In the lands of Terra, two individuals approached the border separating them from the towering structures of a bustling city.
"Finally, we made it." (Amiya)
"Oh, the security here isn’t bad." (Doctor)
Four days had passed since the rescue mission, and Rhodes Island continued its journey through the wilderness toward Lungmen.
The landship docked alongside the mobile city as the CEO and counselor headed off to meet its chief executive.
There was much to address after their narrow escape from Reunion's grasp. The riot group's influence was expanding rapidly, and a foreboding sense lingered that it might seize Lungmen just as it had overtaken Chernobog.
"Hmm…that lady’s outfit over there is kind of indecent with how much skin she’s exposing. Is she really an officer?" (Doctor)
"Doctor, where are you looking?" (Amiya)
The Doctor's attention lingered on a Lung woman patrolling the Inspection and Quarantine Zone, prompting a flustered Amiya to chide him.
"I’ve been thinking, but it’s not just her. Really, there’s been quite a number of our operators that dress indecently too. The dress code on Terra is rather loose, huh." (Doctor)
"Er, what exactly are you saying?" (Amiya)
"Oh, no need to overthink it. I'm just naturally curious about the world I've woken up to, that's all." (Doctor)
The Doctor’s peculiar behavior drew a questioning look from Amiya.
It was becoming harder to maintain the facade of amnesia now that his memories had fully returned. Guilt weighed on him for deceiving Amiya, but he knew the lie was necessary for his own safety.
"Enough about me. You’ve been full of surprises, Amiya. I never expected someone as young as you to take on the role of Rhodes Island’s CEO." (Doctor)
"Ehehe…" (Amiya)
The Doctor reached out and gently patted the head of a bashful yet delighted Amiya, her Cautus ears drooping slightly in contentment.
"The L.G.D. was expecting Rhodes Island. You’re an hour ahead of schedule, well done."
"Good evening, Ch’en-san." (Amiya)
The woman standing before them was none other than Ch’en Hui-chieh, the head of the Lungmen Guardian Department’s Special Inspection Unit. Boldly dressed, as the Doctor had noted earlier, she was effectively the chief officer of Lungmen’s police force.
"You’ve already been inspected and cleared to enter Lungmen. The person beside you, is this the Doctor mentioned in the reports?" (Ch’en)
"Yes, he’s a key figure in our organization, just as vital as myself and Dr. Kal’tsit." (Amiya)
"Understood. Since everyone is accounted for, I’ll need you to follow me—" (Ch’en)
An officer hurried over, interrupting the group with an urgent report.
The Infected from Chernobog fled the city’s ruins and made their way toward Lungmen. However, Lungmen’s strict policies on the Infected, coupled with its rigorous screening process for entry, presented significant challenges.
From the Inspection and Quarantine Zone, a commotion was occurring where some Infected were refusing to be detained.
"Tch…Forget it. You are to detain them all. Disperse the crowd immediately. Open the gates in 30 minutes after you finish the review process. Don't disgrace Lungmen any further." (Ch’en)
"Officer Ch’en. How about you leave the Infected trying to enter Lungmen to Rhodes Island? If the city cannot accept them, we’ll be more than happy to take them off your hands." (Doctor)
"That’s not for me to decide. Besides the two of you, Rhodes Island will stay behind to assist with border security. My men will arrange some work for you people for the meantime." (Ch’en)
"Fair enough." (Doctor)
The Doctor smoothly complied with Ch’en’s strict and professional demeanor, following her lead with Amiya close behind.
After a car ride with Ch’en, the group arrived at a towering skyscraper, the residence of Lungmen’s chief executive. Taking the elevator to the designated floor, they entered the room where discussions between Rhodes Island and Lungmen would unfold.
"Chief Wei, the Rhodes Island representatives have arrived." (Ch’en)
"Good work." (Wei)
Wei Yenwu and Kal’tsit sat across from each other at the table positioned in the center of the room.
"You’ve arrived, Amiya. And you’ve brought the Doctor as well." (Kal’tsit)
"Nice to see you again, Kal’tsit." (Doctor)
The Feline woman narrowed her eyes at him, earning only a nonchalant shrug in response.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable. We were just about to begin our discussion." (Wei)
"You’re too kind." (Doctor)
As the Doctor moved to enter the room, Amiya tugged at his sleeve, pulling him down to her level.
"Doctor, Kal’tsit is leading the negotiations." (Amiya)
"Don’t worry, I’ll step in when Kal’tsit has bored our potential business partners long enough." (Doctor)
"Doctor…" (Amiya)
Her expression grew anxious, but the Doctor flashed a confident thumbs-up, attempting to reassure her.
