Making a Deal

Dark clouds at eleven in the morning. At the confluence of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, a fishing boat appeared. A short while later, three speedboats came at the fishing boat from three different angles. This vessel was unquestionably a warship for the Church of the Broken God rather than a genuine fishing vessel.

Here was about to start the first round of negotiations between the SCP Foundation, the Global Occult Coalition, and the Church of the Broken God. The number of negotiators between the SCP Foundation and the GOC was limited to three under Church of the Broken God restrictions.

Hansen and Kerr, one of Hansen's students, accompanied Zhang Jue on the ship. Old Smith, who was operating the speedboat, understood and nodded without missing a beat before he boarded.

On the GOC side, the initial commander Fulvio reported that Boronat, his deputy, had arrived instead of the sick individual. Despite being a deputy, Boronat has the same reputation. Even louder than Fulvio, his name is heard.

Over the course of his more than twenty years in the GOC, Boronat participated in the demise of more than 130 anomalous enterprises. He did everything in his power to defeat the opposition, even setting the "General in cold blood" record by murdering more than 100 soldiers.

According to legends, his right eye was infected by an abnormality and snapped off on its own, hence it is a prosthetic.

In a low voice, Hansen presented Zhang Jue to the opposing party. Zhang Jue smiled while nodding. Although Fulvio was a wimp, he nevertheless sent a general who was brutal to his foes and much more brutal to himself. The person they sent to negotiate, though, was an elderly man with glasses.

Although this was the man's first encounter with Hansen, the Foundation's database possessed information on him. One of the main figures in the Cult of the Broken God, the elderly man's name was Maxwell.

This was the first time Hansen had seen this man, but the Foundation's database contained information about him. The old man's name was Maxwell, one of the core leaders of the Cult of the Broken God.

Although this was the man's first encounter with Hansen, the Foundation's database possessed information on him. One of the main figures in the Cult of the Broken God, the elderly man's name was Maxwell.

Since its founder Robert Bumaro, the Church of the Broken God has divided into three main divisions: the Church of the Broken God, the Cogwork Orthodox Church, and the Church of the Maxwellist.

Maxwell, the elderly guy, was formerly an elder in the Gear Orthodox Church. Robert Bumaro assumed the role of diplomat in the Church of the Broken God after uniting the organization.

Zhang Jue found it peculiar that while the majority of members of the Church of the Broken God had their bodies mechanically altered, this Maxwell, who appeared to be an ordinary old guy slumped over, was unable to see precisely where he had been mechanized.

They turned to look at Zhang Jue as he examined these two. Maxwell was assisted by one of the staff members as he headed closer Zhang Jue.

"I believe that this is Zhang Jue of the SCP Foundation, Advisor Zhang."

Mawxwell's voice was a touch hoarse but incredibly friendly, much like the elderly neighbor's grandfather.

Zhang Jue, however, was not deceived by his outward appearance; the three main Church of the Broken God factions were engaged in a bloody battle that prevented the elderly man from standing in the vortex without a little heart and cunning. After all, people who engage in politics have dirty hearts.

But naturally, this is not easy to say explicitly, Zhang Jue said, "Old man, you know me?"

Maxwell made a small smile. "Even though the old man is illiterate, he is aware of the significance of this title because only a select few individuals have had the title of the Foundatoin Star since the founding of the SCP Foundation. Only, I did not anticipate Advisor Zhang to be such a young, unsung hero."

Maxwell was aware of the true significance of this long earlier. He offered Zhang Jue a number of cheap, pointless compliments, all of which would have been appreciated had he been able to even momentarily calm his opponent.

Zhang Jue was unable to respond before Cold-blooded General Boronat also appeared. "I've heard that Advisor Zhang is knowledgeable and has a keen understanding of a variety of anomalies, but I'm not sure if this rumor is accurate."

Although there is ongoing conflict between the Foundation and the GOC despite the fact that their relationship is generally one of cooperation, this is not the case. Additionally, Boronat has a rather straight-forward mentality, so there aren't many inhibitions when it comes to speaking.

Although the GOC and the Foundation appear to be on the same side in this three-way discussion, they each have hidden agendas. The SCP held by Zhang Jue served as the motivation behind the Church of the Broken God.

The GOC sought to completely destroy the Church of the Broken God. Zhang Jue, on the other hand, had a far more straightforward plan: to figure out what was happening before seeing whether he could benefit in any way.

"It makes no difference how young you are." Zhang Jue murmured, "I won't let you people down."

...

After exchanging pleasantries, the three arrived at the interior of the fishing boat. This fishing boat is the masterpiece of the Church of the Broken God's technology, Zhang Jue traveled all the way from the corridor and saw countless gears running between them, emitting a clicking sound, not knowing what they were used for.

The Church of the Broken God dares to use this ship as a place of negotiation, security should be guaranteed. The enemy's security is guaranteed, it is thought that his own danger is one point higher.

The three parties took their seats in the discussion area as the people entered. Zhang Jue turned to face Maxwell and started the conversation.

"Old man, may I chat a little about what your church has been up to with all the huge moves lately before the negotiations begin?"

Maxwell shook his head and Sigh, "Advisor Zhang, if we were in a different place and in a different function today, I would be more than happy to gossip with you right now, but we are out of time." He said.

Zhang Jue was unsure as to why the Church of the Broken God was in a rush, whether it was the Miranda few who had been apprehended or this Maxwell in front of him. However, he didn't force it because the others weren't willing to say it; eventually, the truth would come out anyhow.

"Good," With a nod, Zhang Jue said, "All right, let's get started."

...

The SCP Foundation's trade of SCP-271, SCP-629, and four prisoners for the process of producing and governing SCP-217 by the Church of the Broken God was the major subject of this agreement.

The agreement appears to be that it is impossible to determine who is winning and who is losing, but it has come to be accepted by practically everyone that the Foundation cannot give the Church of the Broken God all the anomalous goods.

Giving both projects to the Church of the Broken God would probably result in something more challenging to handle than SCP-217 because it is obvious that they have bigger plans. Be ready for the Broken God to awaken as well.

Without a doubt, this is unacceptable.

"We have the people here." said Zhang Jue, pointing at the four members of the Church of the Broken God who had been apprehended behind him. "I hope Church of The Broken God will honor its word."

"That's fine." Maxwell said as he nodded, "I wonder if Advisor Zhang has brought the other two pieces."

"Of course." Zhang Jue said, but his hands remained immobile. "Old man, as agreed, I can only offer you the object if your faith gives up the means of producing and governing SCP-217."

"We are ready to do this." Bringing a prepared folder from the staff behind him, Maxwell continued, "Everything you need to know about the SCP-217, or "Tears of God," is contained in this document. I can provide it to you right away, but first, Advisor Zhang, should the Foundation demonstrate good faith."

Hansen handed Zhang Jue the case he was holding in his left hand as the latter nodded and reached behind him. The moment Zhang Jue cracked open the case, the crowd became transfixed and forgot that the SCP-271 metal disc was actually within.

"The item is here, we pay with one hand and deliver with the other, if your stuff is okay, I'll give you the SCP-629 as well, how about that?" said Zhang Jue as he fiddled with the SCP-271 in his hand.

Maxwell's eyes furrowed as he focused on the item in Zhang Jue's palm. While holding his shoulders, Boronat, on the other hand, observed with icy eyes as the two sides checked one another. Everyone was aware that the time had arrived to paint the true image.

After that. Unexpectedly, Maxwell said to the squire standing at one side.

"Do it!"