Agent Mahone and Edmund entered Commander-in-Chief Benson's office.
Benson stood with his back to them, hands clasped behind him as he stared out the wide window overlooking the city. The skyline stretched endlessly beyond the glass, but his expression suggested he wasn't really seeing it.
Mahone flicked his lighter.
The sharp click cut through the silence, followed by the quiet hiss of a cigarette catching flame.
Benson didn't turn.
Benson: "I need you to do something for me… no—"
(A brief pause)
"—for our country."
He turned to face them.
His gaze was steady. Heavy.
"This is a job only Breedom Special Forces can handle."
Mahone and Edmund stood straight, eyes forward, their attention locked on the Commander-in-Chief.
Benson: "As you both know, a series of recent events has led me to believe that something far larger is unfolding—something we don't have a clue of."
Edmund spoke without hesitation.
Edmund: "Is this regarding the recent Demon attacks, sir?"
Benson nodded once.
Benson: "Especially the Red Moon Clan. They aren't known for being reckless."
(He stepped closer)
"Those two attacks on the bases weren't coincidences. I know they're up to something"
Edmund glanced sideways at Mahone.
Edmund:"What do you think?"
Mahone took a long drag from his cigarette, smoke filling his lungs before he exhaled slowly.
Mahone: "We'll handle it."
(A beat)
"We'll find the clue you're looking for."
Benson held his gaze for a moment longer than necessary.
Benson: "I know you will."
(His voice softened—just slightly)
"I trust you."
Both agents turned and exited the office, the door closing quietly behind them.
Minutes later—Breedom Special Operations Headquarters.
Mahone and Edmund stood inside the B.S.O. control room, joined by two other agents—Holly and Cheryl. Monitors lined the walls, streams of data and surveillance footage flickering across the screens.
Holly was already at her station, fingers moving quickly across the console.
Holly: "I'm pulling up all the data we have so far. Let's see if there's anything we missed—anything that stands out."
Edmund dropped into a chair and leaned back, propping both feet up on the edge of the table.
Edmund: "You guys don't think the Chief might be overreacting?"
Cheryl glanced over from across the room, a mug of coffee resting in her hand.
Cheryl: "What makes you say that?"
Edmund shrugged.
Edmund: "Sure, the base attacks were strange. I won't argue that. But overall crime's been at its lowest in years. Ever since Hope showed up, nothing big really happens anymore."
(He tilted his head slightly)
"I don't see the Red Moon being stupid enough to plan something massive with him still around."
Mahone finally spoke, voice calm.
Mahone: "That's exactly why it's our job to find out whether 'nothing' is actually happening."
Edmund turned his chair slightly toward him.
Edmund: "Come on. You really think they're up to something?"
Mahone took a slow drag from his cigarette before answering.
Mahone: "The Chief says they are. And from personal experience, he's always right."
(He exhaled)
"Whether we believe it or not doesn't matter. We were assigned this job—and I intend to finish it."
Holly's screen chimed softly.
Holly: "Alright. This is everything we have so far related to Red Moon activity."
(She tapped a key)
"From Rumbler's abduction to the extraction of the artifact."
Cheryl sighed and took a sip of her coffee.
Cheryl: "We've gone over this at least a hundred times."
(She shook her head)
"I'm not seeing a clear connection. And we already have our hands full trying to track down Rumbler."
Edmund: "Exactly. That's where our focus should be."
Mahone didn't respond.
He was staring at the monitor in front of him, unmoving. Lines of data reflected across his glasses. The cigarette burned quietly between his lips.
After a moment, he spoke.
Mahone: "Pull up the bank attack."
Holly moved instantly.
Holly: "Done. You seeing something?"
Mahone leaned forward slightly.
Edmund: "I'm telling you, man. You won't find anything. We're wasting time."
Mahone didn't look away from the screen.
Mahone: "I already told you—perception can be deceiving, Edmund."
He stood and walked to the flat-screen board, pulling multiple images onto the display and linking them together.
Mahone: "Look at this."
Cheryl stepped closer.
Cheryl: "What am I looking at?"
(She frowned)
"That's just Crusher. And security footage from the Sector Four base. What's the connection?"
Mahone folded his arms.
Mahone: "From what we know, the Demons used some kind of EMP to disrupt the base's security systems."
(He tapped the screen)
"That gave them a ninety-one second window to breach the facility and steal the artifact."
(He paused, letting that sink in)
"My guess is they planned that entire operation around that window. In and out. Clean. Like they were never there."
(He glanced at the footage again)
"But they ran out of time."
Edmund frowned.
Edmund: "And that matters because…?"
Mahone: "That explains why the only footage we have is from moments just before they escaped."
The room grew quiet.
Mahone highlighted one still image.
Mahone: "For a mission that was supposed to be stealth-based…"
(He pointed at the screen)
"Why stop at a cell?"
Everyone stared.
Cheryl broke the silence.
Cheryl: "Maybe one of the prisoners caught their attention."