Once everyone had taken their seats, except for Ch’en, who stood steadfastly beside Wei, the discussion began.
The conversation was primarily an exchange between Kal’tsit and Wei, with the aim of addressing the growing threat of the Reunion faction. As the dialogue unfolded just as the Doctor had anticipated, his thoughts began to drift out of boredom.
"Lungmen will become the next Chernobog." (Kal’tsit)
"Pardon the interruption, but that won’t come to pass. Lungmen is strong enough to repel and even eradicate the Reunion threat approaching us." (Ch’en)
In summary, Reunion seized control of the mobile city of Chernobog and has set its sights on Lungmen as their next target. Likely driven by the need for both resources and recruits, Lungmen was an ideal target, with its population of Infected in hiding who could be easily coerced into joining.
To achieve their objective, Reunion was prepared to infiltrate the city, disregarding security checks. Even if this prompted a defensive response, they would eagerly retaliate with increased force, resulting in escalating casualties.
What Rhodes Island wanted was to prevent that outcome by offering a partnership with Lungmen to stave off Reunion from the city and eliminate the potential threat.
"We’ve made preparations to deal with possible infiltrations from Reunion. We, however, are not obligated to provide you with confidential information regarding our operations." (Ch’en)
Unfortunately, cooperation would not come easily. Rhodes Island would need to demonstrate its value to Wei and Ch’en, proving the benefits of a united front.
"Lungmen has done well in neutralizing unarmed Infected, but this is an entirely unprecedented scale, Infected insurgents moving like a military force. Your forces are unprepared for such a threat, and it would be in your best interest to rely on Rhodes Island to handle them." (Kal’tsit)
"You are to say you have expertise in countering Reunion as fellow Infected?" (Wei)
"No, it's our encounters with Reunion that have provided us with valuable insights into their operations. We can offer you advice, Chief Wei." (Kal’tsit)
Wei took a slow puff from his pipe, exhaling the smoke with calm deliberation. He paused for a moment, reflecting on her words, then met her gaze once more, his expression unchanged.
"When I choose who to fight alongside, I only care about one thing. Whether they are strong enough to stand beside me." (Wei)
A holographic screen projected to the side of the table for everyone to see. What was depicted on the screen was Rhodes Island’s many operations in the wastelands on their way to Lungmen.
"As expected, those were your drones observing us." (Doctor)
"Oh? You noticed them, even in that environment, hidden in the cover of darkness." (Wei)
"I have sharp ears. I’m grateful to my parents for giving them to me." (Doctor)
"That’s a good attitude to have. It’s important to be thankful to one’s parents for the gifts they’ve given." (Wei)
Wei’s tone changed for the first time since the discussion began, clearly impressed by the Doctor’s sharpness.
Ch’en proceeded to deliver a detailed report on Rhodes Island’s combat capabilities, as shown on the screen. She highlighted their successful rescue operations in high-pressure situations, their approach to neutralizing Reunion forces, and the tactics they employed.
"Rhodes Island...takes impressive measures in every operation. Clean, efficient, and professional. No matter what forces Reunion deployed, Rhodes Island was able to disrupt every formation and tactic they used, responding with decisive actions that neutralized them with minimal to no casualties. It's as if the person behind their operations can envision every move the enemy might make and chart a perfect path to victory." (Ch’en)
Ch’en concluded her report, her tone carrying a begrudging respect for Rhodes Island’s combat prowess.
"Yes, your battles were impressive. If there was a chance, I’d like to be introduced to your commander. However, Lungmen’s defenses are more than capable of eliminating Reunion without your help, especially given that the current threat level isn’t significant." (Wei)
"Can you still say that when Talulah and Patriot are not only part of Reunion, but are also its leaders?" (Doctor)
The room descended into silence as a chill crept up Amiya and Ch’en’s spine when the Doctor spoke. Everyone’s attention was focused solely on him.
"Ah, so that’s who that Draco girl was. She’s quite formidable if she really was Reunion’s leader. But do you have any evidence to suggest the infamous Patriot is really involved with the Infected?" (Wei)
"Of course. I saw it with my own eyes. Amiya was there with me as well." (Doctor)
The Doctor leaned forward, his body slouched and relaxed. The flow of the conversation was overtaken by him and it was he who was negotiating with Wei now.
"Doctor…" (Kal’tsit)
Kal’tsit raised her voice, trying to stop the Doctor from speaking further, but he raised a hand, signaling her to hold off and not interfere which caused her to narrow her eyes at him.
