>>5384057“If you've got two, then I suppose I won't feel bad for claiming one.” Aqua says, a smile on her almost-childlike face. “Thank you very much Arctus, you and I should go drinking together sometime.”
“Haha, I agree. Once your business on Planet Namek is concluded and I've finished my little rat hunt, we should celebrate our victories.” you reply. She skips off-screen, leaving you and King Cold alone. As she turns to leave, his expression turns serious.
“Speaking of, how is the hunt?” he asks, you both understanding the code. Ever since discovering that there was a rogue hacker crawling through your networked systems like a little rat, and even seized temporary control over your Lucrehulk space ship, you all had agreed to never discuss important matters through any 'official' channel, no matter how secure it is thought to be. Instead, every update is given telepathically, where no outside force can tap in unnoticed. “I take it that, since you picked up my call so quickly, you were about to make one of your own?”
“I was. And I made an interesting discovery.” you say, pondering how to say what you'd found in easily-understood code. “I found that the rat hides by retreating behind a very special wall, one that can't be seen past.”
“Oh? And that wall is still standing because?” Cold asks you, understanding enough. So you keep going with this metaphor, feeling a small grin growing.
“The wall belongs to some very powerful pest exterminators.” you tell him. “Clever bastard. But once the exterminators know what this rat has been up do, I doubt it will live for much longer.”
“I see. And what of their fee?” King Cold asks, now clearly understanding who you're referencing. “I'll send the funds over immedi-”
“Actually, that won't be necessary.” you interrupt, King Cold now raising his own brow in surprise. “I know one of their more...Technologically-savvy members. I know how to turn the screws to get their unquestioning cooperation.”
“Very well, I shall leave this in your hands.” King Cold replies, then ends the call. You hang it up as well, sighing out in relief. As you do, you hear the familiar “Pssssht” of a can popping, and looking over your shoulder you see your Stand, Blue Hawaii, chugging the can down.
“Hey! What did I tell you?” you shout, Blue Hawaii not even looking your way as it tosses the can in its other hand directly to your open palm. You catch the drink as he stops, you cracking the top and touching cans with Blue Hawaii before both of you chug your cheap drinks. The good stuff is for once the day's work is done, but that doesn't mean you have to work stone cold sober. “Better. But once I start this call, you've gotta go away. I don't know if they can see Stands, but if they can I'd rather keep you a surprise for if we ever have to fight them. These Zoldyck assassins aren't exactly our allies.”
