Fiction:Deephold

This is the story of and his organization during their incarceration at the underwater Deephold Prison. A vile place filled with courrupt guards, vicious crime bosses, and psychopathic terrorists, Fenric and his crew soon learn that their established methods do not work in Deephold. Forced into new alliances and deadly conflicts, the most dangerous criminals in the galaxy and beyond either band together or kill in a place where every day is a fight for survival.

= Series One =

Arrival
Fenric Vermilion, his brothers, the Bonerider, and the other leaders of Fenric's Syndicate not dead or fled were loaded onto an elevator that lowered into the sea. On board with them were some other prisoners. A scarfaced Ugandal who was probably one of the Hand's supporters, a fat Raptoranean, a one-eyed Quisling hood, even an Antroth. Two guards in riot armor, one a Volver, the other a Ugandal, were also on the platform with them.


 * Guard 1 - So, the famous Fenric Vermillion has come to join us in Deephold.
 * Fenric - ...
 * Guard 2 - Ah, don't be like that. We will be together for a very long time. Or, you could get stabbed in the showers and we see you getting carted to the furnace. We'll see.

Fenric remained silent. His hands and feet were shackled, and he wore an orange jumpsuit with his prison number on it: FV-3013-5767. His brothers and asscoiates, and the four other prisoners, wore the same attire.

After Fenric and his men were captured, they had been detained in a military prison for three days. That was all that it too to decide what would become of them. Fortunately, most of his infantrymen not yet dead had escaped that fateful battle, and Fenric surmised that they would rally under either his wife Celyre or under Scovia of the Scythiags. But nobody came to free them. Not in the camp, not in trial, and not now. That was likely due to the huge level of security placed on his head.

Once the Soldarians had captured them, Fenric and his brothers were deported to Mendel space. Daal and Dante Quista were sent to Volver space. The Bonerider, Yar Pedamma, and Thorian were sent to a New Enlightened holding area since they had no native empires. Goar Taboryur, Lime, and Scimitar Spyke were also tried by the Mendel, but in a lesser court. The Shattered Princeling and his friends were still at large, as were all Wasterling leaders except for the Redeye, who was also tried by the New Enlightened. The leaders of the Mountain and Feral Clans and Ascetic Order were detained on makeshift reservations on Ugandalore. No charges would be brought on them. Last Fenric had heard, a Feral Clan mistress calling herself the Crimson Faun had started secretly organizing the clans from afar. Even in lockdown, Daal and Dante still could issue orders.

The day of the trial, Fenric and his brothers were marched into the courtroom in chains under heavy guard. Fenric noticed their sisters and wives in the audience. Luckily, no charges were levied against them. Fenric had been wise to insulate the family's women against and form of prosecution.

The trial took less than half a day. The judge, a fat, pompous bastard of a Multus, read the charges. Murder, conspiracy, treason, desertion, drug and weapon trafficking, terrorism, bribery, corruption, money laundering, and over two dozen lesser charges were levied against the Vermillion brothers. The jury found them guilty, and the judge sentenced them to life in Deephold, no possibility of parole. Even Fenris, who barely understood what was going on and constantly had to whisper questions into the ears of Fenric or Halverg, was given no quarter. When Fenric's lawyer, an Antroth, tried to get reduced sentence for Fenris, the judge pointed out that he was only recently handicapped, he was one of Fenric's top generals before that, and even after his injury continued to be Fenric's bodyguard and kill people on his brothers' behest, and that if he could understand such orders then he was in no way to mentally damaged to be imprisoned for the rest of his life.

So the next day, the brothers were loaded onto a transport and brought to the surface facility that led into Deephold. There, he met up with the Quistas and his other companions.

Finally, the elevator reached the main underwater facility known as Deephold. The guards led them into a waiting area and sat them on benches. The head guard, who was of Cradosan descent, stood in front of them.


 * Head Guard - Listen up. You are convincted criminals, sent to me for the rest of your lives. Given your history, I have no doubt that many of you have spent time in prison. Well, I warn you, they were nothing compared to Deephold. There might not be a mutating virus here, but we still have a routine. You will work, eat, and sleep when we tell you. The guards here don't much care if you lowlives kill each other, but kill a guard and I assure you, it will be the biggest mistake you can make here. Just go about your day, and you will be fine. That is all.