"With all due respect, Chief Wei, Lungmen is in a tough spot. Not only is a legendary soldier fighting for Reunion, but they also have a military force on par with any nation's. There's also the issue of what stance Ursus will take, now that Chernobog has been taken from them...if they even consider it stolen." (Doctor)
Wei raised an eyebrow and sharpened his gaze at the Doctor, prompting him to continue talking.
"Being caught between Yan and Ursus, Lungmen will no doubt have its fair share of troubles with politics that’ll keep your hands tied up. So here’s what I’m proposing." (Doctor)
The Doctor cleared his throat and paid no heed to his companions that were growing more restless.
"As a neutral party, Rhodes Island is not only willing to defend Lungmen from Reunion, but we are also prepared to eliminate Reunion and capture Talulah for you, should you choose to commission us for such a task." (Doctor)
The Doctor wore an easygoing smile as he gauged Wei’s reaction, then continued to speak.
"We’ll also provide aid and care to the evacuees from Chernobog, both Infected and non-Infected. If we reclaim Chernobog from Reunion, you won’t be forced to take them in as refugees once their home is freed. Oh, and while we’re at it, we’ll do the same for the Infected in Lungmen. Can’t forget about Rhodes Island’s brand with all this military talk when we’re a pharmaceutical company first and foremost despite how unbelieving that might be." (Doctor)
The Doctor and Wei locked eyes, engaging in a prolonged silent exchange where neither yielded. Finally, Wei broke the silence.
"You are a crafty one. What you’re offering is enough to match your asking price. However, I’ve mostly heard about the benefits for us. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating Lungmen." (Wei)
"Pardon my boldness, but as it stands, Lungmen needs Rhodes Island more than Rhodes Island needs Lungmen." (Doctor)
Wei’s expression changed into a ferocious smile, which the Doctor met with his own calm and composed one. To the onlookers, it felt as if sparks of electricity crackled in the air between them.
"Unlike the destructive path Reunion has chosen, we aim to cure Oripathy. We have the ability to inspire the Infected to join us, transforming their despair into hope." (Doctor)
"Curing Oripathy is nothing more than a fantasy. My time is better spent on practical matters than indulging the dreams of an idealist who refuses to face reality." (Wei)
Wei scoffed disdainfully as he spoke, but the Doctor’s confidence did not wane, rather it was bolstered further.
"We have 'hope,' and we can offer it to you, not just as a temporary ally, but as a long-term partner in the future." (Doctor)
"And if this 'hope' of yours fails to meet my expectations?" (Wei)
"Trust me, what we have will be worth more than everything this city can offer." (Doctor)
The Doctor’s bold declaration was met with immediate protests from Amiya and a sharp glare of disapproval from Kal’tsit. Ch’en’s eyes widened in surprise at his audacity.
Wei paused, carefully considering the Doctor’s words before letting out a low snort.
"It’s rare to find a fool bold enough to say this to my face. Very well, I will agree to sign the contract for a collaboration with Rhodes Island. However, there is one 'item' I cannot agree to hand over, unless you fulfill a condition I will set. We can discuss that condition once you’ve dealt with Reunion." (Wei)
"Fine by me. Do you have anything to say, Amiya?" (Doctor)
The Doctor turned to Amiya, peering into her eyes as if testing her. He was satisfied when she nodded back to him and gave way for her to speak to Wei.
"I’d like to propose one additional clause to the contract: 'Any interpretation of the clauses must be mutually agreed upon by both parties.' Is this acceptable?" (Amiya)
"Naturally. Your respect towards Lungmen is evident." (Wei)
Wei Yenwu tapped his pipe against his ashtray before spreading his arms in a gesture of welcome.
"Congratulations, honored guests. Lungmen’s doors are now open to you." (Wei)
"I look forward to our time together as business partners, Chief Wei." (Doctor)
The two men shook hands firmly, while Amiya watched with a mix of nervous anticipation. Meanwhile, Kal’tsit and Ch’en looked on, their expressions tinged with exasperation.
"Now, let’s discuss our strategy for winning over the people of Chernobog and aiding the Infected." (Doctor)
The Doctor pulled out a vial from his coat, gathering the interests of Wei and Ch’en.
"What I hold here is not merely an inhibitor for Oripathy, it’s a genuine cure, developed by Rhodes Island. We’ve already tested it on our patients and operators, and so far, it boasts a 99% success rate in completely eliminating Oripathy from the body. A good number of the former Infected we met along our path here can vouch for its effectiveness." (Doctor)
He was practically grinning when their expressions broke. Wei’s eyes widened in disbelief, while Ch’en’s jaw dropped in sheer astonishment.
Afterword:
Serious-senpai is currently sleeping.
Ch'en
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Wei Yenwu
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