Wretches and Kings

As the faint sunlight seeped in through the cracks in our hideout, the room buzzed with an unusual energy. Our plans of finding Qin laid out on the table before us, scraps of maps, scribbled notes, and various devices cluttered the surface. Musashi, his eyes flicking over the information and his mind constantly processing, looked up at the sound of the opening door.

Joan. Her return brought a fresh wave of urgency. She was out of breath, her eyes widened slightly in surprise as she took in my presence. "Alexander?" she exclaimed, "You're alive!"

Her surprise was justified, considering how our last encounter ended. I gave her a small smile, the adrenaline from my recovery still pumping through my veins. "I'm a hard man to kill, Joan."

She chuckled, and we quickly exchanged pleasantries, the tense atmosphere dissipating for a moment. But the situation was pressing, and we knew we had to get back to business.

"Ophelia's beggars," she began, pulling out a piece of paper from her pocket and placing it on the table. "They managed to pick up some chatter from the regime police near the Industrial District where Qin was last seen. There's a possible location."

She pulled up a chair and collapsed into it. "It's possible Qin is held up in whichever building this belongs to. Heavily guarded, from what I heard."

I leaned forward, studying the piece of paper. It was a rough sketch of a building layout, with some scribbled notes on the side. Musashi joined me, his gaze sharp and focused.

Musashi leaned forward, scrutinizing the map. "We need to be careful. If we rush to grab at ghosts without a plan, we risk Qin and our own lives."

"Good point," I said, "We need to confirm this information. We can't afford any more losses."

Joan nodded, her hand gripping her sword's hilt. "We need to find Jakob Merlo. He has a way with information gathered from the regime security he's leading, especially when it comes to Evelyn. He might know something."

Musashi agreed, "We'll need all the help we can get."

"We need to tread carefully," Musashi warned, his eyes darkened by concern. "Jakob Merlo isn't just another bureaucrat. He's got the regime's arsenal at his disposal."

"But Jakob is also paranoid," I recalled, thinking back to what Cyrene had told me, "and that's a weakness we can exploit."

Joan frowned slightly, musing over the idea. "How do you propose we do that, Alexander?"

"Well, Jakob's paranoia will make him more susceptible to manipulation," I began. "He's always worried about his own security, about threats both real and imagined. We could exploit that by staging a threat."

"But we must also ensure that this 'threat' is believable," Musashi added, his gaze hardening. "Merlo is not a fool. A poorly planned hoax could alert him to our intentions."

I nodded in agreement. "We'll need to play on his fears, and make it appear as though there's a legitimate danger to his life. That way, he'll be more likely to take our bait."

Joan looked thoughtful. "It's risky, but it could work. We'd need to carefully plan this though, ensure there are no loose ends."

"There's no time to waste," I said firmly. "Let's get to work."

"We need to make him believe the threat is from within, someone in his circle," Joan proposed, an edge to her voice. "Only a select few would know the real names of the three mayors. The fact that we know could be used to our advantage."

Musashi looked at Joan with a nod of agreement. "A carefully orchestrated leak could make him suspect Evelyn or Cyrene. If we're lucky, it might even put him on the defensive against them."

"Agreed," I chimed in. "In Jakob's mind, his fellow mayors are the only ones capable and, possibly, willing to strike at him. If we can convince him of a conspiracy against him within his own ranks, he'll have no choice but to act."

Joan's eyes shone with a newfound determination. "We could plant a fabricated message hinting at a plot against him, something incriminating enough to make him take the bait."

Musashi crossed his arms and leaned back, contemplative. "We should also hint at the reason behind this 'conspiracy'. A power grab, maybe. The promise of absolute control over Paradise City would be an irresistible lure."

"Joan, Musashi," I began, my eyes taking on a far-off look as I recalled a long-buried memory from my former life. "In my time, when I was but a young king, leader of both Macedonia and Greece, I faced a similar predicament. There was a powerful faction within my army that desired to usurp me. They spread whispers of dissent, aiming to turn my men against me."

