Description: In the midst of Southtown's darkest of hours, Rolento Schugerg requests audience of the Ikari Warriors' CO, Heidern. Odd and most unexpected, considering their past, Heidern chooses not to ignore the invitation and, instead, provides an ear--and, perhaps, a helping hand of sorts during the 'war.'
Getting a thoroughly untraceable contact from Rolento Schugerg was probably not something that Heidern expected.
The information included precise combative details within the Mekong Delta, that nobody else could forge without firsthand experience -- such as either of the old fighters being there; after all, the veteran fled without filing any official reports. He desired a personal meeting at a sight of Heidern's choosing, doubtlessly to confirm that this time there's no chance of an ambush. His men will be allowed to search the sight to their satisfaction before departing at least six blocks away. At that point, Rolento will enter via helicopter.
Of course, Heidern could just dismiss this oddly secretive request for a rendezvous. After all, whatever he wanted could only be unwholesome. Although he signed the end of his cable with an oddly vehement phrase:
'I do not condone this war!'
Southtown had become a veritable war zone.
Never in his life would he have predicted nor anticipated such a chaotic outcome. Heavy artillery had otherwise destroyed buildings, leaving a nasty mess in their wake. Powerful figures from all sides of the criminal world have left ruin where they stepped. But this skirmish would be short-lived; after all there were capable forces here opposing the war and standing up to the unnecessary force of exchange among the various cartels. Naturally, the Ikari were on it.
But Heidern's presence in Southtown is anything but business. This was personal.
He arrived in Southtown roughly a day ago--but it was all anyone with their fingers out there needed to get word out that the Ikari CO had landed. And sure enough...
Fast forward several hours. Clad in a heavy, deep coal-black trenchcoat, the one-eyed soldier arrives at the aforementioned destination, polished black jackboots scuffling against debris and splintered concrete. Southtown Village is now a pretty mess of destruction.
But the Ikari Warrior comes alone. Waiting patiently with the note held between gloved fingertips, Heidern lets his solitary blue eye slowly survey his surroundings as he waits. There is no doubt in his mind that Rolento Schugerg will skip out--he knows the USPL commander will show.
It's just a matter of when, and how.
Six U.S.P.L. soldiers arrive after announcing their presence. They look wary and respectful to the Ikari, stating that such precautions were always neccesary. They combed all around, checking for hidden teams, Ralf eating a hoagie within any adjoining buildings, something that might be a threat Rolento would be unable to extricate himself from. In the end they nod, radioing out before dispersing in all directions to keep watch. Basic troops. Heidern could dispose of them all with one casual swipe of his hand. Rolento destroyed much of the trust between the pair with his attempted assassination, after all.
Ten minutes later, a sleek black helicopter thrums overhead, approaching Heidern. The outer door sloughs open, and the familiar white eyed face of Rolento Schugerg slithers out, leaning out with one hand grasping the side. A leisurely salute is made, as it descends enough for him to leap down and land in a crouch. Waving it away, the helicopter quickly ascends to slither off, lost to sight and sound in short order.
He fingers the scar upon his face, which the man opposite gave him long ago. "Heidern." His tone is stiff, but formal. Hands interlace at his lower back. "I assume you know me well enough to deduce I do not support this kind of fight. Battles are between soldiers, those willing to give their life for what they believe in. Forcing civilians into an engagement is unacceptable!!" True enough, in Metro City he went to great measures to insure that those on the sidelines retained utilities and a relatively safe and normal life... Outside the bluff of nuclear destruction, that is.
The USPL soldiers which arrive are met with a stern look from the Ikari, the man's tall, imposing form unmoving save for his blue eye. He observes, as they move about, carrying out their orders before they disperse. Though they leave, the Ikari CO does not relax or let his guard down- -the last time he did that around the likes of Rolento...
Well. He has the scar to prove the error of that mistake.
Still, Heidern is an honorable man, and more than willing to hear the USPL commander out. After all, this is an odd and most unfortunate situation, and if Rolento says he does not condone the situation, then there is no reason to believe otherwise.
When the helicopter arrives, Heidern's cycloptic gaze shifts skyward, observing the steel bird and the soldier that slinks his way out of its gut. Expressionless, the Ikari watches his salute, meeting it with a discreet tilt of his head, before observing his descent. Then, and only then, does Heidern lifts his eye and fix it on the white-eyed gaze of Rolento.
"To an extent, yes," is the man's reply, his words calm and measured. "Your actions in Metro...'proved' as much, so to speak." Half-turning away from Rolento, he keeps his one and only eye facing the man as he asks, his voice a touch low, "So then, why are you here, if you do not condone this behavior of foolish crimelords and self-styled gods?"
There's a reason for everything. This Heidern is certain of.