The other two guards took the prisoners' chains off and led them single file through the door, into general population.


 * Guard 1 - Welcome to Deephold!
 * Dante - Fuck you.

Gen Pop
The group was brought into one of two main areas, called Site A. It was a huge, sterile white room, hundreds of feet by hundreds of feet. Rows of cells lined the walls. The main yard was a recreation area, with tables where cons sat and played cards or checkers. Various rooms led to the cafeteria, the factory, the showers, the gym, and other rooms.

The yard was a bustle of activity. Criminals wandered everywhere, on the stairs or in the yard itself. Every one was an evil, vile, and despicable individual. There was not a single innocent man in Deephold. They were all monsters. Fenric saw Quisling and Barrio gangsters, Vanara Triad bosses, Unitech terrorists, Antroth mob lords, Volver and Dead Watcher separatists, Red Veil tribals (luckily), Spodist extremists, extragalactic invaders who spoke in odd accents, and even a few Draconians, who Yar immediately went to talk to. While the Pit was for the worst war criminals imaginable, Deephold was for most every other evil soul

Fenric and his brothers sat down on the bottom of the stairs and observed the situation. The warden's office was just above the entrance to the Site. Fenric made a mental note to go and pay the warden a friendly visit sometime. He needed to get a feel on the fellow, who he had not even seen yet.


 * Fafnir - So Fenric, what now?
 * Fenric - We wait.
 * Fenrir - For what?
 * Fenric - We get a lay of the land.
 * Raeger - Should I tell Daal and Dante to get word to Scovia? Come break us out?
 * Fenric - No.
 * Raeger - Why not?
 * Fenric - Look around you. Look at these people.
 * Fenris - These are bad men.
 * Fenric - We might be able to get them to help our cause. Or make some new contacts here. I see some Unitech men. This must be where the Waps dumped the Archons. All these folk will want their freedom. If we can give that to them, they may be inclined to help us.
 * Raeger - So why not just have the Scythiags break us out now? Then these guys will be greatful and will help us without us having to stay here.
 * Fenric - We do not yet have an idea of these men. We must assess the situation.
 * Raeger - But-
 * Halverg - Raeger, we all know you want to get out and fuck your Feral girl some more. But you screwing her is not going to win us the Mendel throne. Now, Fenric has a plan, and we have to trust him. You...do have a plan, right Fenric?
 * Fenric - Those four who came down with us. The Antroth, the Raptoranean, the Quisling, and the Ugandal. Bring them to me.
 * Fenrir - Why?
 * Fenric - They came down with us. That may have a psychological effect that will help us convince them to join our side. Bring them over here, but in no way indicate that we plan to be sprung by Scovia.
 * Fafnir - Right. Who you want to do that?
 * Fenric - Tell Taboryur to bring the Anthroth. Thorian brings the Ugandal. Fafnir, bring the Raptoranean. Raeger, the Quisling.

Fenric's brothers nodded and went off to fulfil their tasks. Only Fenris stayed by Fenric.


 * Fenris - Fenric, when can we go home?
 * Fenric - Not for a while, Fenris.
 * Fenris - But I don't like it here. These people look mean. I want to go back to Vermis.
 * Fenric - Me too. But we can't for a while.
 * Fenris - Oh, OK. As long as you and Fafnir and Fenrir and Raeger and Halverg don't go anywhere. Like Reyner did.
 * Fenric - It wasn't Reyner's fault, Fenris.
 * Fenris - I know.

In the meanwhile, Daal and Dante came up to Fenric. Daal had a claw mark on his shoulder, and Dante's knuckles were bloody.


