Chapter 595 Partnership-3
" I really can't believe it. If what you are telling us is true than we have a bigger problem on our hands if there was such a person hiding in our ranks." Ahmed began calculating and no matter how he thought about it, it was looking dire.
The reason was simple, if they did chase away Steve or better exchange few fires the supposed spy would take that as the Black Swans staying on the sidelines. Now that they had seen them interact on friendlier terms it would be harder for them to convince them otherwise.
He had already seen what Steve was capable of and if the organization he was hunting was able to evade him to such an extent it would spell doom for their little town if they were to take them as a threat.
Steve could see their expression change and that's when he extended a unique opportunity to them.
" I know what you are thinking. I can't promise that everyone in this town will be fine but it would certainly raise your chances if you agree for a secret partnership."
" Partnership? Are you asking us to go under your wing knowing the history of Black Swans?"
" It will be a strategic partnership nothing more nothing less. My boss certainly doesn't like me strong-arming people into submission when they have no choice and I respect his approach even if sometimes he breaks his own rules."
Daris and Ahmed were confused, was his boss actually a good person?
" You can make your judgement when you meet him as I am sure he would like to personally set everything up but as it's holiday season, he is busy with family." Steve made the promise because he knew how Samuel operated. If there was a fight he would never shy away from showing off about it!
" And who is this mysterious boss of yours?" Daris asked because Steve never revealed his affiliations. Ahmed believed it had to be a secret branch of some government but Steve stayed silent for few more seconds.
" I will tell you if you agree to the deal." Daris looked at Ahmed as the latter nodded. After getting the confirmation, Steve divulged his boss's identity but for people like Daris and Ahmed, they didn't know whole lot about world powers. Steve didn't feel offended by it and simply went ahead with terms of their partnership.nOVe-lb-1n
First, Steve outright asked them to switch to modern technology for sake of proper communication between them. He feared HAM radio was too risky as the signals could be triangulated to give pinpoint location to their enemy.
They took few more hours to finalize everything. Steve decided to send some of his men to set up everything and stay in the region to provide support if needed. They would rotate every fortnight which would provided some rest time for his subordinates.
It was finally time for Steve to go home with his team. It had been a grueling few days for everyone especially James and his team which was why Steve's next course of action was to deploy them in different region to hunt other leads.
But before departing, Steve met up with Hamza again and handed him something.
" This-"
" It's a present. If you friends asked you about it tell them that I will send more of these in coming weeks. In that way you can contact me whenever you like." He was handing him the ipad obviously he scrubbed it of any sensitive information last night.
He had seen how much the kids liked it and thought it was better off in their hands as Steve could simply replace it when he went home.
"Thank you!" Hamza was so elated that he hugged Steve out of the blue. It suddenly got awkward because Steve didn't receive such admiration on his usual mission but he simply patted the youngster on the back a few times.
Unlike Steve who was thinking what to say next, Hamza immediately rushed off to show his new shiny toy to his friends.
" It's unusual that he likes you." Daris who was watching the scene commented.
" Well, I always been a likable person." Steve shrugged but when their eyes met Daris started laughing knowing he was full of shit!
They spend the afternoon to have a quick lunch. It was fascinating trying traditional dishes that they never had before but right after that, few of the men challenged Steve and his team to a drinking contest.
By the late afternoon, the men were already drunk. Cho who refused to participate had to carrying everyone back to the helicopter. He said goodbye in his leader's behalf as they took off heading straight to their base to catch the flight back home.