes were fixed on another man sitting at a large table to the right of Fisk. The latter answered her with the same look, and the more he looked, the more sadness emanated from the grey-haired man.
- Oh, I guess you've guessed who I want you to meet, Miss Hardy. - The good-natured smile never left his face. - This is your father, Walter Hardy. Aka the cat burglar. A highly respected man in his own community. Well, at least he was until he mysteriously disappeared, cutting all ties with his family. There you go, Mr Cat. And you still didn't believe in my powers of persuasion. What do you say now?
- All right. - the man whispered quietly, his head low. - I'll tell you everything, but don't touch her.
- As you can, Mr Cat. - Fisk sang mockingly. - But she'll have to stay with me for a while. We don't want you to lose your motivation, do we?
Felicia didn't notice how she was taken out of the office, how she was handcuffed, and how she was placed in an iron bag with only one bunk.
Walter came in a couple of hours later. He froze on the threshold, not knowing what to say. His daughter, the little girl he had been forced to leave behind, had turned into a beautiful young woman. But why did she turn away as soon as he entered?
- Do you hate me? - more of an assertion than a question. But there was no answer. His daughter remained silent, Walter sank heavily to the dirty floor of the cell just outside the door. So they sat like that for... how long? The man didn't know, it seemed like an eternity to him.
- I thought.... me and Mum were sure you were in prison.
Walter looked up, his daughter was still sitting with her back to him, her shoulders shaking and pain in her voice.
- I...' the man began uncertainly, but the girl interrupted him.
- You see, we thought so... that's why you couldn't come back to us. But... but you've been out... all this time....
- Felicia, my daughter.
- It was me! I'm the one you shot a week ago! It's been that damn year.
- Daughter! - the man was at his daughter's side in one swift movement. His palm covered her mouth. The cat turned to the man in bewilderment. The man bodied the ceiling with a mere glance. Tilting his head towards Felicia, he whispered faintly. - Cameras.
If Fisk knew about S.I.T.'s connection to the Cat, the man didn't want to shine the spotlight on his daughter. There was no telling how Ambal could use his knowledge. Luckily Felicia quickly realised, and nodded faintly. But then she abruptly broke away from her father's languid embrace and sat down on the edge of the bunk. And Walter was just beginning to realise what his daughter had told him. Reflexes and premonition had done their work a moment earlier, but the realisation of Felicia's words came only now. It was her! He almost shot his own daughter in the head! How could he!? How could he not recognise her!? He didn't care that she was wearing a mask! He had to!
- I'm sorry...' his hands hung limply, his head drooped. - This was not the best place for family revelations.
An inherently frightening realisation came over the man. He'd realised it before, but he'd pushed it away, his brain frantically searching for a way out of the situation. But he couldn't find it. If it continued like this... they would both die. He didn't care about himself! But his daughter! Felicia, she must live!
- Why? Why didn't you even visit us? - the girl asked quietly.
- I did. I watched your life to the best of my ability. But I never showed my face to you. I was afraid that if I was seen with you they would try to strike through you, Lydia ...
- But why? Why?
- Here. - The cat touched his head with his finger. - There is very valuable, but incredibly dangerous information stored here. To get it, many people would do anything to get it..... That's why I had to leave. In fact, I turned myself in voluntarily, confessed to some of my thefts. I thought that prison would be the best place in the world to hide me. But then they pulled me out. I was too valuable to let my talent rot behind bars.
- You're not lying? - The girl asked in a strange tone. The cat raised his head and faced the scrutinising gaze of large green eyes.
- No.' he answered simply.
- Daddy...
The girl climbed unceremoniously into the man's arms, the handcuffs preventing her from embracing him, so she rubbed her head against his cheek, grabbing Walter's shirt. When he pulled away, she grinned through her teeth and wiggled her legs like a child. The contrast was so striking that the former thief was confused for a few minutes. For another second the daughter was terribly offended at him, sulking, crying, and pulling away. And now she is already happy to the full and as if there were not so many years of separation sits on his lap and chattering her legs!
- Don't think I've forgiven you! - The girl pouted her lips pretentiously. - You will have to beg for forgiveness for a long time! You had to come up with such a stupid plan. Oh, you've got your mum to explain to! In case you've forgotten, she's not as forgiving as I am. Here! And then there's this.