 * Fenric - What happened to you?
 * Daal - We tried to talk some of the Volver separatists here into working for us. They did not like the idea. Apparently, us Quistas are not popular here.
 * Dante - Cocksuckers. If we were on Ascon they would never pull that shit. I'm gonna kill those bastards. Every one of them.
 * Fenric - In due time. Right now, we mustn't cause waves.
 * Daal - Well, you want us to slip a message to Scovia or Celyre? Tell them to come break us out of here?
 * Fenric - Not yet. They need time to regroup, and I think we can recruit some of these folk to help us. Go about your business, but if you feel threatened, stay close. You are our only hope of slipping out a message.
 * Dante - Fine. But I am still going to kill those Volver.
 * Fenric - In. Due. Time. Now go. Better yet, stay and be quiet. My first guest has arrived.

Raeger and Fenrir came back, with the Quisling hoodlum in tow. Up close, Fenric realised that this Quilsing was much younger than he had assumed, maybe sixteen or seventeen. Still, he could use the extra muscle.


 * Fenrir - Well, we brought him. He says his name is Zep.
 * Fenric - That right? Who did you work for on the outside?
 * Zep - The Semtex family. I was a runner.
 * Fenric - Kill anyone?
 * Zep - No.
 * Fenric - Any friends here?
 * Zep - An uncle. He has a gang here, and on the outside. Mr. Semtex used to contract him to kill guys in prison.
 * Fenric - Stick with us, you'll have your chance to do some whacking yourself. And we'll keep anyone who gets the wrong idea away from your twitchy Quisling ass.
 * Zep - I would appreciate it, Mr...?
 * Fenric - Fenric. Fenric Vermillion.
 * Zep - Fenric Vermillion?! I heard about you on the news! That you got cuaght on Militora or something like that.
 * Fenric - Sounds right. Stay close, Zep. Help us look tough for our next meeting.
 * Zep - Meeting, sir?
 * Fenric - Those other three guys who came down with us.
 * Zep - The tribal and the weird-looking guy with the scars?
 * Fenric - No, they were with me. I mean the fat Raptoranean, the Ugandal, and the Antroth.
 * Zep - Oooh, you don't want the Antroth.
 * Fenric - Why not?
 * Zep - He was one of Mr. Semtex's enemies. The reason he's in here is because he killed one of Mr. Semtex's sons. They say he's the most ruthless Antroth not in the Empire.
 * Fenric - Sounds like just the type we need.
 * Zep - You're the boss, sir, I was just warning you.
 * Fenric - Cautious kid. I like you.

 
 * Prisoner Number ZT-3013-5714
 * Zeprin Terquel, AKA "Zep"
 * Convicted on charges of possession and conspiracy to commit a criminal act.
 * Sentence - 15 years. Up for parole in six.

The next arrival was the fat Raptoranean, Fafnir accompanying. The Raptoranean had a line of sweat on his brow, which he wiped off.


 * Raptoranean - Farnum Mo'Brantley, of the Mo'Brantley Syndicate. at your service.
 * Fenric - Fenric Vermillion. You know the rest.
 * Farnum - I do, sir. But I must ask, why do you wish to see me? Surely I am too fat to be one of your button men?
 * Fenric - You say you ran a syndicate. How many men worked for you?
 * Farnum - Oh two dozen hitmen. A few more dozen couriers. We sold drugs to nightclub owners and such. The bastards caught me.
 * Fenric - How many of your men are in prison?
 * Farnum - Three are here. The most deadly hitmen in my organization. The rest are either in low-key joints or still on the streets.
 * Fenric - Get your three together. Stick by me, I will help you out.
 * Farnum - What do you need from me?
 * Fenric - Just your button men. You need not raise a finger.
 * Farnum - Hah. I'm no use to anyone now. Some kind of incurable disease, nothing to do with what I eat. Shit, I can't even fuck anymore. You ever heard of a Raptoranean who can't fuck?
 * Fenric - I served with Aeba Shuka.
 * Farnum - Oh, don't get me started on those eunuch fucks.
 * Fenric - Gather your button men. My next audience is here.

 
 * Prisoner Number FM-3013-5709
 * Farnum Mo'Brantley
 * Convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and supply drugs.
 * Sentence - 45 years. Up for parole in 20.

The Ugandal came casually walking up to Fenric, followed by Halverg and Thorian the Peon. He had his hands in his pockets, and an uncaring look on his face.


