Chapter: Path to the Tower
Jax Talon adjusted his Commander Pilot Suit, feeling the way the advanced material moved with his body. The sleek, black armor was lightweight but strong, enhancing his speed and endurance. The HUD inside his helmet provided real-time data on his surroundings, keeping him on high alert. His squad of ten elite soldiers followed in perfect formation, their armor and weapons gleaming in the dim light of the streets.
Beside them, the towering figure of Steelwolf moved with precision, piloted remotely by Jax through his suit's neural link. The upgraded mecha was a force of nature, armed with ballistic missiles, an assault rifle, and the deadly blade now strapped across its back. It was a symbol of power, and with each heavy step it took, the ground beneath seemed to shake.
As they made their way through the inner district of Whitestone City, the landscape shifted dramatically. The slums they had patrolled earlier were a stark contrast to the clean, opulent streets they now passed. The inner district was home to the wealthy, the influential—those who rarely had to lift a finger to defend themselves. Towering buildings lined the streets, and the people here walked with a sense of superiority, their expensive clothing and disdainful gazes making it clear they viewed the soldiers as nothing more than tools.
"Look at them," Jax muttered under his breath as he watched a group of well-dressed citizens step out of the way, their noses wrinkled in disdain. "Arrogant bastards."
Marcus, his second-in-command, grunted in agreement. "They've probably never seen a real fight in their lives. The closest they get to danger is reading about it in the papers."
Jax chuckled, though his eyes stayed focused ahead. "They'll soon learn what it's like to need us. Especially with the monster attacks increasing."
The inner district buzzed with energy as they moved closer to the Council Tower, where the meeting was scheduled. But their progress was interrupted when a wave of reporters, microphones in hand, descended upon them like a swarm of hungry predators. The flashing lights of cameras were blinding as they surged forward, pushing and shouting over each other.
"Jax Talon! Over here!"
"Is it true you saved the councilman's daughter?"
"What's the Blackhand Military Police Corp's next move?"
The questions came rapid-fire, and some of the reporters tried to shove their microphones into Jax's face. His soldiers tightened their formation, creating a barrier between Jax and the horde of reporters. Steelwolf loomed behind them, a menacing figure that discouraged anyone from getting too close.
Jax didn't slow his pace. His eyes were locked on the towering structure in the distance—the Council Tower, where Whitestone's leaders waited. "Ignore them," he ordered, his voice calm but firm.
But one reporter, a young woman with sharp features and determination blazing in her eyes, managed to break through the soldiers' defensive wall. She darted up to Jax, almost blocking his path, microphone in hand. "Mr. Talon! Just one question. What do you plan to do with the Blackhand Military Police Corp now that you've gained the council's attention?"
Jax paused, locking eyes with the reporter. For a moment, the entire crowd went silent, holding their breath as they waited for his response. His face was unreadable, but after a beat, he spoke, his voice steady.
"We'll protect Whitestone City—no matter what it takes."
The reporter's eyes widened slightly, as if she hadn't expected an answer at all. Before she could ask more, Marcus stepped forward, gesturing her away. "That's enough," he said firmly, and the other soldiers moved to block any further attempts to question Jax.
Jax gave a slight nod of approval and resumed walking, ignoring the flurry of follow-up questions and flashing lights. Marcus chuckled, glancing at the frustrated reporters. "They don't know when to quit, do they?"
"Let them chase their stories," Jax replied with a shrug. "We have bigger things to worry about. Council's meeting in the tower. That's our priority."
One of the guards stationed at the Council Tower's entrance recognized Jax as they approached. His posture straightened as the massive steel doors hissed open. "Sir, the council is expecting you."
Jax gave a brief nod and strode inside, leading his team deeper into the heart of Whitestone's political power. The tower's grand interior was a striking contrast to the chaos of the slums. Everything was polished marble and pristine, with chandeliers hanging high above and elite guards lining the halls.
As they neared the large double doors leading to the council chamber, Marcus leaned in, his voice low. "Think they'll actually listen to us?"
"They don't have a choice," Jax replied with a smirk. "Not anymore. We've got the power, and they know it."
As Jax Talon entered the Council Chamber, he kept his Commander Pilot Suit's helmet securely on. The visor's soft glow concealed his eyes, giving him an air of mystery and authority. The room was grand, the ceiling high and adorned with intricate carvings of Whitestone's historical victories. The council sat around a massive, circular table in the center, each member representing the most powerful and influential families in the city.
Directly across from him sat Councilman Blake, the man whose daughter Jax had saved from a pack of ravagers in the slums. To Blake's right, his daughter, Lina, sat quietly. She was dressed in formal attire, her hands clasped in her lap, her gaze locking with Jax's for a brief moment before she looked down, perhaps remembering the harrowing experience of nearly being killed.
