Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles, the main base of the army of Chaos ~

4:26 PM

Michael is doing the final check of the fifteen people who will go to Milan to occupy the base which Nero armi handed to them.

The three days deadline expires in a few hours, and the army of Chaos can move in and take over the place.

They are not sending more people because they don\'t have accommodations at this point. Based on the blueprints, there is a larger space that can accommodate ten people and a number of smaller rooms for one person (or maybe two).

Jeff is working with a real estate agent to buy the land where the abandoned reservoir is, and if all goes well, within few days they will have all necessary papers signed for the transfer of ownership and the engineers can inspect the land in order to confirm how deep they can go. Ideally, they will have a large network of tunnels and rooms underground, as well as a large garage that can store safely two helicopters, a number of vans, and other vehicles. It\'s going to be a huge project.

If things go as planned, Milan will become the main base for the army of Chaos in Europe.

Safety is not a concern at this point. With drones and other security gadgets and protocols, the place will be an impenetrable fortress without a single living person.

These fifteen people are all good fighters, excellent with firearms, and each has a specialty in at least one additional field, such as knife-wielding, cooking, first aid, etc. Ten out of the fifteen selected said that they can speak Italian, but only four can actually hold a conversation beyond: \'my name is…\' and \'I am hungry…\'.

Other than Michael, present are Noah, Oni, and Masika.

Noah is in charge of all army members, and he narrowed down the candidates to fifty-two out of which Michael picked these fifteen.

Michael\'s original plan was to send Noah with this group of people, but then Masika reasoned how Noah is indispensable here: "Who will take care of the army if he leaves? Sure, he has deputies, but they need someone\'s approval for almost anything…"

Masika is present because she is joining this group of fifteen as their leader (instead of Noah). She is the best one in Italian out of all the generals, and her sniping and first aid skills are enviable. Masika has experience in setting up sensors for Eve (aka security sensors) and also, she is almost done with her exams. The remaining two exams she will take online from Milan, and she is done with studying, so she sees no problem in joining this group.

After Masika sent her detailed request to Sarah, Sarah approved it. Sarah is not the one who will block her kids to explore their limits, as long as they show that they thought about it and they know what they are doing. 

Oni is here because in the last two days, she is following Michael. He is super-busy with all these arrangements (in addition to his other work). His work starts early in the morning and he is not back in their apartment until late in the evening. This is the only way for Oni to spend time with him (other than sleeping next to him, but that does not count because she is sleeping). Michael is not complaining because Oni is helping, her ideas are amazing and he likes that she is in visual range, and whenever they find some privacy they kiss and hold each other, but… she should be studying.

"Sergeant Noah!", a breathless cry came from the side. "Allow me to go!"

Noah looked at the man and frowned. "Zack, we spoke about this."

"Yes, but I believe that general in charge can decide this.", Zack turned to Masika. "Please, I owe you my life. Allow me to accompany you. I will carry your things, and be your shield, whatever you need."

Masika looked at Zack and it took her some time to remember from where she knows him. "You are one of Eric\'s men?"

Zack beamed, happy that she remembered him. "Yes. I joined the army of Chaos almost two months ago and I am working my way up the ranks. I am a good fighter and…"

"Everyone here is a good fighter.", Noah cut off Zack impatiently. "This is not how things work, Zack. We are an army and we follow rules and orders. For this breach of protocols, you get one week of work in the kitchen. Get out of my sight before I give you solitary confinement with a beating!"

"I will take it gladly but let me accompany general Masika to Italy…", Zack looked expectantly at Masika.

"Are you expecting that one of them gives his spot to you? There is no room for additional beds…", Masika said.

"That is fine. I will sleep on the floor.", Zack responded.

"Michael, do you have any thoughts on this?", Masika asked.

Michael shrugged. "I would send more people, but due to space limitations, I picked only fifteen. If he wants to sleep on the floor, then it\'s fine by me. But it\'s your decision."

Masika exhaled and turned to Zack.

Masika can see that Zack is stubborn and he will not give up easily and it is true that the more people go, the better.

His determined gaze reminded her of their interaction from about three months ago when he demanded a chance to repay the favor of her saving his life. And it was more than that. Zack was also embarrassed that he underestimated her and due to that she ended up in danger. Masika remembers how at that time Zack vowed to start from the bottom. He moved to Boyle Heights neighborhood in order to fight for his right to join the army of Chaos from the arena of the Chaos nightclub with the sole goal to get closer to her. And here he is.

"Is he of any use?", Masika asked Noah.

"He is one of the best recruits, usually follows orders. The only thing he ever asked for was to work under you.", Noah informed Masika grumpily.

Masika nodded in understanding. She is touched that after three months, Zack is still thinking about his debt and is eager to follow her.

She moved her fingers in the air while selecting options to read Zack\'s personnel file on her Eve-lens.

Masika can see that Zack\'s skills are good, and he is following their rules… so it\'s up to her.

No matter how stubborn Zack is, Masika has a good opinion of him. It\'s three months how he said that he will work his way up to her, and he followed through with it, even though she forgot about it. Masika remembers that after their mission, Zack was not shy of admitting that he made a mistake and requested a chance to fix it.

Masika is fifteen years old, but a twenty-three years old man (aka Zack), does not see her youth as an obstacle to show respect and to act humble. He is looking beyond her age and gender and focusing on her skills, and she appreciates that.

Masika looked at Zack. "We leave in less than half an hour. Pack your things. I will brief you on the mission in flight…"

Zack\'s whole face lit up.

"Yes, ma\'am!", Zack shouted while saluting her before dashing to the living quarters. He does not have many personal things and can pack in five minutes.

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