 * Fenric - Greetings, fellow. I am Fen-
 * Ugandal - I know who you are. You were the Hand's hand.
 * Fenric - That's right. Who are you?
 * Ugandal - My name is Dagol, of Clan Urggum.
 * Fenric - Urggum, huh? Are you aware you have me to thank for your clan's rise to power?
 * Dagol - Yours as much as Handrig Krayrett's, as Mr. Retribution himself. What do you want?
 * Fenric - I want you to stick with me and my brothers here. We need to be strong until we figure out our next move.
 * Dagol - Escape, you mean? And what's in it for me? Escape with you? Hah. Until then, I just have to stick who you say, steal from who you say, and take the rap when you say.
 * Fenric - I do not sacrifice my friends, Dagol.
 * Dagol - I do not want to be your friend, Fenric. I'm here for two years. I want to live to make parole. Sorry.
 * Fenric - As you say. I hope you reconsider.
 * Dagol - Not likely.

Dagol walked away. Halverg turned to Fenric and silently asked if he should be killed. Fenric shook his head. No reason to kill Dagol. He was not a threat.

 
 * Prisoner Number DU-3013-5691
 * Dagol Urggum
 * Convicted on one count of robbery.
 * Sentence - Five years. Up for parole in two.

Finally, Goar Taboryur came to Fenric with the Antroth hitman. Goar was mumbling under his breath in his trademark Raptoranean-Antrhoth creole. He was pissed.


 * Fenric - Goar! This the guy?
 * Goar - Yeah. And the cocksucker hasn't said a word.
 * Fenric *To Antroth) - You. Who do you work for?
 * Antroth - ...

Fenric got annoyed, and he stood up. He towered over the Antroth, who was short and squat and barely looked to be a threat at all. Still, Fenric knew better. He knew that many assassins disguised their true capabilities.


 * Fenric - I don't know if you have heard of me. My name is Fenric Vermillion, and chances are whoever you work for has connections that begin or end with me. Now, I can help you, put your skills to good use. Or, I can let Goar here hack your feet off and let you bleed to death. Your choice, mate.
 * Antroth - I work for who pays me the most.
 * Fenric - Really? Enterprising fellow, hmm? Well, my offer is this: You seem to be a tight-lipped fuck, so I will give you this piece of information. We are going to escape. My men will break us out. When they do, if you have served me well, you can come with us.
 * Antroth - How generous of you.
 * Fenric - Do you accept my offer?
 * Antroth - Sure...
 * Fafnir - You got a name?
 * Antroth - Thatchal Paraleyton.
 * Fenric - Paraleyton? As is House Leyton?
 * Thatchal - Very, very distant relative. I never tried to claim the throne or any other folly. I kill who I get paid to. Nothing political.
 * Fenric - Oh, no politics. Good.
 * Thatchal - May I go now? I had hoped to fetch some food from the cafeteria before lights.
 * Fenric - Go. But Thatchal. I may call a favor from you some day. Be prepared.
 * Thatchal - Of course.

Thatchal walked away, into the crowd. The Vermillions and their friends stared at him in pondering as he left.

 
 * Prisoner Number TP-3013-5672
 * Thatchal Paraleyton
 * Convicted on 53 counts of frist-degree murder.
 * Sentence - Life, without the possibilty of parole.

Showdown in the Cafeteria
Daal and Dante Quista walked into the cafeteria to find out what sort of slop they served in the Pit. Sure enough, much of it was seafood. Daal found himself staring at half a squid on his plastic tray. Dante got clam nuggets. Luckily, they were given milk and juice, and even dessert, which both Quistas turned down. The two went to a vacant table and sat down.

Daal stared at his food in disgust. Dante was already eating his nuggets.


 * Dante - Can't be any worse than the shit they served on Ascon.
 * Daal - Guess not.

He took a bite. The squid was decent. So he started eating away at it. Dante finished his nuggets and shook up his milk carton. But he no sooner had started drinking from that then he sat it down.


 * Dante - Trouble.
 * Daal - What?

Daal turned around. Sure enough, a small group of Ada worshipping Volver were advancing on their table. They had no trays in hand.


