Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“I go by ‘Huntsman’ these days. I’m still looking for a permanent name, but I like this one so far.”</span> you said with a shrug.
Tombstone lifted an eyebrow and gave you an almost skeptical look. <span class="mu-b">“Let us hope that you live up to your namesake. If you perform exceptionally in this operation, I might consider placing you under my employment in the future.”</span> he said, placing his hands behind his back.
<span class="mu-r">“Sounds like a plan.”</span> you said, backing away from Tombstone without breaking eye contact. <span class="mu-r">“Prepare to be amazed.”</span>
Tombstone and the woman known as “Beetle” exchanged glances momentarily, and then returned their gazes to you. The only reason that you looked away was because someone smacked you on the back of the head.
<span class="mu-r">“Hey!”</span> you shouted, whirling on the one responsible for this slight. The tension left you as soon as you saw Flint’s face.
<span class="mu-g">“What were you thinking, kid!? Do you have any idea who that is?”</span> he exclaimed in a hushed tone.
<span class="mu-r">“Uh, yeah. That’s Tombstone, and that’s Beetle. And I was thinking I could make a good impression on our employer before I lost the opportunity.”</span> you argued.
<span class="mu-g">“Take my advice, kid. In this line of work, you’ll be better off if you talk less and listen more.”</span> Flint said, pointing to the Cauliflower ears he earned from a lifetime of scrapping and brawling.
<span class="mu-r">“I’m thinking about my future here, Marko. You might think of this as just another job, but this is how I get my foot into the door.”</span> you said, pointing a finger at his chest.
Flint sputtered for a moment. <span class="mu-g">“What’re you talking about? Your foot’s already in the door! You’re taking jobs from Tombstone.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Yeah? And what are we gonna do after that? We’re still stuck doing grunt work, Flint.”</span> you said, taking a step closer to him. <span class="mu-r">“I’m talking about the Big Time. Jobs that’ll get us set for life.”</span>
Flint was clearly taken aback by this declaration, because he remained silent for almost a minute. But before he could respond, Tombstone stepped forward and clapped his hands loudly.
<span class="mu-b">“I do believe that everyone has arrived. Let’s begin, shall we?”</span> he proclaimed, not doubting that everyone was paying rapt attention.
Over the course of his debriefing, he pretty much went over everything that you read in Marko’s document. After that, he started assigning roles to everyone present. Incidentally, you and Flint were both being placed in the pursuing vehicle. Your job was to chase after them and force them into a blockade.
Beetle was being tasked with the elimination of multiple airborne scouting drones. Once those were taken out, you’ll be clear to start the attack.
Having received their orders, the ambush vehicles were loaded up and rolled out ahead of time. Soon enough, your car was the only one left in the warehouse.
(Cont.)
