Missio cut his call with henry, tucking his phone into his inner pocket. He gripped the wheel tightly and gazed out of the windshield. The moon shone brightly in the dark night sky. Behind Missio's car were 4 other vehicles with their headlights on, each carrying around 5 individuals. He turned a corner and the others followed. After a few minutes, they reached a massive mansion, glowing at night surrounded by many officers.
He stopped, grabbed his katana, and stepped out into the cold night. He attached the katana to his back and slammed the door shut. He strode towards the officer at the gate. The other vehicles stopped and began unloading. From his car, Eira and Mary hopped out with guns in hand. Missio stopped in front of an officer.
"Who may you be?" The officer asked.
"Lieutenant general of the black ops division, Missio Augustus. We're to investigate Dick Quartel for suspicious activity among other things." Missio pulled out the warrants.
He handed them to the officer. The officer took a close look at them and nodded. He glanced up and saw three stars on Missio's chest. He handed the warrant back, pressing his radio.
"Attention all! The first division of the black ops is here to investigate sir dick for suspicious activity."
He stepped back, opening the gates to the politician's house. Missio adjusted his collar, stepping inside with the rest of the unit behind him. Like ants they swarmed the front yard, flashing their lights. Eira marched forward and knocked on the door. After a few moments, the door was opened by Dick who was in a robe.
"Excuse me, but who are you?"
"Eira of the first black ops division. We're here to investigate you on the clause of suspicious activity."
"Well, do you have a…warrant?" Dick licked his lips.
"Yes, we do. Now, move out of the way." Missio said. "If you need to see them for yourselves, we can show you."
"Oh, no need. Come right in."
"Check everything. Leave nothing untouched." Missio gestured at his unit.
The men nodded and rushed into Dick's home. Dick moved out of the way. Missio, Eira and Mary followed the unit.
"Where are the boys?" Mary inquired.
"They've done their jobs. They won't be in this raid." Missio replied.
"Are we really gonna search all his mansions? That's too much." Eira whimpered.
Missio looked at her in confusion. "This man has one mansion – one."
"Oh…Guess I should've listened to the briefing." Eira smiled.
"Now, get to investigating you two. I'll be there in a minute." Missio said.
"Okay, be careful." Mary went away.
"We'll be done in no time. Just wait." Eira tailed Mary.
Missio smiled and pulled out his phone. He dialed Krishna's number, waiting for an answer. After a few rings, it picked up.
"Yo!" Krishna exclaimed.
"Hey, where are you right now?"
"Driving out of the outer district."
"Okay, good. Did you see…anything strange during your investigation?" Missio questioned.
"Strange…yeah, there was a guy who was with Dick."
"Anything noticeable about him? or a name?"
"Nah, just that he wears a black suit with a red inner."
"Alright, I'll try to find him."
"Good luck."
With that, Missio cut the call. He furrowed his brows and headed to investigate. The fellows in black outfits like Missio's, holding guns with flashlights on them were flipping over furniture and pushing doors.
'Where can I find that finance thing?'
He turned around and asked in a serious tone.
"Mr. Dick, can I have a look at you finance activity over the last 2 decades?"
"No, you can't." Dick replied.
"Dammit." Missio muttered under his breath.
He shrugged it off and headed upstairs. He turned on the lights and entered the bedroom. He flipped over the mattress, checked the bookshelves but found nothing. He frowned and headed into another room. He checked the bathroom, rearranging the toothbrushes and removing the mirror.
'No secret base, I guess…'
He put the mirror back and continued searching.
***
After hours of searching, they left empty handed. Missio scratched his head, kicking the wall in annoyance. He had been unusually motivated to find something that would convict Dick, but it seems that the man was innocent. He put his hands against the wall and drew deep breaths. A while later, he adjusted his collar and came together with the others.
"Anything?"
"Nothing, sir. The entire building is clear." An enforcer replied.
Missio clicked his tongue and glazed over Dick's living room. Nothing looked out of place but…
'Just this once'
He lowered his eyes and plucked out his contact lenses.
"Hey, what are you doing? Are you really gonna use it here?" Eira said.
"Yes, I need to use it."
Mary turned towards the other personnel.
"Turn around. That's an order."
The men obeyed, turning around swiftly.
"That includes you, Mr. Dick."
Dick mumbled something to himself and turned around. Missio lifted his head with his closed eyes, tears falling out. He took a sharp breath and whispered to his teammates.
"Just because this guy might have some connection to 17 years ago…I can't let this one slip."
Eira and Mary smiled. Missio opened his eyes, which were now scarlet red. They glowed like the eyes of those beasts who came from the rift – like a star in the night sky. He squinted and scanned the room. The world reversed. His vision pierced through the walls, allowing him to see what's beyond. After a few minutes, he grinned like a maniac.
"Well, Mr. Dick." Missio put his contact lenses on. "It's seeming you've hidden…quite a great secret from us."
"If you think so, then continue your search. I don't mind." Dick said in an oddly neutral tone.
"…Very well, then."
Missio stepped forward. He pressed something in the couch armrest. The wall shimmered, metal blooming under his hand. It opened to a long and infinite staircase that led into the dark. Missio's pulse spiked. He hadn't felt that cold tingle in his spine since the rift. Dick's face remained unmoved as Missio descended the stairs.
"Follow me."
The unit responded, going one by one after Missio. Missio's footsteps echoed in the abyss, goosebumps spreading across his skin. He wiped cold sweat from his face, the footsteps of his unit echoing right behind him, creating a subtle rhythm. Memories of that day flashed before Missio like a storm. He gritted his teeth and moved forward. Every so often a lantern would be on the wall of the narrow staircase, illuminating the space and allowing Missio to see ahead.
'Must be ancient if it's using lanterns.'