Bleed, Patch, And Keep Moving - An Apex Legends Story

Chapter 96 - The Lost Treasure

Ajay was a bit surprised when there was no debriefing. All the Legends except for Revenant were crammed into a small conference room. She wasn't surprised when Blisk walked in with Cheryl Amacci. "This should be good." Whenever Cheryl from Hammond legal was involved it meant that something had happened that was not supposed to happen. Maybe Blisk would finally be in trouble for this one. Ajay relaxed in her chair to watch the show.

"So the collapse of the arena was a surprise for you guys and the viewers. We didn't let you in on it so it would be a surprise for everyone. What a way to announce a new Legend. When I scouted out Loba I thought that she would be a great fit for the team." Blisk was always a matter-of-fact and he didn't look at all worried. Cheryl cut in, "Your job is just to act surprised to the media and give little detail about the new Legend. Leave the details to us. If you could please be excited that will help our ratings tremendously." Ajay laughed internally. "You heard her Legends." Blisk and Cheryl walked out.

Before any of the Legends could leave Elliot stood up in front of everyone, "Well with a new Legend on board I think it's time to celebrate at my new bar, The Paradise Lounge. I have already sent the address to your phones." Elliot paused, "The party starts now!" Elliot smirked and raced out of the conference room. Ajay looked down at her phone to find the address. Just like everything else in the area, the bar wasn't too far away.

The Paradise Lounge was just like any other bar. It was, however, a bit cleaner. Tables lined the immediate entry way. There were a few booths scattered throughout the main area. In the back, there was a longue area with some sofas. The lights weren't too bright and the music wasn't too loud. There were quite a few people inside the bar. Elliot and MRVN were behind the bar serving drinks and waiting on people. When MRVN spotted Ajay he gave her a thumbs-up. Ajay gave MRVN a smile as MRVN almost dropped a bottle of whiskey.

Ajay and Octavio sat a table not too far from the bar. Elliot already had drinks waiting for them. Rum for Ajay and for Octavio a vodka and Red Bull. Octavio smiled before taking a sip from his glass. Ajay sighed as she was deep in thought. Seeing Blisk again had dredged up the thoughts about her previous encounter with him. She knew with the new Legend fiasco that Blisk and The Syndicate might be off of her back for a while. Ajay thought it was time to let Octavio in on her meeting with Blisk and Renee.

Octavio looked at Ajay with a mix of astonishment and disappointment on his face, "Why would go behind my back? And why would you wait so long to tell me?" Ajay couldn't bring herself to look at him, "I just couldn't bare ta see ya hurt again Silva. I thought holding a gun to Blisk would get his attention. Then Renee... She plays mind games..." Ajay trailed off. Octavio stared at her, "I don't understand the whole Renee thing. But honestly that's disappointing that you didn't just walk away." 

Ajay sighed because she wished she could have walked away but there was just way too much to explain to Octavio about what Renee had told her about The Syndicate. Renee was capable of so much that he didn't understand. Renee also know a lot more than she led on. "Che, why do you even have a gun?" Ajay lifted her gaze to him, "That's a story for a different day Silva." She was firm when she spoke to him.

Octavio folded his arms over his chest, "That's fine Che. You think about when that day will be and let me know. We are supposed to be taking care of this together. You could have gotten killed or ghosted." Octavio's voice was harboring anger, "Go get this shit out of your system. I need a break from this shit and us." He downed his drink and slammed the glass down on the table. Octavio got up and walked away. He went to leave the establishment all together but he was stopped in the doorway as Loba entered.

"Okay people the bar is closed. Time to go home." A general sigh and moan of the patrons could be heard as Elliot made the announcement. Patrons started to pile out. MRVN started to leave but Elliot grabbed the robot by the shoulder and shook his head, "Legends are staying." Ajay was a bit surprised to see Elliot so serious. She looked over to Octavio who was now sitting at the bar with Loba. Ajay cringed a bit and picked up her glass, finishing the rest of her drink. She stood up and headed towards the bar. She didn't dare stand near Octavio. Elliot gave Ajay a strange look as she stood at the opposite end of the bar from Octavio.

