Wolf's Weakness

Chapter 3

Wolf shotgunned his entire mug of coffee in one frustrated chug before slamming the empty mug down on the countertop. It was later in the day than he intended to be up and his coffee was already cold, much like the rest of his breakfast.

"So they got him, huh?" The canine sighed out, crossing his arms over his chest and looking down at the floor. "How does an ape like Oikonny get taken prisoner? He's smart, quick, skilled... What else did they tell you?"

Panther stood on the other end of the counter from Wolf, leaning forwards with his chin resting on his knuckles. Leon on the other hand was staying out of the way; he didn't like to be involved in these kinds of decisions, instead opting to listen from afar.

"They didn't say much," The ebony feline spoke, "It sounds like the Cornerians played dirty, something about a trade at the Cornerian outpost on Fichina going awry. I'd guess that Andrew showed up in good faith to trade prisoners and got taken by surprise."

"That's it? Not a raid..? No battle? Just snatched up during a diplomatic meeting?"

"From what I understand, that is correct. It was supposed to be a weapon's free meeting, Wolf. It sounds like the dogs are desperate to put an end to the conflict."

"Pathetic." Wolf huffed, shaking his head. "Both of them. I thought I knew Andrew better than to risk himself like that. Especially now that he leads an entire army." The trio stood in the kitchen in silence, Wolf grumbling under his breath and poking around his mostly-eaten breakfast plate with his index-claw. He mulled some thoughts over in his head before speaking again.

"So what do they want from us? Money, guns?"

"...They want us to rescue Andrew while he's still on Fichina, Wolf. It's a small base, they think we can-"

"Not. Happening." The captain interrupted, putting his hand up in a 'stop' gesture. "I explained to them very clearly that I'm not interested in their stupid squabbles. Just because Andross had me on the payroll doesn't mean I fight for their interests. My loyalty died with him. If little nephew Andrew wants to pretend to be the next great Andross that's fine- but I'm not responsible for what happens as a consequence. He knew who he was playing with. If he wants to be bailed out, his men will have to do that for him."

"Yes captain I... I had a feeling you would say that. In fact I told them something similar already."

"Then what the hell else is there to talk about?" Wolf barked, slamming his palm down on the expensive counter tiles. Panther swallowed a lump in his throat, he knew Wolf wasn't upset with him but his aggression could still be intimidating, especially when delivering bad news.

"Well, you see; they're under the impression that the force they would need to mobilize to rescue him would be picked up by the Cornerian scouts before they even breached the airspace. And if that happened... The Cornerians would react by rushing Andrew off of Fichina and back to their homeworld. And we both know there's no getting him back once he's there."

Wolf put his head back down in his food as he mulled it over again. Under normal circumstances, Leon considered himself similar to the Boss's finger. He wasn't to pressure him, disobey him or falter him in any way. When the Boss needed something done, he would do it with no questions asked. The two had spent almost the entirety of their criminal lives as partners and were often in perfect synchronization. That said, this time Leon felt there was a necessity to air his own thoughts on the matter.

"Boss if I may..." The chameleon asked from the corner of the room. Wolf turned his head, empty socket staring at Leon from under his eyepatch.

"Speak."