I paused for a moment, allowing the memory to crystallize in my mind. "To counter this, I made use of a strategy we now call 'Divide and Rule.' I intentionally sowed discord amongst the dissenters, casting doubts about each other into their minds. They turned against each other before they could unite against me."

Joan and Musashi listened intently, their eyes reflecting the glow of understanding. "So we divide them," Musashi voiced, his mind already weaving a new web of possibilities. "We make Jakob distrust his allies within the regime."

Joan nodded, her hand idly tracing patterns on the table surface. "And in his paranoia, he will hopefully reveal where Qin is being held. We could use this chaos to slip in unnoticed and get Qin out."

I nodded. "Precisely. We play them against each other while we remain in the shadows, ready to strike when the moment is right. It's dangerous and delicate, but if we play our cards right, we could save Qin and expose the regime from within."

It felt oddly comforting to draw upon the lessons from my past, to use the wisdom of Alexander the Great in this far-flung future. A world of cyborgs, anomalies, and dystopian regimes might be far removed from the one I once knew, but the principles of power, deception, and loyalty remained constant.

"As in every great siege," I started, pausing to gauge the mood around the room, "the first step is to gather intelligence. A wise man does not rush into battle unprepared. We need to know where Jakob is, his routines, his defenses. We need to know who he trusts and who he fears."

Musashi nodded in agreement. "Much like your siege of Tyre, then? Patience and strategy are key. I agree, intelligence gathering is a vital part of any operation. Back in the Sengoku period, we would use shinobi, or ninja, to gather information."

Joan chimed in. "In my time, we relied heavily on local sympathizers for information. Many of my victories were won because of the intelligence provided by the common folk who saw our cause as just."

I acknowledged their points. "Yes, we need to use a similar approach here. However, given the technologically advanced era we live in, we might need to adopt new methods. Still, the principle remains the same. Gather information, analyze it, and act accordingly."

Musashi grinned, the idea clearly appealing to him. "Then our first task is clear. We need eyes and ears in Jakob's stronghold. We need informants."

I turned to Joan. "Joan, your connections with the common folk, the beggars, and those oppressed by the regime could prove to be our eyes and ears. I know it's a lot to ask, but we need you to rally them, to convince them to work with us."

Joan looked thoughtful, her gaze distant, but after a few moments, she nodded. "I'll do it. People have a remarkable ability to rise when they see a glimmer of hope. It won't be easy, but I'll try."

"And I," I declared, "will start tracking Jakob's movements using whatever technology is available to us. The regime may be advanced, but there will be gaps in their armor. We just need to find them."

Joan gave us a nod before heading off to meet with Ophelia and the beggar network within the black market informants.

Musashi led me into a room tucked away in the hideout. It was filled with various pieces of equipment, a surprising amount of which was vintage, a testament to his preferred style of war.

"Alexander," Musashi began, his eyes lighting up with the glint of a tactician deep in strategy. "We may be men of old, but we cannot deny the advantage of this era's technology. In my time, we would use fire and smoke signals to communicate. But now, we can intercept radio frequencies, monitor camera feeds, tap into surveillance systems."

I nodded, understanding the concept. "In my time, a spy in the enemy's court was valuable beyond measure. This... this is the same thing, just with less risk to human life."

"Exactly," he replied, his fingers tracing over a device. It was larger than a scroll, with a glass surface that lit up when he tapped it. "This is a terminal, a device used to access the information network. We can use this to gather intelligence on Jakob."

As I leaned in to examine the terminal, my eyes widened in surprise. Images and text appeared on the glass surface, changing and disappearing as Musashi manipulated it. "This is a wonder," I murmured, the realization of this era's advancement truly sinking in.

Musashi chuckled, a light-hearted sound amid the dire situation. "Indeed, it is. But remember, it's just a tool. Our wits and strategies are what truly make the difference."

For hours we sat hunched over the terminal, manipulating the glass surface, listening in on the city's chatter. It was a process akin to listening to whispers in a crowded marketplace, waiting for a vital piece of information. It was tiring work, yet it brought a sense of exhilaration, the thrill of a hunt.

