Angela frowned at the phone on the desk. Twin of Team Chaos had contacted her, and she'd deigned to give him the time of day. Right now, they were in a phone call where he had an unusual proposal for her.
"I'm listening," she said after hearing his initial pitch.
"Basically," he said, "I'm looking for certain files. I believe the First Division of the military would have them, but I don't know for sure. I'll send Ferry to release Whiplash on the condition that he help her steal copies of said files. If they aren't there, then that's that. I'll reorient my efforts and move on. If they are there, however, we have what we want. Of course, I'd send you a copy as well as thanks for your contribution."
Angela thought for a moment, making sure to leave Twin hanging just long enough that a normal person would start to feel uncomfortable.
He hadn't said what these files were, but if they were top-secret First Division documents, they'd surely be interesting. And even if Jacob was quickly outliving his usefulness, he was still one of her only Miracle cards. How many times would she have to bail him out of jail? Really, she wished she'd just get more cards like Sasha. That woman was actually capable, unlike the other two.
Finally, she spoke.
"What sorts of files are we talking? If the First Division has them, I assume they have to do with the city's defenses? You do understand that disabling our own defenses would be foolish, no?"
Play hard to get for a while, even if her decision was already made. That would keep Twin on his toes. Her assistance would never be guaranteed; something had to be in it for her, and it had to be worth it.
"I'm not interested in the city's defenses. I'm interested in what's under the city."
"You mean the sky? Surely you can find more information on that in far more accessible archives."
"No, Angel. There's a level of Arx beneath the Subways. Ferry found it when she was caught in one of our tussles. Based on what I've been able to find, all the city's critical systems are located down there. The power generator, sewage treatment plants, water purification, even cleaning the air. There's an entire unknown level full of things we can use to take the city itself hostage. The military and the government will have to do whatever we say."
Angela frowned. Interesting. In theory, they had to have some kind of setup for all of that; she'd just never thought about where it would all be.
"Tell me more," she said slowly, chafing that Twin was getting exactly what he wanted. He knew this was too good an offer to pass up.
"At this point, I don't know much more. I've investigated the Subways, and there are a few out-of-the-way doors that are locked up tight. Ferry could just hop past them, but Arx is a big place and without any idea of where anything is, we'd be wasting a significant amount of time. On top of that, we suspect that whoever's down there won't take too kindly to us messing around. After all, the Legion's portal wizard dragged Ferry and Cold Snap down there, though I'm not sure for what. I suspect they weren't supposed to get out alive."
"So you want extra firepower down there?" Angela asked.
"No. Once we have the files, we can go our separate ways. Do with them what you will."
"You're not afraid I'll get the jump on you?"
"If you did, it would be fun to see what happens. Whoever goes down there first has to deal with whatever's down there without any warning. Part of me wonders if there's a stash of weapons down there. After all, the weapon that took out Cold Snap was like nothing I've ever seen before."
Angela crossed her legs. Risk vs reward. Well, if it was the likes of Jacob going down there she didn't care much what happened to them.
"I suppose more information on that weapon will cost me?"
"Not much," Twin replied. "Just any information on how to treat her. She's still alive, but the wound isn't doing well. And naturally we can't rely on the hospitals."
Angela smiled. This was actually quite perfect.
"I can get her medical treatment if you wish. For a price of course."
"Oh? What's the price?"
Angela put a finger to her lips and mused for a moment.
"When you raid the place under the Subways, let's make it a joint effort. Your Ferry can get my people past and we can claim our share of the spoils."
"You have a deal, my dear Angel," Twin replied. She could practically hear the smile in his voice.
"Bring her to the starboard stern corner of the city. Level 2. Wear a yellow shirt and my people will find you."
"You have my gratitude. Cold Snap is ever so precious to me. It would be a shame if she couldn't recover."
"I'll hopefully learn more about this weapon in the process as well. Really, this situation benefits both of us." Angela smiled darkly.
Of course, the moment Twin and his people ceased to be useful, she'd cut them off. Kill them if need be. There was no need to keep anything around that wasn't beneficial to her, and if circumstances changed, Twin could be an irritating enemy to deal with. She'd made a mistake when she let Jase go. She would not make it again.
"Tell Whiplash that he's helping Ferry with your little file heist in exchange for his freedom. I'll overlook his stupidity this once if he manages to come back with the files. If he doesn't get them, he should just stay locked in that cell and rot like a good little boy."
"I'll be sure to tell Ferry to relay the message."
"And with that, I suppose I have little more to discuss with you. When were you planning the heist?"
"Tonight if possible. If not, tomorrow night. Late, when most people are sleeping or slacking off."
"Excellent. I'll know the results based on whether Whiplash is back in my hand by Monday. I do hope he doesn't fail you. He's been so disappointing lately."
Honestly. Failing to capture Jase's little favourite when she had been right there was unforgivable. Worse, he'd been caught by the military when the little girl overpowered him. She was quickly running out of patience.
As she hung up, she sighed. Perhaps Jacob would be able to redeem himself with this job. If not, he was worth less than garbage to her.
Garbage could at least be recycled.