 * Volver 1 - Well if it aint the Quistas come to join us.
 * Volver 2 - Wonder if the food's not to their liking.
 * Volver 3 - Quistas are used to living underground. Underwater shouldn't be too much of a change for them.

The other inmates had noticed and begun chatting rapidly as they watched. The biggest Volver leaned over the table into Dante's face.


 * Volver 1 - Well, shithead? You gonna prove how much better you Quistas are than us?
 * Daal - Dante, remember what Fenric said...
 * Dante - Fuck Fenric.

Dante grabbed his fork and slammed it down on the Volver's hand, sticking it to the table. As the Volver roared in pain, Dante stood up and smashed his tray across the side of his face. Daal felt himself being pulled off the bench by the other two. Dante threw himself over the table and tackled the ringleader, savagely pounding him with his fists.

Daal was being kicked ferociously. He seized one of his attackers' feet and bit down as hard as he could, sinking his fangs into the Volver's flesh. The other's kicks became even more rapid as he tried to dislodge his partner. Then, they stopped. Daal heard a loud grunt and the sound of someone falling onto the floor. Then the Volver he had bit suddenly collapsed as well.

Thatchal Paraleyton stood over Daal, sheathing a small scalpel in his clothing. The two Volver lay dead with gaping throats on either side of him. Thatchal smiled.


 * Thatchal - A favor, done in advance.

Then he disappeared into the crowd once again. Dante had either strangled or beaten the other Volver to death, and now sat on the man's chest, panting from the strain. Then, the two heard a voice behind them.


 * ??? - Freeze!

The two Quistas looked up at three guards in riot armor, pointing stunguns and batons at them. One was a Volver, one was a Ugandalorian, and the third was a Gardeili.


 * Volver - Quista bastards!
 * Ugandal - Hold it. These are the guys who killed Iyoka.
 * Volver - Really?
 * Gardeili - Yeah, it was on the news. I remember. That orange one in the pool of blood is Daal, and that's his cousin Dante. They caught Iyoka in his mansion and shot him down. Daal here delivered the coup de grace.
 * Volver - You killed your own cousin?
 * Daal - He was leading the Ta'adhartha to destruction. With our home on Ascon destroyed by that bastard Other, we couldn't allow it.
 * Ugandal - Well, it seems all they did was kill those Ada worshippers. Self-defense?
 * Dante - They are not too fond of us Quistas.
 * Volver - Well, Good riddance. You are free to go.
 * Daal - Thanks.

Daal and Dante got up, brushed thmselves off, and walked out of the cafeteria, leaving the other occupants watching in confusion.

The two Volver went to the gym to work out. Not five minutes into their routine, they were approached by two Barrio. Dante stood up, expecting another fight, but Daal waved him down. He had a feeling it was a friendly call.


 * Barrio 1 - You really the guys who whacked Iyoka?
 * Daal - Yeah. You knew him?
 * Barrio 2 - Cocksucker used to disrupt our tar powder and electro-gas shipments. It was his fault that Sids and Sars stole our business.
 * Dante - Well, he was trouble for us too.
 * Barrio 1 - I can imagine. Well, if you need a bump or some muscle, let us know.
 * Daal - Much appreciated. How do we get in touch?
 * Barrio 2 - Ask for the Krokodil Firm. We run it here in Deephold.
 * Daal - Right. Krokodil Firm.

The two Barrio walked away, and the Quistas continued their workout. But soon enough, they were interrupted by Fafnir Vermillion, standing over their weight benches.


 * Fafnir - Fenric wants to see you. Now.
 * Daal - What does he want?
 * Fafnir - He did not say.
 * Daal - Fine...

Daal and Dante reluctantly got up and went to see Fenric. He was in his cell, eating a meal he had bribed a guard for while Fenris rested on the top bunk and Raeger sat on a table.


 * Daal - You wanted to see us?
 * Fenric - I heard what happened in the cafeteria today.
 * Dante - They started it.
 * Fenric - It doesn't matter who started it. What matters is you, or rather that fucking Antroth finished it. it shows we are to be feared.
 * Daal - So it was a good thing.
 * Fenric - The Ada worshippers will likel not trouble us further. You have shown them that we have powerful friends here.
 * Daal - Good. Now what?
 * Fenric - Leave me. I will figure something out.
 * Daal - As you wish.