Eventually, our efforts bore fruit. We found a lead, a hint at Jakob's movements. It was a small step, but an important one nonetheless.

It came after a lengthy period of silence, Musashi perked up, gesturing at the device.

"Listen, Alexander. This could be important," he cautioned, turning up the volume.

A droning voice filled the room, "Security detail change at 2300 hours for Merlo Residence. I repeat, security detail change at 2300 hours."

Musashi exchanged a knowing glance with me, the hint of a victorious smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "That's a good start," he said, typing in some notes into the terminal. "Now we have a general idea of his whereabouts. And we know when a shift in his personal security detail will occur. This might be our chance."

As I considered our next moves, my terminal chirped with an incoming call. Joan's face appeared on the screen, her features slightly haggard but eyes alight with a burning determination.

"I've gotten the beggars in the Western and Industrial districts to work with us," she announced. "They will keep their eyes and ears open, and report back to us as soon as they find anything on Jakob and his security teams."

"Good work, Joan," I commended her, feeling a spark of hope at this progress. "The more information we have, the better."

As the call ended, I turned to Musashi, an undeniable spark in my eyes. "We are no strangers to war, Musashi. This is simply a different battlefield. We have our spies in the enemy court, we have a hint of their movements. Now we plan, and then, we strike."

Musashi nodded in agreement, his spirit resonating with mine. "Indeed, Alexander. This is war. And in war, there are no rules. Only the strategy of survival."

I stood before the digital map that displayed the intricate layout of the Western District. The pulsating dot that marked Merlo's residence flashed menacingly at me. Joan and Musashi flanked my sides, their expressions set in deep thought.

"We need a way inside," I started, my eyes not leaving the map. "Our best option is during the shift change, as Musashi pointed out earlier. We exploit that moment of confusion, that's our way in."

"True," Musashi agreed, "But even so, we'll be going against a fortress. It's heavily fortified, more than just walls and guards. They will have advanced tech and cyborgs at their disposal."

"And that's where I come in," Joan added with a smirk, "The beggars told me about an old sewage system that runs beneath the district, untouched by tech upgrades. I believe I can lead us through it, right into the basement of Merlo's residence."

Musashi nodded, "An excellent strategy, Joan. One that minimizes direct conflict. And when we are inside, we need to locate Jakob without raising an alarm. Alexander, I believe your skills in stealth and strategy will be paramount here."

I nodded in agreement, "That is our best shot. We sneak in, locate Jakob and get some answers."

"Jakob is highly cautious and paranoid," Joan noted, "He will not spill the beans so easily. We need to exploit his paranoia, make him believe that his life is in danger, and we are his only option."

"And we shall do just that," I concluded, feeling the adrenaline of battle starting to surge. "Remember, in the art of war, it is said 'All warfare is based on deception.' We will deceive Jakob, trick him into revealing Evelyn's plan and where Qin is held."

Nods from Musashi and Joan confirmed our shared determination. With a strategy in mind, we would infiltrate the Merlo Residence, turning the tide of this modern war in our favor. We were ready to outsmart our enemies, to save our comrade, and to claim this city.

The stench hit us before we even neared the entrance of the old sewage system. Foul odors of the city's waste wafted up to greet us. I drew my cloak closer around me, making a poor effort to shield my senses from the miasma.

"Are you sure this is the best way in?" I asked, struggling to keep the discomfort from my voice. Joan simply laughed, already adjusting her breathing.

"I've smelled worse," she said, her grin visible even in the dim light of the descending night.

"Indeed," Musashi replied with a smirk, "The battlefield after a long fight is a much worse smell. Dead bodies, blood, and burnt soil – this is a perfume compared to that."

"I suppose you're both right," I acknowledged. Then, I cleared my throat, shifting my focus to the mission at hand, "So, the plan is as follows: Joan leads us through the sewers, then we infiltrate Merlo's residence from the basement. From there, I'll lead us to Merlo, avoiding any unnecessary conflict."

Musashi gave a nod, his gaze sharp, "And when we reach Jakob, we need to convince him we're on his side. Make him believe Evelyn is planning to overthrow him."