"Personal interest, and a contract with Geese Howard. I assisted him in many basic things in return for establishing safehouses. Unsurprisingly, when this war began, I was asked to assist him. But there is no winner in this fight. Shadaloo and NESTS are sacrificing temporary resources. If Geese Howard survives, then it will only be a false peace until forces are rebuilt. If NESTS or Shadaloo prevail, they are liable to fight each other, potentially propigating a barely concealed open warfare on this city for years." He strides around himself, checking the surroundings with his own eyes, showing his back more then once. Of course, the risk in such is minimal. They know each other. Heidern would not try to take him in alone. Such would fail; Rolento has proven himself more then capable of escaping time and time again. It would be the intervention of other Ikari that might damn him, and what he hopes to confirm is not the case. "Yet I cannot see a conclusion. Unfortunately, I might have to ignore this war. Moving sufficient U.S.P.L. resources to make a difference would not be ignored by world authorities."
The man speaks, and Heidern listens closely. His reasons are expected, and his judgment and assessment of the situation fairly sound. His opinion of the matter is really no different--and that is troublesome.
"You're correct, yes," the other soldier finally offers, his shoulders slouching lightly as he regards Rolento fully once more. "Peace here, should these 'united' criminal forces be pushed away, is fleeting at best. If they succeed in their endeavors, I fear for the citizens here. However..."
Letting his eye drift elsewhere briefly, the man's jaw seizes a bit, clenching. "I suspect things will not get that far. This was a bold move on the part of Shadaloo and NESTS." And 'R,' though this remains unvoiced. Discreetly, though, the Ikari's brow ticks, his teeth clenching tighter--before he exhales faintly, easing. "But too bold. I doubt their ruthless plans see fruition. But you are correct--if they succeed, things here will only get worse."
Rolento's place in it all, however, does pique his interests. Ignore the war? A faint, lifeless chuckle manages to breathe past his dry lips. "That sounds unlike you...but you are correct.
"On the other hand, I've made it my duty to see to it that Shadaloo and NESTS suffer for their shamelessness. As well, any Syndicate member who foolishly stays behind once this finds some sort of resolution will be dealt with and handed over to proper authority. Howard was a sharp man, and hid himself well--I never suspected it, until I got word from a former inside source." Pausing, Heidern regards Rolento squarely.
"So then? Are you leaving Southtown in the hands of fate? I presume you will withdraw from this, as you do not condone such behaviors of foolish men with money." A thin brow arcs slightly. "Or will you fulfill your 'contractual obligations' to the likes of Howard?" Either way, Heidern is more than sure he'll flee before things begin to ease back--he can't afford to have attention brought onto him. At least, that is what the Ikari believes.
"The best course of action might be to utilize the overt presence of NESTS and Shadaloo to attempt and damage them. They need every fighting man they have. Forcing an attrition of all three criminal empires then attacking other operations..." It's rather obvious that Rolento was more then aware of Geese's station at the head of Southtown. Unsurprising that nobody else knew from his mouth. The secrets he hides are numerous after all, on both the good and the evil within this world. "Affirmative. Howard is an open man to the public, with many commendable charities. That he gained monetary profit from these, on top of tax breaks, is ingenius. More importantly, his hand was the lightest. He was a subtle man, who did not need to flaunt his power like Shadaloo and NESTS. He is the least of the three evils."
Looking over the destroyed city, he turns back to observe Heidern with a cold, analyzing eye. "At the present, I believe my formal conclusion is that the incidental loss of civilian life is worth the opportunities presented to attack NESTS and Shadaloo. As such, I plan to honor my contract to Geese, but if he fails, I will shed no tears. I believe we are in agreement here...? If you do not intend to attack Southside Syndicate, I am willing to work with Ikari on this battlefield. At the very least, I will not use it to attack your operations. My attempt to assassinate you prior was due to a percieved risk from progress in investigating a vital location. Although you survived, my trail was lost, and I have no immediate need to eliminate you at the present." How very assuring.
"I have every intention of abusing these openings NESTS and Shadaloo present. If they want to expose their resources to the world and risk that, then so be it. Ikari will do what we must to take them out as swiftly as can be, in cooperation with a variety of others who have the same desire as we."
The man doesn't smirk nor frown as his eye slides back onto Rolento, regarding the soldier briefly before merely drawing his eye shut. "As for Howard, you are correct. Even I am forced to admit that he is the lesser of evils here. But evil is still evil; he will be dealt with when necessary. For now, priority must be placed on NESTS and Shadaloo. As you said, this war is unacceptable. Bringing innocent people in..."
A vague look of contempt crosses the man's face, Heidern's blue eye slowly reopening.
"But it's the sort of thing I expect from them.
"But the loss of civilian life... I'm not sure I can agree, there. It is the Ikari's intentions to prevent as much casualty as possible. We will do what we can in order to keep the citizens of Southtown safe at all costs while advancing upon the criminal presence here. Unlike the citizens here, the likes of us are prepared for this. To us--to you--war is second-nature, we can handle it. They cannot." He pauses briefly, exhaling.
"Right now, rest assured the Syndicate is the least of my priorities. Despite the past 'incident,' I am above holding that grudge." Especially when he knows where he can find Rugal Bernstein. With the man present in the city, his personal priorities are shifted. "Besides," Heidern adds, offering a ghost of a smirk. "I managed to come out of it alive."