The two Volver walked out, feeling lucky to have left the room alive.

A New Arrival
Avi Rhodesh, AKA "Boomslang", was brought down the elevator by no less than five armed guards, their weapons never leaving his head until they reached ground floor and he was released. The Pseudopath terrorist and gangster, who went against many of his people's principals to become leader of a mostly Tenevogo-based gang, had finally been arrested in a hospital after a Barrio hitman had blown half his guts out with a shotgun and an innocent bystander had called the police. After getting his innards stitched back into place, Avi was taken straight to a holding cell, and from there straight to trial. Convicted on all accounts, he was taken to Deephold before all his wounds had entirely healed.

But Avi cared little. For his assailant, the Barrio named Forester, was in Deephold as well for murdering one of Avi's men. So Avi knew that, while he could probably escape, it might be beneficial to stick around for a bit longer.

  Avi walked into the cafeteria, scouting for his foe. Sure enough, he found him, sitting at a table with a bunch of other Barrios, Quislings, and other gangsters. Forester immediately stood up, with a "what the fuck?" expression on his face, but another Barrio yanked him back down. Avi smirked. Forester still had his temper; it would be easy to get him to make a mistake.
 * Prisoner Number AR-3013-5722
 * Avi Rhodesh, AKA "Boomslang"
 * Convicted on twelve counts of first-degree murder, four counts of terrorism, one count of drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance and illegal firearm, and seven counts of conspiracy.
 * Sentence: Life, without the possibility of parole.

Just then, the Vermillion brothers and the Quistas came into the cafeteria, flanked by Zep the Barrio and Farnum Mo'Brantley.


 * Fenric - So point out the Barrios that approached you.
 * Daal - Right over there.

He pointed to some Barrio that were sitting next to Forester. Fenric and his gang went over to talk to them. The lead Barrio, with a mouthful of food, looked up at them and gave a "Yes?" gesture.


 * Fenric - Two of your men approached mine today with an offer of friendship.
 * Barrio - They approached the Quistas. They yours?
 * Fenric - We work together.
 * Barrio - Well, then I owe you one. I hate those Crimson cocksuckers.
 * Fenric - So do we. Which is why I wish to work with you, so we can help each other survive.
 * Barrio - Know how long I have been inside? Twenty-five years. I have another three life sentences on that. I know how to survive.
 * Fenric - Perhaps I worded it wrong. To help each other prosper.
 * Barrio - That's better. We might be able to work something out. You see, I control plenty of dirty action in and outside the Pit. I live comfortably. That doesn't mean I don't want out, mind you, but you strike me as the type dead-set on escaping.
 * Fenric - You may have figured me correctly. You must wait and see.
 * Barrio - Indeed.
 * Fenric - So we have a deal?
 * Barrio - Not yet. Something I want you to do for me first. There is a man here, a snitch. Little Quisling bastard who ratted out one of my men on a contract job. I could have him killed easy, but as a test of loyalty, I want you or some of your men to do it. I don't care how or where, I just want him to die.
 * Fenric - Not a problem.
 * Barrio - Good. I did not think it would be.
 * Fenric - Alright then, Mr...?
 * Barrio - Jak. Jak Whiteling.
 * Fenric - Fenric Vermillion.
 * Jak - I know.
 * Fenric - And you said nothing?
 * Jak - I just wanted to make it clear that I don't give a fuck who you were on the outside. You seem like a man who can do business, but you gotta prove it. Until then, I need to look at you from a logical standpoint. So the sooner you slit that Quisling's throat, the sooner the Vermillion brothers get a cozy spot at my lunch table. One of my men will point him out for you.
 * Fenric - I will get on it, then.
 * Jak - See that you do.

Fenric nodded and walked away, flanked by his brothers. One of Jak's men followed him and pointed out the Quisling that was to die. Avi watched this the whole time, concerned. He had ties to the New Pseudopath Empire and previous insurgent groups, so he knew who Fenric was. If Forester and Jak started working for Fenric, then he would be harder to get to. Avi had to think around that.