Mahone took another drag from his cigarette.
Mahone: "Maybe. But that prisoner is Crusher."
(He tapped another image)
"The same Crusher who used the artifact during the bank attack."
(He zoomed in)
"And take a look at this guy—standing near the cell."
Edmund leaned forward.
Edmund: "Yeah… even from the side profile, he looks like the guy from Triumphant's footage. The one who attacked him a few blocks away from the bank."
Holly's eyes widened slightly.
Holly: "So you're saying the Red Moon might've been involved in the bank attack too?"
Mahone nodded slowly.
Mahone: "That's my best guess based on what we're seeing."
(He turned to face the room)
"But we don't stop here. Not yet."
(He crushed the cigarette out)
"We need to dig for more answers before we put our shovels away."
(A brief pause)
"And that means paying a visit to our friend, Crusher."
The room fell silent.
This time, no one argued.
Their gazes were fixed on Mahone—steady, confident, ready.
Militia Base — Sector 4.
The elevator descended in silence.
Mahone, Edmund, and Lieutenant Fox stood inside, the hum of machinery filling the confined space as the numbers ticked down.
Lieutenant Fox broke the quiet.
Lieutenant Fox:"The prisoner is restrained, but I advise caution. Even chained, he can turn violent."
The elevator slowed, then stopped.
The doors slid open.
They stepped out into a long, sterile corridor lit by harsh white lights. Their footsteps echoed as they walked toward the interrogation wing.
Inside the room, Crusher was already waiting.
He sat bolted to a reinforced chair, thick restraints binding his forearms to the armrests. Heavy chains looped from his wrists up around his neck, locking his upper body in place. The orange inmate suit stretched tight against his massive frame.
Even seated, he was enormous.
Edmund let out a short laugh as he looked him over.
Edmund: "So how'd you guys manage to take the Gatling off his arm?"
His tone was light. Mocking.
Lieutenant Fox stopped at the door.
Lieutenant Fox: "You gentlemen take all the time you need. We'll be right outside if anything's required."
He exited.
The door sealed shut behind him.
Mahone and Edmund took their seats across from Crusher.
Crusher rolled his shoulders as much as the restraints allowed and sneered.
Crusher: "Well I'll be damned. Who the hell are you two clowns supposed to be?"
(He laughed loudly)
"The men in black? Hah!"
Mahone didn't respond.
He stared at Crusher, unblinking. His expression was empty—no anger, no curiosity. Just focus.
The silence stretched.
Edmund finally spoke.
Edmund: "I'm Special Agent Edmund Eisenhower."
(He gestured casually)
"And this is Special Agent Heart Mahone. We're here because we believe you might have some information we need."
Crusher's laughter faded slightly.
Crusher: "Special agents?"
(His eyes narrowed)
"…B.S.O., huh?"
He leaned back as far as the chains allowed and smirked.
Crusher: "Listen, I already told your people everything I know. If you want answers, ask them. I don't have jack shit to say to you."
For a moment, the room was completely silent.
Then Mahone stood.
He walked around the table and stopped beside Crusher—not facing him, but staring at the wall behind him instead. Even seated, Crusher's size was imposing, but Mahone didn't acknowledge it.
Mahone reached into his coat and placed a small device on the table.
A holographic image flickered to life.
Levi.
The footage was pulled from Triumphant's recording—blurred, angled, but unmistakable.
Mahone spoke calmly.
Mahone:"Who is he?"
Crusher glanced at the image and scoffed.
Crusher: "Pssh. You're asking me?"
(He snorted)
"Shouldn't you two already know that?"
(He waved it off with what little movement he had)
"No idea who that punk is. Never seen him. Never met him."
Mahone said nothing.
He reached out and grabbed Crusher's nose.
Crusher:"What the hell are you doin—"
SNAP.
The sound was sharp. Wet.
Crusher screamed as pain exploded across his face.
Behind the two-way mirror, Lieutenant Fox and several soldiers watched intently.
Militia Soldier: "Sir, should we—"
Lieutenant Fox (raised a hand): "No."
Inside the room, Mahone's voice didn't change.
Mahone: "Who is he?"
Mahone reset Crusher's nose.
Then dislocated it again.
SNAP.
Crusher: "AGHHH! I told you already—I don't fucking know!"
Mahone changed the image.
Now the device displayed footage from inside the base cells—Levi standing directly in front of Crusher's cell.
Mahone straightened Crusher's nose once more.
Crusher's breathing became frantic.
Mahone's fingers tightened again—
Crusher: "LEVI!"
Mahone stopped.
Edmund leaned forward.
Edmund: "Levi?"
(He tilted his head)
"And who exactly is Levi?"
Crusher gasped, sweat pouring down his face.
Crusher:"He's just some little punk…"
(He swallowed hard)
"He used to work for me. Ran errands. Did the dirty work I didn't feel like doing."
(He laughed weakly)
"He was nobody."
Crusher swallowed and forced a crooked grin through the pain, trying to steady his breathing.
