I got up early as usual and went to take a bath. This perk of being a member of Wuxia was truly amazing. I wasn't one, but fortunately for me, still could use it. I didn't have fresh clothes to change into, just the ones I bought yesterday, but as far as our hygiene standards went, I was as clean as new.
Then I went to the cafeteria, it was filling up slowly with half-asleep members of Wuxia, grunting and complaining about having to get up so early. Nadia was among them, although her behavior was completely different. She didn't notice me, as she was standing in line for food with a bowl in her hands.
I joined the waiting people, and as she was leaving with her portion, she finally saw me. After I got mine, I already had a spot waiting for me, beside her. We ate together talking a bit about what she was gonna do during the day.
She had to go through the kitchen reserves and the craftsmen's storage. Then check produced equipment, and finally bring Hatta a rapport. Then help him to compare it with the requests for weapons and armored, brought by lieutenants. Amit, and a guy I didn't know yet, freshly nominated. It was actually a lot of work.
I was unable to finish my meal, as will entered the cafeteria. He said hi to us and then waved at me to follow him.
- Now? - I asked with my mouth full of vegetable stew.
- Yes. Now.
- I'll return your bowl - said Nadia.
I quickly put as much food in my mouth as I could, and went with him.
- I talked with Hatta yesterday, and he was actually visited by Blue later. They had a bit of a quarrel over what happened yesterday. We had to promise him to make Boris punish Sanders for what happened.
- So what? His guys went overboard, trying to fucking kill Nil.
- Yeah, but he was the one to start it all, and few people actually saw him asking for it. There were multiple witnesses, and that's what, I think, Blue was actually angry about. Now it's not just a rumor about yellow eyes.
- And that's why I couldn't finish my food?
- Well... Be happy I didn't wake you up at night. We let you sleep through the night, but now it's really time to talk.
He leaned towards me, to whisper.
- About Blue's fucking army of werewolves! - he hissed.
- They were not that strong - I also tried to keep it low and mumbled quietly.
- For you and me, but three were enough to probably kill Sanders, and he is the toughest motherfucker, after Ilja, in Bratstvo. They were regular nobodies, you have to remember that. Hatta is actually scared.
- Fuck.
- We talked with Aisha last Night. In a couple of days, she should be able to give us an estimated number of those werewolves.
- Good, but lets at least try to confirm that information by ourselves.
- She is not gonna lie to us about such an important matter. She learned her lesson, Peter.
- She has to earn back my trust, and before I'll rather check everything she says twice. If possible of course.
He sighed. We made it all the way to Hatta's office. Amit was waiting outside, clearly waiting for us.
- I calmed him down a bit, but it's good that you got here so quickly.
- Is it that bad? - I asked.
- He didn't sleep through all night, and thanks to that, me too...
- See? That's how good we are to you PEter. You could sleep as nice as a baby -said Will, half-joking, obviously.
- Fuck you. Let's go.
Amit pushed the door, and let us inside, then followed. Hatta was sitting behind his desk with closed eyes, controlling his breath. Meditating probably. I looked at Amit.
- My idea - he said.
I just shrugged.
- Hatta, wake up.
He didn't at first, grabbing few more deep breaths and exhaling through the mouth, but finally opened his eyes.
- We are fucked - he started.
- Calm down. I've been there and it's not that bad.
- For you, but Wuxia has no chances of winning.
- Wuxia is not alone. I'm here, and I swear I'm gonna fuck them up if they try something funny. I'm done with beating around the bush. He tries something, he is going down.
- Calm down, Peter. We don't want to start the war.
- Why? Situation changed. Others will more likely support us.
- What if Aisha steps in? She can pull some people to the other side - he argued.
- She got played by him like a little kid. She hates him.
- But she also wants peace. If we make the first move, she might... betray us again.
- Isn't she helping us right now?
- Yes, but that's because he is doing something behind the curtain. If we want her on our side, we can't do the first move!
- You are just a coward Hatta. Just admit you are scared of Blue.
- Fuck you, Peter!
- Hey! Calm the fuck down guys! We are supposed to fight against him, not among ourselves - said Will.
- Peter is right... - Amit suddenly rejoined the conversation. - Not about the coward part, but about the confrontation. We shouldn't fight, though. Let's just ask Blue what is he doing. If he gives us a bunch of lies, then we know it's time. He can't just avoid it when we all know. Others probably also know, and he has more enemies than friends. He needs us to stay at the top, and he knows that. So, let's just bluntly ask.
- You know what Amit? You are a genius - said Will, and patted him on the back.
- I agree. This might be the way - I said.
Hatta sighed.
- Fine. Let's confront him, but we do it here, on my ground.
- I'll send somebody - said Amit, and went outside.
- So now we wait? - asked Will.
- Yes... - answered Hatta and leaned back on his chair.
He closed his eyes and returned to the meditation. Will just shrugged his shoulders and went to grab something to drink from the shelf.. I on the other hand headed towards the couch, to sit, and quickly think it all through.