At a remote jungle compound somewhere in the world, brutal combat had taken place. Buildings had chunks missing and fires burned while dozens of bodies littered the grounds. At one mostly intact building, a man with a large physique sat beneath the shade of an awning. He wore an Aegis suit splattered with blood which obscured markings, tattoo-like art and various emblems beneath. He had no helmet, instead a black cowboy hat over short brown hair. Several tattoos climbed up his neck from the suit. He had sharply trimmed long sideburns with a gap in-between a mustache from nose to jaw. His eyes were brown, yet with a noticeable, almost overwhelming, red tint. His sharp, weathered features coalesced with several visible cybernetic augments on his face. A wire from his suit connected to a device that then had a miniature satellite dish bathed in unforgiving sunlight. He slammed his fist a few times against a nearby door.

  “Ves! You done yet? You better not be playing around again before giving me it!”

  After a minute passed, a comparatively much smaller person exited the door. They were fully clad in an Aegis as well, albeit utterly caked in blood and more. They spun to the man and held out their blood-soaked hand, which had a device.

  “I swear I wasn’t, Devil,” Ves said. “The other one finally broke and told me it was behind this one’s eye.” They presented a damaged, extracted eyeball with wires attached and partial cybernetics in their other hand.

  “Hmm,” Devil said as he grabbed the device before cleaning it with a cloth. “Looks intact. I know you’re lying, but I’ll let it slide. Good pull, kid.”

  “If that’s all, Uncle, I’ll—.” Ves turned back into the building, only to be stopped by Devil’s outstretched leg.

  “Uh-uh. You can grab your souvenirs before we leave. But need you to fetch the others. Pain in the asses aren’t answering as usual. Probably stripped down doing their typical bullshit. We’ve gotta wrap shit up sooner than later. Huge contract’s come in.”

  Ves drooped as they turned back to Devil. “But they always try to rope me in…or ignore me.”

  Devil swung his leg, launching Ves over some stairs onto the ground. “Quit your bitchin’ and get moving. Fainne and Dex went that way.” Devil pointed in one direction, then pointed to another. “Duim went that way. If they give you shit this time, just tell ‘em Devil said ‘vacation time’.”

  Ves dragged themselves to their feet and slunk off. They muttered angrily while looking around the ruined, blood-soaked area until moans, yelling and screams reached them. They shook their head.

  “Seriously, how’re they always so horny? Makes no sense. Especially after all this. Fainne’s so insatiable. And Dex somehow never turns her down. I really hope I’m around when they both die. If I can take a look inside, it’s surely fascinating…”

  Ves almost tripped over a headless body they hadn’t noticed. They kicked it before approaching the growing sounds from a nearby intact building. A short time later, they stood in a doorway looking into an office. A naked, tattooed man and woman engaged in vigorous carnal love-making on a desk. They repeatedly stopped one another from falling off said desk. Ves knocked on the door while calling out for nearly a minute until a change in position caused Fainne to see them. They slowed a little.

  “Have you finally come to join in the fun, little Ves?” Fainne asked.

  “Devil wants you both back right away,” Ves said.

  Fainne and Dex returned to their prior pace. Ves called out again in vain.

  Surprise, surprise. What was I supposed to say again? Ves thought.

  “Devil said ‘vacation time’!”

  “Oooh, yes!” Faine said. They stopped for a moment as Fainne looked into Dex’s eyes.

  “Finally,” Dex said.

  “You know what to do, Dexy. You can help speed—,” Fainne looked up to see Ves had disappeared. She clicked her tongue. “Someday—.” She shrieked as their love-making greatly intensified.

  Some time later, Ves approached a strange scene. Several men and women were tied up against a building. A pile of bodies in various damaged states lay off to the side. In front of them, a large man faced an even larger woman. She wore only a basic sports bra and panties, even having bare feet. She had a shaved head, rugged features and a great deal of well-defined muscle. All along her body were countless tattoos that appeared to mesh well with her physique. A sizeable ornate tattoo of a thumb reached from her waist to neck, back and front. One side of her shoulders had the letters ‘D U’ while the other had ‘I M’. She also had splatters of blood sporadically spread across her body.

  The man wielded a transarm machete, yet looked terrified, facing off against Duim, who had only her fists. She taunted him with both words and gestures until he finally swung wildly at her in desperation. Despite her size, she deftly dodged. She delivered a thunderous blow to his head after each failed swing of the machete. He became more and more disoriented as blood started to ooze out from his eyes and nose. He made a desperate lunging strike, to which Duim sidestepped, then redirected the man’s hand toward himself, causing the machete to pierce his own chest. Duim punched the hilt, sending the rest of the blade clean through the man. He fell dead, to the muffled anguish of the others watching. Duim slapped her hands together a few times.

