Tricked

R.E.D. looked perplexed and asked, "Did you hear anything I said?" It seemed like his words had gone in one ear and out the other.

Cinderella exclaimed with excitement, "Yes!"

"It doesn't seem that way..." R.E.D. reluctantly acknowledged that the child's thoughts may not be entirely rational, "Well... do as you wish then... I suppose."

After their brief conversation, M.O.A.V. completed her delivery and landed on the ground. She swiftly transformed into a sleek motorcycle and asked, "Where to now, Master?" Her engine roared to life, ready to take them on their next adventure.

Carefully placing Cinderella in the passenger seat that M.O.A.V. had prepared for her, R.E.D. mounted the vehicle. "We will continue on our intended path as usual... However, I need to make a slight deviation to report the successful completion of the mission."

"Understood," replied M.O.A.V. in her usual calm manner. "I will make sure to calculate the most efficient path to our destinations, considering any possible obstacles or delays that may arise along the way."

"Please proceed," affirms R.E.D.

As they hurried down the empty road, the occasional lamp posts from the past cast a dim yet comforting fluorescent light on the dusty street, creating an eerie yet soothing atmosphere. The cool wind blowing against their faces could calm their spirits and bring a refreshing sensation to their bodies. Although this was a post-apocalyptic world, where the sky was a deep shade of crimson and the air was heavy with the stench of decay, one could still find the scenery oddly beautiful. The remnants of abandoned buildings and vehicles were scattered throughout the area, serving as a haunting reminder of what once was.

After a long journey, they finally reached their first destination - an old and run-down bar that resembled a haunted mansion, with an unpleasant odor emanating from it. The man who had requested their services was inside, but R.E.D. decided not to take the girl with him due to the potential presence of other dangerous individuals.

"M.O.A.V." exclaimed him as he dismounted and headed to the doors of the establishment, "Keep the girl with you and ensure her safety."

"I understand," she responded calmly, acknowledging the instructions.

As R.E.D. stepped into the bar, an overwhelming stench assaulted his senses. If his olfactory nerve hadn't succumbed to the decay of his body a century ago, he would have undoubtedly been engulfed in a dizzying wave of putrid odors, intensifying his discomfort by multiple magnitudes. After spotting the man who had assigned him the mission, R.E.D. approached him to engage in conversation. As they conversed, R.E.D. shared details of the completed job, showcasing his success and fulfilling his part of the bargain.

"It is done?" the man asked with anticipation.

With calm composure, R.E.D. extended his hand, offering a device that held a comprehensive record of the mission. "Yes," he confirmed, "I have documented everything, including the presence of the goblin girls exactly where you instructed." He maintained his professionalism, ensuring that every detail was captured and ready to be delivered for review.

The man's surprise was evident as he exclaimed, "Damn, ya guys certainly know yer craft!" With genuine admiration in his voice, he reached into his pocket and retrieved a card bearing an impressive logo and a carefully inscribed number. Handing it over to R.E.D., he continued, "Just tell your Boss to call the number on the card, the payment will be all there."

"It was a pleasure doing business with you," R.E.D. replied, accepting the card with the logo and number from the man's outstretched hand. He carefully examined the details before nodding affirmatively. "I will inform my superiors and ensure they reach out to the provided number for payment arrangements..." R.E.D. made a mental note to relay the information to his organization, ensuring that the agreed-upon compensation would be arranged promptly.

With a swift motion, R.E.D. carefully tucked the card into his pocket, securely holding onto the valuable contact information. "If you'll excuse me," he politely interjected, "I must take my leave now." Maintaining a composed demeanor, he gracefully began to walk away, signaling the conclusion of their interaction.

As R.E.D. exited the bar, his gaze returned to the card, his mind unraveling the significance of the logo. Recognition dawned upon him. "The New Ones," he muttered under his breath, a renowned adversary of The Dark Angels for as long as his memory served him. The realization struck him deeply, raising suspicions about the true nature of the completed mission and the purpose behind those goblin captives.

A surge of intuition propelled him to take action. R.E.D. activated the communication device integrated into his ocular implant, connecting him directly with his boss. He relayed his concerns and observations, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Boss, I've discovered something unsettling. The man I just dealt with at the bar had ties to The New Ones. It's possible that the goblins I retrieved weren't meant for nefarious purposes. We may have unknowingly aided our adversaries."

With a mix of concern and resolve, R.E.D.'s boss responded, their tone reflecting the gravity of the situation. "It seems we must take immediate action to address this unexpected development. Please let me know your current location." R.E.D.'s boss exuded a sense of worry mingled with unwavering confidence, emphasizing the importance of their next moves. Aware of the urgency, R.E.D. promptly replied, his voice steady and focused, "I am presently located outside the bar where the encounter transpired."

R.E.D. scanned his surroundings, assessing the potential risks and formulating a plan of action. Anticipation filled the air as he awaited his boss's guidance, poised to execute their instructions and rectify the unintended alliance with The New Ones.

"Hmmm... It appears that there's a nearby base affiliated with The New Ones," his boss exclaimed urgently. "I'm transmitting the coordinates to you now!" R.E.D. listened attentively as his boss continued, their voice resolute and determined. "Your mission has now changed. Proceed to their base and kill every member of The New Ones. We need to eliminate as many of them as possible, as it will significantly ease our path toward achieving our ultimate goal. That is your mission, R.E.D., kill them all!"

As R.E.D.'s mechanical eye illuminated with an intense glow, the surrounding air grew heavy, transforming into an almost suffocating fog. His lifeless body jolted with a surge of power, and his enhanced senses sharpened to an extraordinary degree. Inhaling deeply, he exhaled a heavy sigh through his mouth, the breath carrying a hint of weariness.

"Tonight will be very cold..." R.E.D. whispered with a touch of solemnity, acknowledging the imminent encounter.