Avi spotted an old Ugandal eating his lunch alone and went to sit by him. The old man looked up from his meal, a look of passive apathy in his eyes.


 * Ugandal - What do you want?
 * Avi - Relax, old man, just information is all. And I can pay.
 * Ugandal - No need. Why come to me?
 * Avi -Well, you look like you've been here a long time, so I figured you'd know some things a newcomer would find useful.
 * Ugandal - *Laughs* - Hardly. I made it this long by staying out of peoples' way.
 * Avi - Maybe so. You got a name?
 * Ugandal - Moe of Clan Rokanar.
 * Avi - Avi Rhodesh.
 * Moe - I know who you are. You've been on the news.
 * Avi - Oh, right. Yeah, they made a big stir-up over that.
 * Moe - Anyways, what would you like to know?
 * Avi - Well you seem like a pretty stand-up sort of guy, the kind who wouldn't squeal to others, so here's the deal. I want to kill Forester, that Barrio who works for Jak Whiteling.
 * Moe - He the one who shot you?
 * Avi - Yeah, but I think Jak might be buddying up with Fenric Vermillion, so I can't do the deed myself. I need to know who around here hates that bastard as much as me.
 * Moe - Hmm. I usually stay out of such things, but I did hear once tha Forester beat the crap out of Kegger Crowfoot's little brother.
 * Avi - Kegger Crowfoot?
 * Moe - That big Kaiser Vanara over there. Some Triad boss. Kegger won't touch Forester because he's got a working business with Jak. And with Fenric partnering up, I doubt he'd make a move at all.
 * Avi - So what do I do?
 * Moe - You should get Fenric's permission.
 * Avi - What? Are you nuts, old man?
 * Moe - Get Fenric to give his permission in secret. Then tell Kegger that Fenric's OK with it so long as it can't be traced to anyone. Then get Forester isolated and kill him, or have Kegger's men do it.
 * Avi - You might be right, old Moe. I owe you one.
 * More - Forget it, kid. That one's on the house. I've a feeling you will be back.

Avi shook Moe's hand and stood up. Forester watched him with contempt.


 * Forester - I'm gonna kill that Sudie fuck.
 * Jak - No, you're not. Not without my say so. What the fuck you think we are, a bunch of bangers who shoot at the slightest insult? The Boomslang has said nothing to you since he got here. We kill him if he gets in our way or if someone pays us a large sum of money to do so. Until then, hands off. And don't call him a Sudie, its derogatory.

Fenric was back in his cell, plotting to kill the Quisling, when Avi the Boomslang knocked on the wall. Fafnir and Halverg were up in an instant.


 * Fafnir - The hell do you want?
 * Avi - I need to see your boss.
 * Halverg - You can see him. Now fuck off.
 * Fenric - Halverg! Let the man in.
 * Avi - I need to speak to you alone, Mr. Vermillion.
 * Fenric - These are my brothers. They live at my beck and call. Any info you have for me is safe with them, I assure you.
 * Avi - Fine. Then I will cut straight to the point.
 * Fenric - Please do.
 * Avi - There is a man here who works for Jak Whiteling, who I saw you with today. This man named Forester, shot me. I seek revenge, but given you and Whiteling's new found friendship, I figured on your permission to whack Forester. I have a plan to keep myself out of it.
 * Fenric - You mistake me for someone who cares what happens to Jak and his men. We are not friends. Do as you will, I will not intervene.
 * Avi - Thanks, Mr. Vermillion.
 * Fenric - Sure, kid, sure.

Avi turned and left, looking for Kegger Crowfoot. Fanfir came back into Fenric's cell.


 * Fafnir - Should we warn Jak one of his men is in danger? It may jepordize our relations with him if he finds out we knew.
 * Fenric - Fuck 'em. They want us to do their dirty work, let them do some for themselves.
 * Fafnir - But would allowing this Forester to die weaken us if Jak is our ally?
 * Fenric - No. This Avi fellow may prove to be quite useful. I gave him the idea that he and I could work together. He will be back.
 * Fafnir - If you say so.
 * Fenric - I do.