  “Three outta ten. Real shitty batch this time.” Duim looked at the other captives. “Who’s next?”

  “Duim!” Ves called. “Devil wants you back at base.”

  Duim turned, then approached Ves with a disgruntled look. “You can see I’m still busy, runt.” She lowered herself to eye-line with Ves. She slapped several spots of blood on her body. “None of this is mine, yet!” She had a furious expression. “This has been shit. Hey. Look there.” She grabbed Ves by the shoulder and pointed them toward the captives. “Fight that small one. Show me somethin’.”

  “No, you brute. I’m not a fighter and never will be,” Ves said. “How many times must we go over this?”

  Duim grabbed Ves by the neck and lifted them off their feet. “Been a shit day. How about I say you have no choice?”

  “Just let them all attack at once if you’re so disappointed, meathead. Also, Devil said ‘vacation time’.”

  Duim dropped Ves, whose legs crumpled, and they fell to the ground. “Vacation, huh? Been a while. Fine. I’ll wrap this up. You’re off the hook. Little fucking smartass piece of shit.” Duim kicked Ves as they were getting up, toppling them over again. She left toward the captives.

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  Ves got to their feet. “Empty threats from an empty head. Devil would kill your dumb schizo ass if you really hurt me,” Ves swore under their breath, then walked away.

  “Alright. Last chance at your freedom,” Duim said to the captives. “One cut between the five of you. That’s all you gotta do.”

  Some time later, Devil sat drinking from a can where he had been prior. Ves stood off to the side, with noticeably wetter blood on their Aegis. Duim, eyes closed, leaned against the building beneath a bit of shade. She, too, had wetter blood splatter. Her Aegis remained in a backpack-form at her feet. Dex approached while princess-carrying Fainne in his arms. They both had Aegis suits equipped on their lean, athletic frames, excluding helmet. Fainne’s had sporadic dried blood, while Dex’s had no visible blood or even filth of any kind in general. His suit too had various emblems and art, with one standout repeated back and front - a hand with horns in place of the index and pinky fingers, along with an obsidian eye and crimson iris in the palm. The words ‘Devil’s Hand’ were emblazoned beneath. Dex and Fainne had similar short haircuts that framed their faces. They also both had greenish-blue eyes and golden blond hair. Dex had a clean-shaven face with a muted expression. Fainne had soft features and a strange, almost joyful visage. Dex continued until sitting at the bottom of the stairs, with Fainne on his lap.

  “Christ, finally,” Duim said, opening her eyes. “Why you always gotta push the boss to the edge of his patience?”

  “Oh, shush,” Fainne said. “Dev knows I’m troublesome without my fix. Remember, you always have an open invitation, my giantess. Why not come and play again?” She had a mischievous smile as she peered at Duim over Dex’s shoulder, while nestling her ear against his.

  “Never again.” Duim appeared to shiver for a moment.

  “Aww.” Fainne turned toward Devil. “Well, Dev, what’s the good news that we had to hurry over for?”

  Devil had been preoccupied all the while, typing via his IRIS. A minute passed. He then glanced around.

  “Transmission complete. This job’s over.” Devil stood and stretched. “We’ve gotta bust our asses over to Lyrsium. Biggest contract of our lives. Bar none.”

  “What’re we talking, boss?” Duim asked.

  “Retirement level. Not that any of you fucking degenerates would ever quit this life.” He grinned.

  “Never, boss. But what the hell could warrant that for city work?”

  Fainne gleefully jumped to her feet. “Who cares? We’ll get to play harder than ever! Vacation’s never been more fitting! How about we all get a penthouse?”

  Several days later, outside of Artemis’ office, Belle stood with outstretched arms in front of its closed doors. Duim, in a tailored suit, towered over Belle. Duim held a transarm knife to Belle’s eye. Belle looked terrified yet defiant at the same time, her legs trembling. Devil, also in a suit along with his cowboy hat, sat leisurely in Belle’s chair with his feet up on the desk. Ves sat in a waiting chair. They still had an Aegis helmet on, even while wearing a similar tailored suit as the others.

  “You really wanna die over this, little girl?” Duim said.

  “I’m not afraid of you! You’re not getting into Ms. Vigard’s office!” Belle declared.

  “Your legs say otherwise.”

  Duim delivered a light kick to Belle’s leg. She collapsed. She scrambled against the door, outstretching her arms again even whilst on the ground. Suddenly, the doors opened, almost causing Belle to fall backwards. Artemis entered the area while several security guards departed after encountering her in the hall.

  “You may enter,” Artemis said while swiftly entering her office, pausing only for a moment at Belle. “That’ll be all, Belle, thank you.” Devil and Duim appeared stunned for a moment.