"We need him scared, yet trusting enough to reveal where Qin is," I concluded, my voice firm.

Joan was the first one to descend into the dark abyss, the underground labyrinth that would take us to our destination. Musashi followed, his disciplined demeanor unshaken by our distasteful surroundings. As I took my first step down, I glanced back at the city. The gleaming towers and neon lights seemed distant, detached from the grimy underworld we were about to navigate.

"Let's hope we don't run into any oversized rats," I joked, trying to lighten the mood as we ventured into the darkness.

Joan chuckled, "I've already dealt with an oversized rat named Ivan. Any other rats won't be a problem."

With a determined breath, I descended into the darkness, ready to face the task that awaited us.

The echo of our footsteps bounced off the slimy walls, creating a rhythmic melody that was oddly comforting in the otherwise silent maze. We walked in silence, focused on the task at hand. The holo map flickered in the green haze of the sewerage tunnel, illuminating our path.

Musashi spoke up first, his voice barely above a whisper, "Remember, once we're in, stick to the plan. Alexander, you monitor the comms. We need to know if there's any shift in the guards' schedule."

"I've got it covered," I replied, my hand resting over the small device that would allow me to listen into the guards' communication.

"How are you doing, Joan?" I asked. Even though she was an experienced fighter, she had been quiet for quite a while.

"I'm alright," she replied, her tone resolute. "Just focusing on leading us correctly. The tunnels are tricky."

A soft glow from my wrist indicated an incoming message. I held it up to my face and the holographic display lit up, projecting the detailed layout of the Merlo residence above.

"We're on schedule," I murmured. "We're just under ten minutes from our destination, and the guard shift should take place at eleven. We'll be in position just as the new shift settles in. It should give us a window."

Musashi nodded, "Just like the Siege of Nicaea."

Joan glanced over, "Nicaea?"

"Ah, it's a story from my time," I said with a slight smile. "It was one of my earliest victories. We utilized the shift change of the defenders to breach the city walls."

"I see," Joan said, a determined look in her eyes. "Well, let's hope this goes as smoothly as your siege then."

"Yes," I said, feeling a surge of determination course through me. "For all our sake, let's hope."

Darkness surrounded us, the only light filtering from the hole above that lead to the basement of the Merlo residence. The smell of damp earth and moss replaced the stench of the sewage, a relief to our senses.

"Well, here we are," Musashi whispered, his voice echoing off the concrete walls.

"It's too quiet," Joan observed, her brows furrowing. "Jakob is paranoid. He must have surveillance here."

"We need to find it, then," I stated, glancing around the space. My eyes trailed over the dimly lit corners, searching for anything out of place.

As we spread out and started our search, my mind drifted back to similar instances from my past. In my time, spies and subterfuge were as crucial in a battle as the strength of the sword-arm.

"I remember a situation similar to this when I was on campaign against Darius III, the Persian king," I began, my voice a low murmur. "We had to infiltrate his camp to gather information. The difficulty was in avoiding the numerous sentries and guards, not unlike what we're doing now."

"Did it work?" Joan asked from a corner of the room, her attention focused on the walls.

"Yes, it did," I replied. "It was a risky plan but the payoff was tremendous. We learned of Darius' strategies which helped us immensely in the following battles."

"That's a bit of comfort," Musashi muttered, finding a small sensor tucked into a nook. "Got one."

"Good job, Musashi," I praised, reaching into my bag for a set of clean clothes. "Let's change quickly. We've got a lot to do, and not a lot of time."

In the dim light, we quickly stripped off our sewage-stained clothes, replacing them with the clean sets of disguises we had brought. The smell of the sewers clung to us still, but it was less noticeable.

"Alright," Joan said once we were done. "Let's move. Remember, we're here for Jakob, don't kill anyone. Let's do this."

Stepping through the stone-cold basement into the main floor, we found ourselves in an atrium of grandeur. Layers of opulence overlaid with sharp, angular militarist designs dotted the expanse. The glow from the chandeliers bathed everything in a warm, yellow light. Yet, the place held an almost cold, uncertain aura.