- Stop! Stop! You'll strangle her! - the man laughed, and went into a whisper. - At least let me uncuff you.
- What? How? I've tried, but they won't budge. - The bracelets on the girl's wrists were unusual, wide as if they were some kind of shackles, and they were connected to each other like magnets. Felicia had never seen them before and had no idea how to switch them off. But her father had to fiddle with them for ten minutes, having previously closed their backs to the camera, and the girl's hands were free. - Cool! - exclaimed the girl in a whisper. - Teach me! Teach me! Come on, please!
- All right, all right! Just don't shout and don't wave your arms, or they'll notice.
- No, they won't! They won't! They turned off the lights, and these cameras don't have a night mode!
- Right. Good girl!
- Ha! I am! - replied the girl proudly.
- Well, I'll bet you are! - the man got serious. - Listen, and Lydia is she.
- She's fine. - confidently interrupted the daughter. - She's strong! You know she is.
- By the way, have you got anyone else? I think it's about time...' Walter smiled slyly.
- Yeah, well... there's someone here...' The cat was embarrassed, the question confusing her. On the one hand she had no one. But her father's question made her wonder. Does she really feel nothing for anyone? - Only it's nothing serious! I'm not sure yet! - and trying to change the subject, she asked. - When will they come to rescue you?
- I'm afraid,' said the thief, 'that they never will.
- How so? - the girl was surprised. - You seem to work for serious people, don't you?
- I... you could say I'm a freelancer. I had to ask my superiors not to interfere in cases like this. I just didn't reckon I'd end up in the gang with you.... I... I felt like I'd burned all my bridges! I can't imagine how they came out on you and your mother.
Felicia frowned, trying to understand why her father had asked his superiors not to interfere. The hunch that came to her didn't appeal to her, so she decided to put it off for a while.
- All right, then! - she forced herself to smile. - They won't come and that's all right! They should be coming for me soon! So all we have to do is wait!
- For you? Isn't that the guy who broke almost all my ribs? A spider, I think? - Walter gingerly touched the injured area.
- It was an accident! - The girl was embarrassed. - He was protecting me, so he overdid it.... By the way, are you all right? It seemed to me that after such a blow it was necessary to lie in bed for several months.
- Well, medicine works wonders, if it's a little advanced. - the man smiled wryly. - But it's partly because of my incomplete course of therapy that I was so easily caught, twisted and brought here. So tell your 'friend' to be careful of his strength from now on.
- Good...
The girl's reply was interrupted by a loud explosion. It made their metal prisoner shudder, and the grey hair of the former thief stood up.
- What is it? -stunned air he asked, as soon as the rumbling had subsided a little.
- It is after me! - Cat grinned dreamily, closing her eyes.
***
New York. Hell's Kitchen. Two hours earlier.
A tall red brick fence should have blocked the view of a similarly coloured two-storey building. But neither had been looked after for quite some time. That's why the fence had big holes in some places. Apparently someone had needed a few bricks in a hurry. It was dotted with graffiti of all sorts, but most of the time it was so shabby that it was hard to call it by that word. The building itself was not in the best shape. The roof had long ago and firmly cracked, all the windows without exception resembled dark cavities, the glass was broken, even large shards were not to be found. In the process of determining the purpose of the building I was leaning more towards an abandoned factory, though I can't imagine what exactly was produced here...
I don't know why I stood on the roof of the neighbouring building and just waited. I should have visited the guys who had temporarily visited the factory. But it was like I was waiting for some kind of signal. But I did. Five minutes later, a blurred shadow jumped on the roof of the factory, it was hard to see it in the twilight. But my eyesight coped. A couple of seconds later, the shadow used a large hole in the roof to crawl inside the building. All I had to do was hum. Well, truly 'accidents are not accidents'. Now we had to hurry.
- Who are you people? And what are you doing on my property? - A man in a red suit with small horns on his head asked menacingly. He would have looked ridiculous if I didn't know what he was capable of. Just imagine the picture - an unarmed lonely man, standing surrounded by a dozen equipped military men with automatic rifles in their hands, and threatening them in all seriousness.