  A few minutes later, Artemis sat at her desk. She had her usual dauntless composure while sipping at tea. Duim and Ves wandered about the office walls. Devil stood in front of her desk, rubbing his chin as he looked down at her.

  “Hmm. Your reputation proceeds you. You’re also prettier in person. Just my type.” Devil said.

  Devil intensely watched Artemis as she placed her cup down. In the corner of her eye, Ves reached out to an accolade.

  “Please do not touch, they are oriented with purpose,” Artemis said. Ves quickly pulled back.

  Devil grinned. “Name’s Devin Vilnov. Everyone calls me Devil.”

  Devil offered his hand toward Artemis. She gripped his hand, causing faint surprise on his face. Suddenly, she leapt up and forward before plunging a transarm dagger into Devil’s neck.

  “Heh. Caught me off guard for a second,” Devil said. Artemis snapped back to reality, the attack a mere momentary fantasy in her mind. They shook hands firmly. After they released, he spoke as he sat in a very relaxed manner. “Thought for sure you’d slap it away, or ignore it, Ms. Artemis Vigard. Not only that, it was a respectable handshake. You can tell a lot—.”

  “I’d appreciate if you cut to the chase.”

  “Did the big boss already tell you?”

  “No. Still, I can surmise as much with your treatment of my poor assistant.”

  “Ahh. You’ll have to forgive Duim, rather uncivilized that one. Doesn’t understand how to act in such an environment.”

  “I’m aware of who you are. All the same, I would hear your purpose from you.”

  Devil chuckled as he sat up straight. “You’re a dangerous one, ain’tcha? Controlling the flow with such ease, despite the situation. Probably already knew my name. I shouldn’t have expected anything less from Viktor’s right hand. On with it. Devil’s Hand has been contracted to investigate the so-called ‘Aegis Slayer’. I think it’s someone in the company, or a rat, at the very least. So, no disrespect, Ms. Vigard, but everyone’s a suspect, from top to bottom, until they aren’t. Old Vic’s given me complete reign to get it done. Any means necessary. Never seen him so…bothered.” He paused. “Oh, uh, don’t tell him I said that.” Artemis gave a slight nod. “I’ll remember that. Thoughts?”

  “No comment.”

  Devil laughed. “Think I’m falling for you.”

  “Careful, she’s got a kid, boss.” Duim pointed at the picture frame on the wall.

  “That is Alexander,” Artemis said. “We grew up together. He’s passed. I have no children.”

  “Sorry for your loss.”

  “I am sorry for the world’s loss.” Artemis had a resolute glare at Devil’s curious look.

  Some time later, Devil’s Hand exited Artemis’ office after Devil questioned her to his satisfaction. At least, for their first encounter. Belle glared at them as they passed.

  “Sorry ‘bout that bit earlier, little lady.” Devil tipped his hat as they left.

  Once they were out of sight, Belle rushed to the office door and knocked.

  “You may enter,” Artemis said. The doors opened and Belle rushed in, almost colliding with Artemis, who was only a short distance away. Artemis grabbed Belle’s shoulders in time, stopping her.

  “Ms. Artemis?” Belle asked as she frantically glanced around before meeting Artemis’ gaze.

  “Are you okay? I’m sorry for being so cold earlier.”

  “No, no, it’s fine. Who were they? Why were they here?”

  Artemis quickly explained. “Should they ever come again while I’m absent, I’d prefer you allow them in and stay out of harm’s way.” Artemis pulled Belle into a brief embrace, along with a pat on her head, before separating. “Incidentally, your actions proved quite beneficial to me, however.” Belle’s face looked flush. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Belle opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She vigorously shook her head yes. Her cheeks reddened each passing second. Her eyes darted about to avoid meeting Artemis’. Artemis reached toward her.

  “T-tea!” Belle spun around. The doors opened a bit, she rushed out, and they closed.

  “Odd.”

  Artemis returned to her desk. She reached beneath it and pulled out a transarm dagger. She stared at its edge. Her lips curled into a slight grin.

  “Do you know you’re grinning menacingly?” Xandr asked.

  “Can’t be helped,” Artemis thought.

  “So Viktor called in some heavy hitters without even telling you. Should we assume the worst?”

  “On the contrary, I couldn’t be more pleased with this development. I only hope I kept it hidden well enough.”

  “Yeah… you’ve lost me. Shouldn’t you be more worried Viktor’s lost trust in you and hired some shady ass mercenaries to find you?”

  “Viktor’s finally showing some desperation. I’m not worried about his trust. From his perspective, he can only truly know he’s not the one behind the slayer. Regardless, that is minor to me at the moment. Whether it was ‘them’, or Viktor who issued the order, I’m confident in the conclusion from my investigation.”

  “Uhh…”

  “Devil’s Hand. Your killers.”