"Quite a place," Musashi murmured, glancing around. His eyes took in the mix of neokitsch design, a blend of opulence and rugged practicality that spoke volumes about the owner.

"Yes, but remember we're not here for a house tour," Joan chided quietly, her voice barely a whisper. She was right. We were here for a purpose. But, in the back of my mind, a niggling thought reminded me of my past, my palaces, my power.

Our disguises were perfect - Musashi as the butler, Joan as the maid, and I took on the role of the chef. They reminded me of the times I'd snuck into enemy camps disguised as a common soldier. As we moved through the house, I felt the familiar thrill of danger. It was an exhilarating sensation, knowing we were in enemy territory yet remaining undetected.

We passed a few workers, but they didn't give us a second glance. They were busy, preoccupied with their duties. It was easy to blend in, to appear as nothing more than another cog in the machine.

At one point, a housekeeper almost bumped into Musashi, but he deftly sidestepped, muttering an apology. I watched as she frowned slightly, then shrugged and went on her way.

"The servants' quarters should be on the east wing," I whispered, recalling the building's layout we'd studied. "We should try there first."

"Got it," Joan replied, her voice barely audible.

"Let's move," Musashi said, and we pressed on, ever closer to our objective.

As we slid into the shadows of the servants' quarters, the lively hum of conversation reached us from the nearby lounge. Peeking around the corner, I spotted him - Jakob Merlo, the man we'd been looking for. The lines etched on his face hinted at his advanced age, and his body was solid but showing signs of weariness. A surprise was that he wasn't alone.

A small family surrounded him, a woman and two children. They sat together, their laughter echoing in the grand room. Jakob appeared relaxed, a different man from the paranoid Chief Defense Officer we expected. He was actively engaging in conversation with his family, helping a servant carrying a heavy tray, his actions careful and kind.

Watching him, a lump formed in my throat. This man had a family he cared for, a family who loved him. He was a man, like us, thrust into a position by circumstances beyond his control. His paranoia wasn't an innate personality trait, but the result of the environment in which he lived - a city ruled by an oppressive regime. His fear was for his family. The revelation filled me with an odd sense of sympathy.

"Alexander," Musashi's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, "what's our move now?"

I glanced at Joan, her eyebrows were raised. I knew that the scene unfolding before us was not what we had expected.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, shaking off the sympathy that was beginning to take hold. "We need to separate him from his family, without causing alarm. His love for them... it's his vulnerability."

"Perhaps," Joan added quietly, her eyes never leaving the family, "it's also his strength."

"But can we exploit that?" Musashi mused aloud.

"I...I don't know." I confessed. Here was a man who loved his family, trying to keep them safe in a city that threatened their very existence every day. "We have our mission," I said finally, focusing on the task at hand. "Let's proceed carefully."

In the gleaming steel of the kitchen, we huddled over an ice cream maker. Joan, apparently skilled in a few surprising areas, started mixing ingredients with the ease of a seasoned chef. I handled the mechanical churn, while Musashi kept watch for any curious eyes.

"Haven't you ever wanted this, Alexander?" Joan suddenly asked, her hands not missing a beat as they added a sprinkle of sugar to the cream. "A family, a normal life?"

I paused, my hand on the churn slowing. "Normal...is subjective," I responded, my eyes not meeting hers. I couldn't afford to get lost in a hypothetical world where I was not who I am.

"True, but there is peace in normality, isn't there?" Musashi chimed in from his position by the door, his eyes scanning the hallway outside.

Turning the churn once more, I finally met Joan's gaze. "I find peace in fulfilling my duty, in righting the wrongs I see in the world. That is my normal, Joan."

We shared a moment of silence, filled with unspoken thoughts and emotions. We were not ordinary people leading ordinary lives. We were anomalies in a world that didn't understand us, trapped in a cycle of conflict. Normality, as Joan put it, wasn't our privilege.

The ice cream maker hummed as it worked, a sweet smell wafting from its frothy contents. The concoction was a distraction, a tool we planned to use to separate Jakob from his family.