- Boss, is this who we're waiting for? - asked one of the machine gunners.
- No, lads. - replied a familiar voice. The men dressed in urban camouflage all had masks to hide their faces. - It's not him...
- It could be.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa! Guys, take it easy! - Hanging upside down on a spider web between Daredevil and, apparently, the commander of this unit, I was honoured to be the new target of these hot guys' machine guns.
- Lower your weapons! - commanded by the familiar voice of the commander. - Spread out around the perimeter.
The guys executed the order instantly, that's what it means to train your personnel perfectly! I wish I could train my blondes like that... Eh! Dreams, dreams...
Meanwhile the commander was taking off the cloth mask, I was changing my position. The feeling of my mentor's hot and angry stare is not a pleasant one.
- Spider! What's going on here? What the hell are those thugs doing on my.... - Here, Doom-Doom finally took off his mask. - Damn it! This is the last thing we need is S.I.T. here!
Dugan's agents had no insignia on their clothing, and no emblem of their organisation. But Murdock recognised an agent after he showed his face. All Red has to do is hear a man's voice and if they've met before, he'll recognise him. But how's the game, huh? If he didn't know he was blind, he'd never have guessed! When did Daredevil ever cross paths with S.H.I.E.L.D. agents? And not just any agents, but some pretty high-ranking ones.
- Oh! You two know each other? - I exclaim happily. - That's wonderful. Dardevil, I'm sorry I didn't call. I've been busy, but I knew you wouldn't miss a party like this in the Kitchen.
Actually, I didn't know shit! When I managed to get hold of Doom-Doom, he offered to meet me and gave me this address. I'd forgotten all about Murdoch! And that's a massive oversight on my part! I can't believe I didn't include him in my plans, cos he's bound to have a lot of fun. When it comes to Ambal! The only thing that excuses me is that I was really busy all this time, so I didn't have time to think about anything distracting. Well, let's trust the old turtles with smiley faces on their foreheads. They don't give us bad advice.
I was already getting two disgruntled looks. Hmm... these two don't seem to understand anything. I know from experience that it's frustrating when you don't understand something. Dum-Dum, for example. Through the Assistant Chief of Police, I was able to contact him. At first I just wanted to check some of my hunches, but at the other end of the illusory wire, I was told, not in direct text of course, but in hints, that I was right. Chameleon has already infiltrated into S.H.I.E.L.D. and managed to steal something important! And that Dugan and his guys were working on it now, so the Bugs shouldn't distract him. I wasn't offended, but I made a note of it, yeah. Anyway, I insisted on a meeting. Kotelok couldn't resist my charm and agreed almost immediately.
Okay, the looks are getting angrier and angrier! It's gonna start to smell like burning soon, we've got to save the day.
- Steady, lads! Don't frown, I'll explain everything! So, first things first, I turned to Dugan. - Hmm... What do I call you? Do you have a call sign? Or...
- Just call me Dum-Dum, like before. He,' I nodded at my horny mentor, 'knows who I am and where I'm from.
- All right! So, Doom-Doom, I'm thinking out loud, you correct me. Okay? So a certain Chameleon stole something, or rather a certain person, from you? I see I'm not mistaken?
- I won't even ask you how you know everything... - Kotelok lowered his head heavily.
- Well, that's right! Now you want your employee back? Good! So you agree that you could use some help. And something there are too few of you. Why is that, by the way?
- It's classified information. - Dugan's been spouting off.
- It's none of my business, I get it, I'm not stupid.
- Hey! Spider! What the hell!? - Dardevil couldn't take it anymore. - You're trying to get me in on this, too? I don't give a damn about S.H.I.E.L.D.! I'm not getting involved! - Murdock turned round to leave.
- Wait! You don't know the best part! Does the name Wilson Fisk mean anything to you?
Daredevil stopped dead in his tracks. I knew he'd be interested!
- Details. - He sighed heavily. Eh, should apologise to Matt later.
- It was Ambala's man who kidnapped their man from S.H.I.E.L.D. You, as far as I know, have some scores to settle with the big guy, and you have your own interests, as do I. Why don't we join forces? Besides, as far as I know, there's more than one man in Fisk's custody, we need to save the others.
