Plasmatropolis

Chapter Ten - Unfamiliarity

"What do you mean you can't make your move yet?" Osivian demanded into the phone, as he spoke with Hubris Nestoris, the Underboss of the Nestoris gang.

"We're still recovering from the fight at the central police station." Hubris explained. "We can't go after the Prime just yet."

"Alright, alright, fair enough, but you should know how much I despise delays." Osivian told him.

"Oh, I do, Osivian." Hubris scoffed over the phone. "You make that abundantly clear."

The Sendaris under Osivian's leadership had been cooperating with the Nestoris for a while now, similarly to how Thalleous had allied with another gang - the Voltaris. Osivian and Aurelius, the Nestoris Boss, had both been concerned lately regarding Thalleous' increasing power and aggression. Both wanted to counter him, so it had only been natural that they had banded together for the time being.

Osivian had also learned of how Thalleous had gotten his hands on one of the Prime Songs - the Mobilium Prime. As such, he had come up with a plan of his own. His Sendaris and Nestoris allies would take another Prime, this one the Protisium Prime. The way Osivian saw it, if Thalleous got an advantage, he himself had to get an advantage no less useful. He was the one who had to keep the other Sendaris in check, and he couldn't do that if he was weaker.

"Ensure your forces are ready to strike within the next few days." Osivian requested. "Can you guarantee that for me, Hubris?"

"Yes, that will be enough time." The Nestoris Underboss replied. "Be sure to prepare yourself. Neither of us can mess up on this mission, you know that?"

"I've known that for a long time." Osivian scoffed. "If we both stick to the plan, this will go smoothly. Now, let's get back to work - I need to contact someone who might be able to help us. Let me know if there's any more complications."

"Fine." Hubris responded. "I will."

At that, Osivian hung up the phone, and set it down. He took a seat in his quarters, his chin resting on his hand as he sunk into a state of deep concentration. It did not take long for his thoughts to drift to those of his daughter. Again, he had not seen her ever since their unpleasant confrontation in the sewer tunnel. He really, really tried to understand what was happening, what was going through her head, but for some reason, he just couldn't.

"Boss?" A voice asked, and Osivian looked up to see another Sendaris with dark, navy-blue markings and a pair of shades. He wore a jacket over a bulletproof vest and bore a very serious expression. It was Ventrum, one of Osivian's most highly skilled assassins, and one of his best subordinates in general.

"I'm fine." Osivian simply said.

Ventrum shook his head, displaying very little emotion. "Clearly not. You're still worried about Ria, aren't you?"

"That's none of your business, Ventrum." Osivian brushed him off, but then sighed a moment later. "Have you seen her anywhere recently?"

"The last time I saw her was a couple weeks back when she briefly dropped into the base." Ventrum shrugged. "You know she doesn't come by often anymore."

"Yes, I do. I very much do." Osivian snapped, frustrated. Ventrum stood still and respectful, unwavering. The Sendaris Boss took a moment to calm himself before speaking again. "My apologies. I've just got a lot on my mind."

"Understood, boss." Ventrum acknowledged. "But I would focus on the upcoming mission if I were in your shoes."

"You're right." Osivian agreed. "And on that note, prepare yourself. You'll be coming with us too."

Ventrum nodded and made his leave. Osivian forced himself to stop dwelling on thoughts of his daughter and contemplated the mission at hand. Thalleous was growing more powerful with every passing second, and Osivian could not allow the fire to burn any longer.