Neutrality Order (TomBoo)

L.R. - Chapter 6

Ranboo kept himself away from Tommy's number as he relayed the plans to everyone involved. Boomer once again proved invaluable as a scouting agent, having brought in convicted criminals, one of whom was on death row and the other awaiting sentencing, Schlatt and Skeppy; and a hardened criminal Michael, while Techno brought in yet another Stain fanatic, Punz and his personal friend Karl, and Charlie proudly showed off his middle school delinquent find, Lazar.

Good, powerful quirks for his Vanguard, he could see, but a handful of them were clearly unsuited for permanent residence. Michael, Karl, and Punz were more reserved and respectful of what the Syndicate had to offer, but it was obvious Schlatt and Skeppy were there for blood and Lazar just wanted something to do to avoid after-school programs again.

Regardless of how he felt, a strong wave moving over the hero school summer camp was what he really needed.

He called them all to attention, fighting back the claustrophobia of these freaks in the bar -and absently noting Niki fretting about the mess that they were going to make- and stood up.

"You all have two targets," he said, holding up a picture of Wilbur to start. "This is Wilbur, winner of this year's first-year sports festival, and one that I believe would make a fine addition to our cause. Seeing the top-ranked of the freshman class abandoning that pitiful excuse of a school and joining us would be a crippling blow to UA's credibility and support. Do everything you can to bring him in, but do so politely. We're asking him a favor, after all."

"Looks like a total douche," Lazar mumbled.

"He probably is," Ranboo admitted. "But he's the prime target."

"Who's the other one?" Punz asked, crossing his arms. Ranboo ignored Techno's sorry attempt at smothering a snort as he brought out the second picture he kept in his back pocket.

"THIS is Tommy," he said. "He is number one on par with Wilbur on my NO-KILL list. You are to bring him in, unharmed, but believe me when I say he may be harder to subdue than Wilbur." He held up a plain GPS clip. "When you find him, press the button to alert Niki to your position."

The rest of the crowd outside of the know looked among each other. "What's so special about HIM?" Michael asked. Punz shot her a look.

"That's someone that Stain feels is a REAL hero among the fakes," he informed. "So why take him?"

"None of your goddamn business, that's why," Ranboo intoned. "All you NEED to know is that he's to be found and picked up quickly and without much fuss. Any other questions?"

"Yeah, do we get free drinks in here, or do we have to buy them?" Schlatt asks.

"Food too!" Lazar piped up.

"Where's the bathroom?" Karl asked.

Ranboo stared at them before turning and leaving for his room, letting that asshole Techno pick up the slack as second-in-command. He sat down at his desk hard before looking at his phone. No messages, as usual. He put it down and opened up the desk drawer, taking out the pocket notebook and flipping through it for the umpteenth time.

"Reservations about your plan, Ranboo?"

He nearly jumped when he heard Dreams voice through his computer speakers, feeling his cheeks heat up as he put the notebook down. "Not many," he replied. "I have the Vanguard set up, they have their targets. They'll be on observation tonight."

"That is well and good," Dream replied. "But I hear a sense of trouble in your voice. You can tell me, Ranboo. That's what I am here for."

Ranboo ran his fingers over the notebook for a moment before taking a deep breath. "...Dream?"