Avi's search for Kegger took him back into the cafeteria, where he found the massive Vanara surrounded by his henchmen: Vanara, Quislings, and Antroths. One Quisling stepped between Avi and his boss with a shiv extended.


 * Quisling - State your business.
 * Avi - I need to speak with Mr. Crowfoot.
 * Quisling - That OK with you, boss?
 * Kegger - Yes. I must say I am curious as to what the infamous Boomslang has to discuss.
 * Avi - Forester the Barrio is my topic.
 * Kegger - Such a topic displeases me.
 * Avi - I want him dead, and I have a plan.
 * Kegger - Your plan is irrelevant. Jak Whiteling is an ally of Fenric Vermillion.
 * Avi - I just saw Fenric. He says I can kill him.
 * Kegger - Then kill him.
 * Avi - I heard about what he did to your brother. I figured you would want revenge.
 * Kegger - No, you want the kill to not trace back to you.
 * Avi - Is that so wrong?
 * Kegger - No. What is your plan?

Avi smiled a wicked grin.

Later, the Quisling marked for death by Jak had gone to the showers alone, to avoid getting arse raped. Over the running water, he could not hear the Bonerider, Yar Pedamma, and the Redeye come into the shower room. The Bonerider grabbed the Quisling and threw him against the wall, holding him there as Yar and the Redeye pulled shanks from their clothing and began stabbing him relentlessly. The Bonerider let go, and the Quisling sank to the floor, dead from dozens of stab wounds. His blood oozed down the drain as the three attackers dashed out of the room. He would be found the next day. Nobody cared.

Before the day was over, Forester went to the bathrooms to piss. As he did so, he became aware of someone looking at him. Avi was staring over the stall wall at him. Forester jumped back against the wall, pulling up his pants.


 * Avi - Hello, Forester.
 * Forester - Avi. or should I call you the Boomslang?
 * Avi - Avi's fine. But I think you need to call the Marksmanship Academy.
 * Forester - Fuck you.
 * Avi - No, really. You missed my guts by a mile.
 * Forester - That why you were in a coma in the hospital for so long?
 * Avi - What you should be concerned about is that I did not die.
 * Forester - That can be remedied.
 * Avi - Well, I hope you've spent more time on the shooting range...
 * Forester - Fucking cocksucker!

Forester charged out of the stall and into Avi's, knife drawn. Avi jumped out of the way and rabbit-punched him in the back, knocking him into the wall. As Forester tried to stand, Avi caught him with a hook from both his left arms. The force of the hit knocked the stall divider right over when Forester hit it.

The noise signaled to Kegger and his men that it was time, and they came in. An Antroth and a Barrio grabbed Forester and held him down, the Barrio pouring gasoline over his head. Kegger stood over Forester. He kicked him hard in the head, knocking him down. He gave the slightest hint of a smile, lit a match, and flung it on him.

The assassins ran from the bathroom as the stench of burning flesh started to fill the air. The Antroth tossed a guard some money, who nodded and shoved it in his pocket.


 * Avi - I assume we are even? I helped you, you helped me.
 * Kegger - Yeah. You just better hope that Fenric wasn't fucking with you when he "gave yu permission."
 * Avi - I'm sure. Relax.
 * Kegger - I never relax. Now get out of here, before that bastard Jak sees us together.
 * Avi - Right.

The next day, Fenric went to see Jak, who was visibly upset.


 * Fenric - The Quisling is dead.
 * Jak - So is my best soldier.
 * Fenric - Be that as it may, we did what you asked. Are we good?
 * Jak - Yeah. Yes, we're good. You want in, you're in.
 * Fenric - Alright then. I hope you catch the man who killed your guy.
 * Jak - Hmm. Why don't you help me with that?
 * Fenric - I already did a task for you. Your turn.
 * Jak - What do you need?
 * Fenric - Nothing yet.

Fenric walked away, leaving Jack seething. He smiled at his own success. Jak would now have to do him a favor to help solve the death of his soldier. This was the main reason he let Avi kill him. Of course, he did not plan on turning Avi over. He had other plans.

Next Time: Avi plays both sides; Fenric makes his first enemy; Jak gets suspicious; Dagol is attacked; Fenric doles out some justice.