After all the patrons left, and the Legends were at the bar, Loba began her speech. "Thank you all for coming. You all should be honored. I usually work alone." Anita looked Loba over and licked her lips, "You must be Loba?" Loba smiled, "Loba Andrade. Need a drink General?" Anita shook her head, "Nah I need to keep my wits about me. Have a lot to look at right now." Ajay blinked in disbelief, "Is she referring to Loba? Is she checking her out?" Loba gave Anita a smirk and looked around, "I won't keep you then. Let's get to it. I am collector of many valuable things. I'm looking to add a rare and valuable treasure to my collection. And in return? You can make use of my various talents for... well, for whatever you desire."

Loba stood up and looked at Elliot, "Maybe you would like better treatment for your mother?" She then walked over to Ajay and whispered into her ear, "Maybe your parents can finally pay for their war crimes?" Ajay nodded. Loba didn't have to say anymore because Ajay was on board. Nothing would make her happier than seeing her parents pay for their war crimes and maybe some other crimes too. Loba walked down the line to Alexander, "I'm sure Alexander would love to address his pesky legal problems back on Gaea. It's okay, Doctor. You're innocent. We know." She sounded like she was more or less mocking him at this point. Alexander was almost at a loss for words, "Excuse me. How did you?!"

The click of Loba's heels continued as she interrupted Alexander, "It's what I do. And right now, all that matters is what I can do for you." She paused, happy with the reactions she was getting from the other Legends. Loba's fingertips ran along Anita's back, lingering for a moment, before she continued her walk behind everyone. "But first, I need your help. However, there are two issues in terms of retrieving the treasure. One, it's broken into pieces, scattered throughout Kings Canyon. And two..." She continued walking, "...it's not in "our" Kings Canyon. Apparently, there's a different... I don't know, I guess you'd call it another... dimension?" Loba made her way behind the bar with Elliot so that way she could address all of the Legends.

"Luckily, one of us happens to have spent a short time there and is familiar with its... locals, so to speak." MRVN raised his hand, "Me! It was me! And everyone was a shadow, and the dead walked around moaning all night. All my friends said I made it up." Loba looked over at the robot and then to Renee, "Apparently you did not make it up. Which is why you're our guide, MRVN. And Renee will be our way in." Renee's facial expression was tense and she began to twitch, "Hold up. I never agreed to..." Loba interrupted her, "Each of you is important. I ask you to work with me, together. We'll go in at night, in shifts. Find each piece and bring it back here, where Hyeon Kim and Natalie can help assemble it."

Hyeon Kim had a flat affect to his face as he spoke, "Assemble it? How do I know this 'treasure' isn't some sort of trap?" Loba shrugged as she looked at Hyeon Kim, "Whatever it is, I'm sure you're prepared enough to protect yourself. That's why we need you. I've learned it's some sort of tech, so who better than our premier surveillance tech expert and most brilliant engineer to take it on?" Natalie smiled as she looked at Hyeon Kim, "It has been awhile since we have worked together. I am looking forward to it. You might say I am charged and ready!"

Loba turned her gaze to Anita, "And obviously, we'd fail miserably without the guidance and leadership of our general." Anita didn't look impressed, "Sergeant first class will be fine, Miss Andrade. Not a general yet." Loba looked a little disappointed, "Of course you aren't. Loba is fine, beautiful." MRVN tapped Loba on the shoulder, "I don't think I like this. Last time I went to that Kings Canyon, Revenant was in charge. And he was scary, even more than he is now... and that's a lot!" Loba smiled at MRVN, "And that is why we must all make a pact. The demonio can never know what we're doing."

Ajay smiled because maybe now Revenant would be busy with someone else for a little bit and he would leave her alone. Maybe The Syndicate would leave her alone for a bit and give her enough time to come up with a plan. Elliot interrupted her thoughts, "Cause he'd eat us if he found out?" Renee looked a little annoyed with Elliot, "Because he'd want that life. That power from the treasure." Elliot nodded, "Right. Exactly... And then he'd eat us." Loba looked at Elliot and rolled her eyes, "He can't know. Play this close to the chest. If he finds out... It's not good for any of us."

Everyone seemed to be in agreement with the plan. Ajay did notice that Alexander was behaving quite odd but then she thought that was how he was always behaving. Loba left the bar before anyone could ask too many questions. Ajay looked over to Anita, who was apparently in charge now. Anita didn't look too happy about the situation. "Speedster you're with me. MRVN and Renee we'll need you to get us a path there. Hacker, you too. Let's roll out people!"