Joan finally broke the silence, "This is ready, let's serve it." Musashi nodded, opening the door for us as we stepped out of the kitchen, a bowl of ice cream in Joan's hands and a plan in our hearts.

As Joan carefully carried the bowl of ice cream out of the kitchen, Musashi and I followed her lead. Musashi held his gaze firm, carefully analyzing each person in the room. His intuition was an asset I'd come to value greatly.

Joan moved with the grace of a practiced maid, her smiles soft and welcoming. She first approached Jakob's family, offering them the bowl. "A treat from the kitchen," she said, her tone light.

Jakob, however, had risen and was heading towards his study. I took that as my cue. Making my way over to him, I kept my head low. "Sir," I began, trying to affect the tone of a dedicated servant. "A message came for you. Urgent."

His brows furrowed as he looked at me. "Who's it from?"

I feigned uncertainty, my voice wavering a bit, "I...I'm not sure, sir. But it was marked important."

He sighed, a look of worry crossing his face. "Fine, I'll be in my study. Get me the message."

Following him, I glanced back at Joan and Musashi, their nods barely noticeable. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what was to come. We had successfully separated Jakob. Now came the crucial part of our plan.

Joan, ever the diplomat, elegantly accepted the invitation to sit with Jakob's children, engaging in innocent banter about school, hobbies and the like. Her laugh filled the room with warmth, charming Jakob's wife who was keen to engage in a conversation with the 'new maid'.

I watched as Musashi moved through the room, carefully cleaning the surroundings while his eyes scanned everything, a vigilant watchman in plain sight. A nod of acknowledgment passed between us as I made my way towards Jakob's study.

Jakob was already behind his desk, busy leafing through the pile of documents on his table. I moved to stand across him, keeping my gaze on the floor. "Where is the message, then?" he asked, looking up.

"There is no message, Jakob," I answered, finally lifting my gaze to meet his.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise, then narrowed with suspicion. "Who are you?"

"The less you know about me, the safer you are. But what you should know, Jakob, is that your regime has a snake in its midst."

Jakob frowned, "Explain yourself."

I took a deep breath, ready to put the plan into motion. We'd managed to infiltrate Jakob's residence, maintaining our cover. Now it was time to plant the seeds of doubt.

"Jakob, your regime is built on distrust and fear," I started, taking the blunt approach, something that had served me well in my lifetime as Alexander the Great. "There are those amongst you who are working for their own interests. I have names..."

Jakob folded his hands on the desk, his sharp eyes fixed on me. "Who sent you?"

"No one sent me, Jakob. I came here of my own volition because I believe you are a man who would appreciate the truth."

His brow furrowed. "What truth is that?"

I sighed, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. In the world of politics, the delicate dance of words mattered more than the sharpest sword. I was about to employ the ancient strategy of 'divide and conquer', turning enemies against each other. A maneuver I'd executed several times during my conquests.

"There is a conspiracy within your regime, Jakob. A conspiracy to remove the mayors. And you, being the oldest among them, are at the top of the list."

He scoffed, "You're asking me to believe that my closest allies would betray me."

I shrugged. "I'm not asking you to believe me right away, Jakob. All I'm doing is giving you a warning. Keep an eye out. There are signs of betrayal everywhere if you're willing to see them."

Jakob's lips thinned to a line, his gaze hard. "And why should I trust you, a stranger? A... chef, apparently."

I paused, measuring my response. "You should trust me because your family, your life, and the security of Paradise City is at stake."

"The regime has many enemies," Jakob began, leaning back in his chair, his eyes fixed on me with an intense focus. "But there's a particular name that's been buzzing around recently... Alexander the Great, I believe?"

The words hit me like a thunderbolt. For a moment, I was caught off guard, my heartbeat pounding in my ears. But I couldn't let Jakob see my surprise. I could only hope that my poker face was as intact as it felt.

"Is there?" I finally asked, my voice steady despite the sudden twist.

"Yes, very much so." Jakob confirmed, leaning back in his chair. "Evelyn is not the only one with eyes and ears in this city. Your fight with Ivan wasn't exactly discreet. And you'd be surprised at the information I have access to. I've known about you for a while now."