Why? You can't tell me I want to save Felicia and I don't care about anything else. I don't want to give Dugan too much to think about.
- You're wrong, Weaver. If I wanted to kill Fisk, I would have done it a long time ago. But I don't want him to suffer such an easy fate! The bastard should rot in prison!
Oh, shit! It's like a bucket of cold water dumped on me! What am I supposed to do now? I was hoping Matt would say yes right away. Fucking hell!
- What if he's more deserving of the death penalty than life in prison? - I have to figure out a way to get a lawyer on board. We could really use the extra man. And considering there are only a handful of S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents, even more so!
- That's for the courts to decide!
Damn it! What a stupid thing to do! I never expected Murdoch to pull a stunt like this. What's got into him? He's never really bothered about keeping criminals alive before. No, he wasn't an anti-hero, but he wasn't exactly moral. Okay, well, if you look at it this way.
- How much evidence do you have on him? - the man just gritted his teeth. - Look, Red, we're not going to kill anyone! We just need to rescue people from captivity! And if we're in Ambal's lair, what's stopping us from going through his safes and computers and stuff? Think about it. Fisk is too powerful right now. Even if we dig up dirt on him, he could easily pay us off, or raise connections! Then what?
- What do you suggest? - Dardevil gritted his teeth again.
- Let's ruin him! Destroy the empire! So he'll never get away with it again!
Come to think of it, that's what I was planning to do. Or rather, it was a backup plan. I had originally planned to kill the bastard so he wouldn't steal my friends! But if that was the situation, I could go the long and hard way, as long as Matt agreed!
- All right. - On those terms, I'll take part. But those are your words, Weaver. What can you tell me Dum-Dum?
- I'd rather kill this Ambala, but I'm prioritising our man.
- Fine! If we're in agreement, then all we have to do is wait for a couple of my men to arrive and... just a second. Hello? - I answered the phone, it was Gwen and she said they were almost at the gate to the factory. - They're here now, shall we go and meet them?
I didn't want any more problems and misunderstandings, so I decided to meet Gwen and Kurt personally. Where did they get the car from, by the way? Hmm... We were just in time for their arrival. Through the torn gate was visible as three large tinted SUVs rolled into the yard. Ten or twelve men got out of them. These guys were dressed in almost the same clothes as the Doom-Doom people, and if it weren't for Gwen's silhouette, I'd be seriously panicking! As it was, my bewilderment was still relatively small....
- A couple of people? - ironically remarked Dugan, who, by the way, had managed to put his mask back on.
I could only shrug my shoulders. And once again I was glad that my face was hidden by the mask, too. One of the new fighters came up to me and with a bravura salute, reported:
- The squad is assembled sir! - Shark's voice sounded a little mocking to me at that moment. What an arsehole! And Gwen? Couldn't the devil have warned me about a setup like this?
- Well... er... Commander!' I tried to make my voice more cheerful. - Dum-Dum, may I bring my men up to speed? I haven't had a chance to explain the purpose of our operation.
- Hmm... okay, fill them in. I'll gather my men. Make it quick, please, we have a new plan to draw up.
- Of course. - As soon as the man entered the building, I elbowed Shark and Gwen and took them aside. - What the hell is going on here?! Gwen, what did I ask for? Ammunition and explosives! Why did you bring a bunch of unidentifiable military men with you?!
- Easy, Spidey! - Shark has laid siege to me. - I'll vouch for every one of my men! And as for why we're here? Cat's my friend too. So it's not up to you to decide whether me and my men can be here or not!
- All right, forget it. - I give up after a minute. - But you could have at least given me a warning! I just felt like an idiot, by the way!
- Sorry, we thought you'd mind. - Gwen replied guiltily.
- So we just decided to face the fact? Well done!
- How were we supposed to know you'd recruit another squad? Who are they, by the way?
- Let's explain everything after the case? For now, you should know that they have a vested interest in the operation. They have their own hostage, so to speak. By the way, no names in front of these guys! Gwen, your call sign is... m-m-ma make it 'Tira*'. Kurt's call sign is 'Snake.' You tell him. Now, a quick word about the case.