Shifting his weight, Heidern turns his full attentions onto Rolento once more, arms moving to fold lightly at his back. "I have heard you engaged Igniz directly," he states. "I presume you managed to fend him off of that school successfully?"
"Then it seems we are in agreement, as I had expected. I would not of met you openly anticipating a conflict. ...My chances of overcombing you are 34 percent. An increase compared to the last fifteen years. Mayhaps my highest estimate since our battle in the Mekong Delta." Heidern would likely remember the analysis he spoke as they came to blows. Both men at their physical and mental prime, the clash of ideals finally insurmountable. '50 percent.' Rolento lost, but it is likely that his prediction was not off, were they to have battled more then that lone struggle in the endless jungles.
"Affirmative. You can attempt to minimize civilian losses. But I will not go out of my way to. You know my agenda, Heidern. I stand firmly by the ideal of acceptable losses. There can never be a bloodless war. And at times... such as the end of World War 2... the destruction of civilians even by the hundreds of thousands can be less in the long term." A smirk is given towards Heidern then, although not sour or hateful.
"I interjected in Justice High and was the only reason Igniz was repelled. Had I not entered the conflict, the school would of been a second Gedo. But that was due to the refusal of the defenders to leave. The chance of victory... is not one I would of taken." So he would of let it fall, had everyone listened to him. Hardly heroic, but he is not a man of risks when it involves the loss of manpower better used elsewhere. A battle is a battle. He, however, might be amongst the very best in the world at seeing an entire war.
"So. We shall be rivals here. I will work on destroying the supply chains, and making Shadaloo and NESTS bleed. I have an army, after all. Even you do not have that. You are better suited to the destruction of important operatives. But I shall be ready to intercede on Ikari's behalf if neccesary."
With that, after long moments, Rolento slips his hand forward once more. The very same gesture, months earlier, that ended in Heidern's near death. If there is irony here, it's not present on his calm features.
"And I came with no intentions of conflict," the Ikari CO assures, his features stern yet confident. Nothing on the man's weathered face expresses otherwise; indeed, the soldier tells the truth. Putting himself in conflict here would be detrimental--he needs to keep them minimal, to keep himself sharp for conflict, should they arise. "So I will expect the same of you. My intentions here are on neutral ground. Nothing more."
But of overcoming the Ikari, Heidern says nothing. Instead, his eye merely observes the other soldier, lips pulled in a thin, distantly thoughtful line across his face. His thoughts are secretive, as is his opinion. Could Rolento best him still, here and now? Or would the Ikari prove to be more than enough of a handful..?
"I will do precisely that," is his response. "Minimizing loss here is of importance, as is gathering information. We are here to aid in putting an end to this unnecessary conflict, and while I am certain lives will be lost, I will see to it that my men make them as minimal as possible." He's right. There is no such thing as a bloodless war, as much as the soldier is reluctant to admit.
When Rolento speaks of his conflict, the man nods, though he mulls over the other soldier's admission. Let it fall? "Clearly we still have very different views of the world," the man offers dryly, letting the tiniest of smirks cross his lips. "This isn't a third world nation, or some impoverished city. The rules of conflict are different here. But...your efforts do go with some appreciation, that I am certain of.
"Rivals?" The Ikari shifts his weight, jackboots rustling against the broken earth as he begins to turn to the side. "Very well. Should we need it, I will get in touch with you personally to ask a favor. Despite our past and the 'bad blood' between us, in this circumstance I put enough faith in you to trust you will live up to your word."
The hand proffered to the soldier, Heidern offers the extended appendage a vaguely curious glance before simply taking the hand with his gloved hand and firmly grasping it for a proper, respectful shake.
"I am a cold blooded man, Heidern, but I am not a liar. The endearments I spoke to you during our last encounter were truthful." Rolento seems to be even, confident, strong. Two out of three odds that Heidern would win. Odds that Rolento will not take. There's always the question of how the dynamic would change were it to shift, however. Rolento could likely track down Heidern. Heidern can't easily track down Rolento. The fact he cannot win an upfront battle, and the fact Heidern is rarely alone, has been the cause of years of stalemate.
"I am skeptical of what I can do to minimize losses, but I have no intent of causing more." Evenly he observes Heidern, tilting his head to the side. "Rivals. Affirmative. Our methods and visibility differ, but we both work towards the same end. Peace." The hand is taken. Rolento's grip is strong. Eyes shift to meet Heidern's own, but after an endless moment, one in another place and time ended in fire, shrapnel, and smoke, he releases. "Our relationship will change after Southtown. It is likely we will become enemies again. Until then..." A leisurely salute, as Rolento backs away. Then finally turns, and begins striding through the damaged surroundings. Passing an overturned car, he leaves view for a heartbeat. And vanishes.
Log created on 19:53:25 03/18/2009 by Heidern, and last modified on 14:47:51 03/19/2009.