Across Book 2

Chapter 5 : Compassion

The next day on Monday morning, Jacob woke to the sound of the chatter from the Living room and he followed it downstairs.

"Oh Good, Jacob, you're up !" His father said in an informative voice, "The survey team is done collecting the information about Third Street Avenue. Come and have your breakfast son, we'll be leaving in twenty minutes on the dot."

Confused for a moment, Jacob went to get prepared. Moments later, they were on their way to the Avenue. Jacob kept thinking what Acton must have been like in the field, and the chance to work with his brother is what Jacob expected to fill the void that left him completely alone of his brotherly affection.

There are three important teams formed for any mission- was what Jacob was told by his Dad.

The Survey Team, the Central Team and the Relief Team. The Survey Team goes in first. They set up and survey, gather information and deliver it. They have zero to low combat ability. The Central Team goes in next, handles the situation, by any means necessary. They are also referred to as the Alpha Team, having high combat ability. In case the mission goes sideways, and they need support or a helping hand, the Relief Team goes in. They have low to medium combat ability. They are also referred to as the Beta Team.

They had reached the spot of survey. The moment the car stopped, they stepped out. Jacob saw the building they were informed about. He was nervous and excited.

Acton looked at his father, who was already looking back at him. They knew what it meant. The building wasn't just an ordinary target. There was an infamous bar on the second floor on that building. It was infamous because of the... recent money laundering activity in that area, and most certainly the building was being operated by a Mob, or worse, a criminal organization.

But the question that was still unsolved was, how was the missing extraterrestrial being in the area linked to all of these ? Later they would regret having to ask the question.

"Yes, we can do it" was what Acton uttered. Jacob looked away and observed the building, because it seemed like both the brothers were about to enter it.

"Fine.", his father said, "If you suggest it, then lead the mission with Jacob. I'll be right outside, in case you need backup."

And so both the brothers walked with a steady pace.Jacob looked at his surroundings as he was strictly instructed not to let his guard down. Moments before entering the bar Jacob seemed worried. The question was if he could do what the situation demanded for. But he had Acton, and he was experienced.

Entering the lift, they moved up and halted on the second floor. The personal room which looked like a cabin was where they headed. Acton knocked on the door, realising that it was already open. Jacob could hear his heart beats. Literally.

Inside the cabin, which had a fine carpet and decorative walls, were seated 7 gentlemen. Some on the long sofa, very few were offering drinks to the others, and the rest were laughing in bits about something hilarious. One of them noticed both the brothers entering through the door silently after knocking.

"Hello, good day." Acton started.

"Do you have something to say?" the man in the blue coat spoke, in an accusing tone.

"There was a report about an unknown person roaming in this street with extravagant features like–" Acton paused, "having an unusually red skin."

"Oh", the man in the blue coat replied.

Acton could know from that tone that he knew something and he added, "We are here to take that person back."

"I am familiar who you are referring to. And I can't do that. Now get out"