19 A tense meeting

Katsu's face was expressionless, and Vin could see the pain and hurt in his eyes. He knew that he had let Katsu down, that he had broken his promise to protect him... Vin stuttered, "K-Katsu, w-what are you?"

Ivan's voice boomed through the room, "I said, do you have something to say, Vin?"

Vin quickly composed himself, "N-nothing, sir!" He hurried back to his place, feeling a wave of shame and disappointment wash over him. Katsu and Bon sat down on the chairs that were provided, while Vin brought them drinks.

Vin stood at parade rest, his eyes fixed on Ivan as he spoke. "Alright, welcome! How may I help you, Von?" Ivan asked in a kinder tone than Vin expected.

Bon spoke up, "Uhm. I am having trouble taking care of this brat, he's just too much for me!" Vin felt a pang of guilt as he heard Bon words. He knew that he was the reason Katsu was in this situation.

"I see, well, I guess it's not your fault, you're a bounty hunter not a babysitter after all. Vin, what would you like to do?" Ivan asked Vin, breaking his train of thought.

Vin deliberated for a moment, considering his options. He knew that what he was about to say would hurt Katsu, but it was the safest option.

He took a deep breath and said, "Uh, I had him sent a letter to Bon, a good friend of mine, to have him stay with Bon and move outside of the city. But it seemed that he didn't get it."

Both Bon and Katsu were shocked, but for completely different reasons. Katsu went completely frozen, piecing everything together. Bon's reaction to the letter, he quickly realized what the letter contained. Vin never had planned for him to come back, to stay with Katsu. Breaking his promise, Katsu was hurt. Feeling betrayed, he slouched over, with his eyes devoid of life, completely silent. Once again, he was alone.

Bon was irritated that Vin said what he had written in the letter, and annoyed that he completely ignored their effort to save him. Vin clenched his fist, feeling the weight of his guilt and regret. He continued, "I suggest that Von deliver him to Bon, and after he ensures their safety outside the city walls, our agreement will be complete."

"I see… Von, can you do it?" Ivan asked Von.

Von replied quickly, "Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah… it's much easier than having to take care of a child, hehehe…."

Ivan nodded, "Alright, then, that'll be your last mission. You can leave after you finish taking a break. I'll pay you for your troubles before you go."

The minute hand of the clock struck 12, and the operation continued.

The Lieutenant-General had been planning this operation for months, and now, the time had finally come to put his plan into action. He had called on every available Military Police Personnel to the Metropolitan Police HQ, amassing a total of 2,000 Personnel, with an additional 1,000+ patrolling every street of the city. The Imperial Military Special Armed Combat Forces Special Squad, the K9 unit, and Counter Terrorism Division were also present, ready for whatever was to come.

Albert, the Lieutenant-General, was on the upper floors of the MP HQ at his personal office, overseeing the operation and waiting patiently for the arrival of the army. He knew that this operation was going to be a challenge, but he was confident in his team's ability to execute it flawlessly. As he looked out the window, he could see the city bustling with activity as his personnel took their positions.

Suddenly, an officer barged into his office, disrupting his thoughts. "Sir!" Officer Payne exclaimed.

"What is it, Lieutenant?" Albert asked, turning his attention to the officer.

"Current report: We've got personnel patrolling the streets of Landon as well as temporary checkpoints in every major road/highway at the city borders," Lieutenant Payne reported.

"Good," Albert replied. "We need to swiftly overwhelm them and then divide and conquer from there. Using the information we've garnered from months of investigation, we'll attack minor bases and annihilate all chances of a counterattack."

"What about the army, sir?" Lieutenant Payne asked.

"They'll deal with capturing their main base, and that's up to their general to decide," Albert replied confidently.

"I see," Lieutenant Payne said, nodding his head. "Continuing with the report: logistically, regarding how large scale this operation is, it is going to be a challenge just to transport our personnel to their designated sectors."

Albert chuckled. "They can do it. Split them up into squads, so they can move independently from each other. Basic stuff."

"Our PR team is on standby, ready to either cover up any mishaps or change the story to our favour," Lieutenant Payne said.

"Ah, press conferences, my favourite," Albert said sarcastically. "As of now, the operation is going smoothly, but there's still a chance everything might go downhill, but only time will tell."

"Any information on how long the army will take to arrive?" Lieutenant Payne asked.

"We've received a report that they're already on the move, ETA: 1 hour," Albert replied.

"Good enough for me," Lieutenant Payne said. "Now let's get started on creating an actual action plan."

"Huh? But you said-" Albert began.

"Ignore my previous statement, sir. We'll follow your lead," Lieutenant Payne said, showing his respect for his commanding officer.

"Gather all available Senior Ranking Officers for a meeting, pronto! Time is of the essence!" Albert ordered.

"Yes, sir!" Lieutenant Payne replied, saluting before quickly leaving the room.

Albert took a deep breath as he prepared himself for the incoming raid. He knew that this would be a critical moment for his team and the nation. The stakes were high, and the consequences of failure were dire. However, he had faith in his team's ability to carry out their duties without fail. He knew that they were the makers and keepers of peace, and it was their duty to ensure that they did their jobs to the best of their abilities.

As he stood there, looking out the window, he felt a sense of pride and honor for the Military Police and what they represented. He knew that this operation would be remembered for years to come, and it would be a testament to their unwavering commitment to their duty and the nation.

The minute hand strikes twelve, and the operation continues.

End of chapter 19.