Crusher:"Seriously… you're giving him way too much credit."
(He shifted against the restraints, chains rattling softly)
"If he was really that important, you think he'd be taking orders from me?"
(A breathy chuckle escaped him)
"He did what I told him to do. That's it."
Crusher glanced at Mahone, watching for a reaction.
Nothing.
He mistook the silence for uncertainty and leaned into it.
Crusher:"Look, you already got what you needed out of me."
(His voice lowered, almost conversational)
"You know his name now. That should be enough."
(A pause)
"And if you're chasing him because you think he's some kind of mastermind?"
(He shook his head)
"You're wasting your time."
Mahone didn't answer.
Instead, he reached down and changed the image on the device.
The screen filled with still footage from the bank attack—collapsed concrete, twisted metal, bodies scattered across the street.
Mahone spoke calmly.
Mahone: "You almost destroyed half a district."
Crusher frowned.
Mahone changed the image again.
Triumphant's footage.
Levi mid-motion. Red aura tearing through space. The frame itself warped around him.
Mahone stepped closer.
"You nearly died."
Crusher's jaw tightened.
Mahone leaned in just enough for his presence to be unavoidable.
Mahone:"And he walked away."
Crusher tried to scoff, but the sound didn't come out right.
Crusher:"So what?"
(His voice rose defensively)
"That doesn't make him special! Plenty of strong people—"
Mahone cut him off.
Not with force.
With certainty.
Mahone:"He stopped in front of your cell during an active infiltration."
Crusher froze.
Mahone's hand came up again, resting lightly on Crusher's nose.
Not breaking it.
Not yet.
Mahone: "That wasn't curiosity."
Crusher's breathing turned shallow.
"So I'll ask you again."
Silence.
"Who is he?"
Mahone's fingers tightened slightly.
Crusher:"I didn't know he was with them!"
(His voice cracked)
"I swear—I only found out the day they broke in here. I don't know what they wanted or who they were really after."
Edmund crossed his arms.
Edmund: "Then why did he stop by your cell?"
(He leaned in)
"Was he just passing through? Catching up with an old friend in the middle of an operation?"
Crusher hesitated.
Crusher: "He didn't say anything important."
(He exhaled shakily)
"Just talked shit. Made fun of me. Then left."
Mahone grabbed his nose again.
Crusher panicked instantly.
Crusher:"I swear! I promise you—he didn't tell me anything!"
Mahone released him.
Mahone: "They took the artifact."
His voice was steady.
Crusher blinked.
Crusher: "…Huh?"
(Confusion spread across his face)
"They came to take it back?"
Mahone turned.
Mahone:"Take it back?"
Crusher swallowed.
Crusher: "Yeah."
(A pause)
"Those assholes were the ones who gave it to me."
Edmund straightened.
Edmund:"Elaborate."
Crusher hesitated, glancing at Mahone from the corner of his eye.
Mahone didn't move.
Crusher spoke.
Crusher: "It was supposed to be a buy-in."
(A beat)
"I was gonna use the artifact to rob the bank and buy my way into the Red Moon Clan."
Mahone's gaze sharpened.
Mahone: "Why give it to you? What did the robbery have to do with it?"
Crusher licked his lips.
Crusher: "When word got around about a Nitchtronian artifact that boosts stardust levels, I knew I needed it."
(He clenched his fists.)
"But the Red Moon had the only one on Earth."
(He continued quickly)
"So I made a few calls through my connections and cut a deal."
(A pause)
"I'd rob the bank. Prove myself."
(He swallowed)
"But they wanted one more thing."
(His voice dropped)
"They wanted me to kill Hope."
Edmund stiffened.
"Stupid, right?"
(A bitter laugh)
"I told them I'd only do it if they sent me the artifact first. And they did."
His jaw tightened.
"Even with all that power… it wasn't enough. I couldn't kill that bastard."
(He looked up, eyes wide)
"I didn't even know Levi was part of them until now."
Edmund and Mahone exchanged a look.
Edmund:"Who exactly did you make the deal with?"
Crusher: "It wasn't someone from the Red Moon directly."
(He hesitated)
"It was the Yakuza. They're my middlemen."
Mahone stepped closer.
Mahone: "Who?"
Crusher hesitated again.
Mahone leaned in.
Mahone: "You should answer."
(A pause)
"It's not like they can kill you here."
(He tilted his head)
"…but we can."
Crusher swallowed hard.
Crusher:"Chota."
Mahone turned away.
He and Edmund headed for the door.
Then Mahone stopped.
He turned back, walked over, and grabbed Crusher's nose.
SNAP.
Crusher screamed.
Mahone:"That one was for my brother."
Mahone and Edmund exited the room as Crusher's screams echoed down the corridor.
Inside the elevator, Edmund exhaled.
Edmund: "So. Where to now?"
Mahone stared at the closing doors.
Mahone: "Hinode."
The elevator began to rise.
The men flaring with determination—knowing that whatever awaited them next was already in motion.