As Jax and his elite squad entered the chamber, he stood at attention and raised his arm in a sharp salute. His soldiers did the same, their movements precise and disciplined. Jax held the salute for a long moment before lowering it, then moved toward an empty chair near the council table.
"Mr. Talon," said Councilman Voss, a stern, silver-haired man with piercing eyes. He was known for his strict policies and his unrelenting desire to keep Whitestone safe at all costs. "We've heard much about you recently. Your deeds in the slums have reached our ears."
Jax inclined his head slightly but didn't remove his helmet, as was customary when meeting the council. Keeping it on was a subtle yet clear message: he was here for business, and his own security mattered just as much as theirs. The visor's glow reflected off the polished marble floors as he sat down, his posture relaxed but alert.
"I keep my helmet on for security reasons," Jax explained calmly, his voice modulated slightly by the helmet's speakers. "Given the increasing attacks by monsters, I trust you understand."
Blake cleared his throat, his eyes hardening as he leaned forward. "Understand? You saved my daughter's life, Talon. For that, you have my gratitude. But this isn't about one act of bravery. The monster attacks are becoming more frequent. We need a plan—a permanent solution."
Jax nodded, but before he could respond, Voss interjected. "Indeed. The slums are overrun, and soon the monsters will breach the inner district. We've convened this emergency meeting to address that very issue. Tell us, Jax Talon, what is your plan now that you've established the Blackhand Military Police Corp?"
A murmur of interest rippled through the room at the mention of his newly formed corporation. Some council members shifted in their seats, clearly curious about this rising power. Lina, still sitting beside her father, glanced up again, her expression unreadable.
Jax leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "The Blackhand Military Police Corp exists to protect Whitestone, no matter the threat. We've already dealt with several monster outbreaks in the slums, and we're prepared to continue. But this isn't just about fighting the monsters as they appear." His voice dropped a notch, filled with purpose. "It's about going on the offensive."
The council members exchanged glances, surprised by his forward-thinking approach.
Councilwoman Aira, a tall, regal woman known for her sharp intellect, tapped a manicured finger on the table. "Offensive? Are you suggesting we seek out the source of these attacks?"
"Yes," Jax confirmed. "We can't keep playing defense, reacting every time a new wave of monsters shows up. My team is capable. Steelwolf and I—" He motioned slightly toward the massive mecha standing outside the chamber doors, visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows. "—can handle larger threats. But I need more than just permission to patrol. I need full cooperation from the council."
Councilman Voss narrowed his eyes. "What exactly do you mean by 'full cooperation'?"
Jax's visor tilted slightly as he addressed the entire room. "I mean resources. Access to your intelligence networks. Funding. If you want results, you need to empower my corporation. Let me lead a coordinated strike force, and we can not only protect Whitestone but push back the monsters for good."
The room fell silent as the weight of his words sank in. Blake looked at Jax for a long moment before speaking. "My daughter wouldn't be alive if it weren't for you, Talon. That much is clear. I've seen firsthand what your corporation can do." He gestured to Lina, who gave Jax a grateful nod. "But we need more than promises. We need proof that you're the right person for this task."
Jax didn't miss a beat. "You've already seen proof," he said evenly. "Your daughter's safety, the monsters we've taken down, the streets we've secured. The Blackhand Corp is already doing the job. But to do it better, I need more. More men, more weapons, and most importantly, the backing of this council."
Councilwoman Aira leaned back in her chair, studying him closely. "You're asking for a lot, Talon. But I admit, what you've done so far is impressive. The reports speak for themselves. However, this council doesn't operate on faith alone. We'll need to see continued progress."
"I'm not here to make empty promises," Jax replied, his tone firm. "The monsters aren't going to wait, and neither should we."
Councilman Voss leaned forward, his hands clasped. "Very well, Talon. We'll grant you additional resources, but we expect results. No mistakes."
Jax nodded, a sense of satisfaction running through him. "Understood."
Blake stood up, walking around the table toward Jax. "I'll personally ensure you get what you need, Talon. My daughter's life is a debt I can never fully repay. You'll have our full support, but know this—if you fail, Whitestone will fall."
Jax stood as well, towering over most of the council members. "I don't plan on failing. I plan on winning."
With that, the meeting adjourned, and the council began to disperse. Lina lingered for a moment, her eyes meeting Jax's once more. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice just loud enough for him to hear.
Jax gave her a small nod before turning on his heel and heading toward the doors, his soldiers falling into step behind him. As he exited the council chamber, the weight of the coming battles settled in his chest. Whitestone City was counting on him—and he was ready to deliver.