Meanwhile, back in Rome…
Missio sat in his office as the bright sun pierced the glass behind him, brightening his surroundings. He held his chin on his hand as the clock ticked too loudly for its own good. He glanced at the digital calendar on his desk, reflecting the date in his eyes.
[August 1st, 2983]
'Two months…'
Two months had passed since the expedition team meant to explore the forbidden continent was sent on their mission. He leaned back in his chair and tapped his music box. Listening to the soothing music, he felt a weight lift off his chest. He rocked back and forth like a baby in a crib.
He had been chasing the unknown murderer of the deputy commissioner but had no luck. There was no trace of the murderer – not even one. The cyber bureau couldn't even find a lick of information on the internet. Stressed, he had begun listening to music more, distracting himself. They kept a close eye on Justitia scale but they hadn't done anything suspicious yet.
Though, Missio did feel a premonition like this was not the end. Suddenly, his phone rang widely. He leaned forward and picked it up.
"Yes…"
"…Are you the lieutenant general of the black ops division?" The unknown individual asked.
"Yes…I am. Now, who are you?"
"I'm an agent of the secret service. We need to come to the minister of foreign affairs office with your team immediately."
"And why is that?"
"…He's been killed."
Missio froze – the buzz of his phone being the only sound he could hear. His heart started to beat unnaturally as if it knew this would happen. He regained his composure and said in a solemn tone.
"I'll be there ASAP. Have you concealed the area?"
"We have. Now, came quickly. I'll tell you the rest of the details in person."
The call cut abruptly. Missio stared at his phone screen, pausing to react for a moment. Then, he stood up and made another call. As he exited his office, a voice came from his phone.
"Yo! Enforcer Krishna. Reporting for duty at your command, sir!" Krishna exclaimed ins teasing tone.
"Stop joking. We've got something serious on our hands." Missio replied, entering the elevator.
"Alright, what is it, now?" Krishna asked, switching to a more serious tone.
"…The minister of foreign affairs has been murdered…"
A long silence stretched between them as Missio reached the ground. He exited the elevator as Krishna spoke again, with a strangely calm voice.
"Okay…We'll head to the basement garage."
"Got it…"
Missio cut the call, tucking the phone back. The doors slid open as he stepped out of the REOC black ops HQ. He walked around the back and halted near a door. He scanned his ID on it and entered once it unlocked. He descended the dark staircase and touched the flat floor. Lights shone brightly, allowing him to see numerous tinted black cars lined up. In the corner of his eyes, he saw Krishna, Henry, Eira and Mary arrived from the back.
"Another murderer case, Missio? Is it the same guy that killed the deputy?" Henry inquired.
"Don't know…" Missio replied with a tired voice.
"Well, we've got to know somehow. Let's get going." Eira exclaimed.
Missio approached the passenger seat and the car instantly unlocked. The rest of the team got in. Henry slammed the door shut and gripped the wheel. Henry revved the engine and drove off, revolving around the other cars. He rode up a ramp behind them. Light seeped through as the garage door opened. They drove out and the door closed behind them. They entered traffic like normal, heading towards the council of ministers.
***
Henry drove – carefully trying not to draw any attention from the police or public. Eventually, they reached the building. He parked behind it and exited with the others. The building was similar to the police force HQ but it had silver walls instead that curved round, creating a curved square. They headed to the front and entered the building as the door slid open. They were stopped by a man in a white suit with golden accents wearing black glasses.
"Identify yourselves."
"Enforcer Henry of the black ops division."
The man nodded and let them pass. The group now being led by Henry with Missio slightly behind him, ascended the escalator. The building was unusually quiet as if it had wiped of all people. They reached a room with the 'minister of foreign affairs' stamped on the door. Henry opened it slowly. He peeked inside, seeing two agents with the same white suit and black glasses standing.
He entered with the rest behind him. The agents looked at them through their glasses which was masking their eyes.
"Black ops?" One of them asked.
"Yes." Henry pulled out his badge.
They stepped aside, letting the black ops do their work. Missio stepped forward, seeing the ministers body crashed down on the floor in front of his desk. He sighed and crouched down.
"Let me check something."
"The soul?" Henry raised a brow.
"Yeah…I want to check if it's the same guy…"
He placed his hand on the minister's chest and closed his eyes. After a few minutes of searching, he sighed and stood up. He locked eyes with Henry and sad in a tired voice.
"It's the same guy. There's no soul…"
Henry asked the agents a question.
"Have you arrested everyone in the building?"
"Except for the other ministers – yes." One of them replied.
"Alright…Hand me a list of their names, will you."
"Please, wait a moment."
The agent exited the room. Henry looked at Krishna, Eira and Mary.
"You three. Go and check the camera footage. Mr. show them the way." He spoke.
The agent nodded and signaled at the mentioned trio to follow. Krishna sneered at reluctantly followed him with the girls. After they left the room, the other agent came in a few seconds after. He handed Henry a digital pad with the information of all arrested individuals.
"Good…good…We'll review this. My fellow officers have gone to check the camera's while you're at it. Cover up the minister's body." He swiped through the panels of information.
The agent nodded as Henry turned towards the zoned out Missio. Snapping his fingers, he jolted his captain awake.
"Yo, it's time to go."
Missio blinked. "Oh…okay."
The two headed off together as more agents swarmed the office, covering and taking away the minister's body in a discrete manner but of course, something was wrong. Missio could feel it but Henry couldn't. Why? Simply, because his mate hadn't experienced the supernatural world like he had. He knew that it was something more – part of something bigger than they couldn't comprehended – not yet…
'What am I missing…?'