My heart pounded in my chest, but I kept my face impassive, my eyes steady on his. "You seem to have done your homework, Jakob."

He nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, you can say that. It's in my nature to be... well, prepared."

"If you knew about us, why didn't you reach out sooner?" I asked, trying to gauge his intentions.

He sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I didn't know whether I could trust you or not. You're an anomaly, a wild card. But I had to be sure."

"Sure of what?" I probed, folding my arms across my chest.

"That you're here for the right reasons. To bring about change, to do what's best for this city."

"And how do you know I am?"

"Your actions speak for themselves, Alexander. You helped those cyborg cops when you didn't need to. And the way you care for your comrades, it's the mark of a true leader. You're here to help the city, not destroy it."

I felt a flicker of surprise. He'd been watching us closely, keeping track of our movements. "And why does that matter to you, Jakob?"

"Because I too want to see a change, Alexander. But the Regime is strong. And Evelyn... she's cunning. I needed capable and trustworthy allies."

I let his words sink in. Here was Jakob Merlo, one of the three most powerful men in Paradise City, aligning himself with our cause. But could we trust him? I looked at Jakob, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air.

"Alright Jakob. We need to get Qin back. And if you're really on our side, you'd help us find him."

"Qin?" Jakob echoed, raising an eyebrow at me, confusion clear in his eyes. "I am afraid I do not know of this individual. The regime keeps a tight lid on their operations, Alexander."

I shook my head slightly, pressing on. "Qin Shi Huang, an ally of ours. He went missing in the Industrial District two weeks ago. You must have some information on it."

Jakob's face turned thoughtful, before his eyes widened slightly. "Two weeks ago? I did hear something, an unusual commotion in the Industrial District, a high level capture. It must be him."

"Where was he taken?" I pressed, my hands clenched into fists.

He looked at me, a hint of regret in his gaze. "I don't know, Alexander. I do not have access to such information."

I frowned, feeling a wave of disappointment wash over me. But it was to be expected. The regime wasn't stupid, they wouldn't share such crucial information with everyone. I had to remember that.

"Alright, Jakob. We need all the help we can get. Can you help us find out where they would be keeping him?" I asked, my gaze hardening. We had to find Qin.

He nodded, a determined look on his face. "I'll do my best, Alexander. I want change, and I want peace for this city, just like you. I'll use my resources and connections. We'll find your friend."

I gave him a nod, standing up. "We're in this together, Jakob. But remember, trust is a two-way street."

He stood as well, extending his hand. "Agreed, Alexander. And don't worry, I know where my loyalties lie."

As I shook his hand, I couldn't help but hope he was telling the truth. For now, we had no choice but to work together. For the sake of Paradise City, and for Qin.

Jakob reached into his drawer and pulled out a sleek, metallic card, handing it to me. "This is a guest key card to my residence," he said, his gaze serious. "You, Joan, and Musashi can use this to leave through the backdoor. It'll be less conspicuous than using the sewer again, I presume."

I pocketed the card, raising an eyebrow at him. "This is… appreciated, I see you're quite observant, Jakob."

He chuckled, leaning back against his desk. "A good defense officer has to be. Now, before you go," He said, scribbling something on a piece of paper before handing it to me. "This is my personal radio channel code. Use it if you need to contact me. And... I could use your help too, Alexander."

"Oh?" I prompted, tucking the paper away. "What kind of help are you needing?"

"I've been wanting to do more to protect the good people on the streets. The regular police force... they're just not enough anymore. And I can't trust the regime's forces," He confessed, rubbing his forehead. "Plus, I'll also need to update you on my investigation into your friend's whereabouts. Can I count on you, Alexander?"

I took a moment, studying Jakob. He seemed genuine, but only time would tell if we could really trust him. Regardless, for now, we had a common goal.

"You can count on us, Jakob," I said, offering him a firm nod. "We want the same thing: a safer Paradise City. We'll be in touch."

With that, I left Jakob's study, joining Musashi and Joan as we made our escape through the backdoor of the Merlo residence, the night ahead full of new possibilities and dangerous uncertainties.