- Also get ready for the suppression of Dahaka and the Rooster. The unrest in the Syl... In the Light is felt by me," Anna reminded him.
- Understood.
With a final nod, I teleported to Aki. I strengthened the book of Red Mist, adding power and defence to make me feel better about the girl. I also asked her to supervise the suppression of the Anomalies. I did the same with Gerda. I put more emphasis on her armour, since her attack was fine. As a result, the girl had an armour that covered her entire body. It consisted of a cloak covered with symbols, a helmet in the form of a cube and the armour itself made of black stripes.
Having strengthened the girls and asked them to control everything before my appearance, I teleported to Mauritania with a more or less calm soul (as far as it was possible now).
There the soldiers were already waiting for me. They explained that the Wakandians had recently tried to reconnoitre what was going on, but their attempt had been quickly foiled. I took note of this information and walked quickly to the crowned prisoner.
He was kept unconscious with special drugs that were designed for superhumans. But they didn't rest at this and shackled the young black lord with high-strength handcuffs.
- "Head! We are ready to begin the operation to destroy the Yamaguchi-gumi! - I heard Ren Yamada's thoughts through the bonds binding us. - We are only waiting for your order!"
- "Don't start anything yet. There are problems in New York and Mauritania. We need to fix them first and only then begin your operation. Can you hold off for now?"
- "Yes," the woman replied.
- "Good. Wait for my command and double-check everything you can in the meantime."
- "Understood."
I'd hate to put this off, but Japan's not the place to be right now.
- Get up, sleeping princess," he turned to Tchalla, giving the command to set his 'alarm clock'.
This drug was created to bring people back to consciousness after using sleeping pills and other such things.
- Ha-ha-ha! What? Where am I?" the guy asked, trying to get up.
And he asked in his own language, but we had managed to process it on one of the computers and now it was automatically translating what Tchalla had said. The language of Wakanda itself was known in the world, but since this country was considered small and poor in all resources, it was not particularly interested in it.
- You are my guest, dear prince," he replied, trying to hide his irritation.
- You... I remember! It was you I fought with! You're the demonic spirit who, according to Bastet's prediction, should destroy Wakanda!
Another prophecy! I wish you'd all go up against the wall with those predictions!
- Hmm, gee, what a coincidence. I really have a desire to destroy Wakanda! - I hissed into the face of my "guest". - After your gratuitous attack and killing of my people!
- We only wanted to protect our country and people! - angrily exclaimed the milksop, trying to stand up and throw off the shackles.
- Bullshit! We had no intention of getting in your way! We don't need you!
- Yeah, right! - Tchalla said sarcastically. - You're not surprised by our vibranium technology, just like Bastet said! You wanted to take what was ours and destroy my tribesmen!
- We don't give a shit about your vibranium! We came to Mauritania for a completely different reason! You are too arrogant, Your Highness, if you think that the whole world revolves only around you and this "miracle metal"! - I said, restraining myself from trying to punch him in the face.
- The goddess of my people said that, so your words mean nothing. In any case, our main troops will soon come and crush you.
But something was bothering me. Something familiar... And I decided to give in to it.
- What makes you think your goddess said that?
- What? Of course it was her. Who else could it be? - the prince asked in bewilderment.
- Well, for example, a mutant or a mage who has been shitting on me for some time. By an amazing coincidence, he or she has the ability to get into other people's minds and bend them to his or her will.
- And what, this enemy knows about my hidden country? Knows about vibranium and our goddess? It can't be," Tchalla said stubbornly, shaking his head.
- Even if he can see the future? It's easy to know who to tell and what to say," he said, stepping closer to the prisoner.
- Once again, it all comes down to the fact that it's your words.
- That's fine. I don't care about your faith, little prince," I admitted, seeing Tchalla's teeth clench and jowls flare. - I'm going to talk to your father. Right now, he's trying to contact you through those kimoyos of yours. And yes, you can put the fool to sleep again.
- Yes!
- No! Let me talk to my father!
Leaving the fool in the care of the boys, I went to another room where there were Wakandian devices under investigation. Tchaka was trying to contact us, or rather his son, through one of them. Holding the bead in front of him, I saw a holographic figure of the Wakanda king appear. He looked a lot like his son. Although it would be more correct to say that Tchalla resembled his father. The only cardinal difference was age. The man's hair and beard were already beginning to grey, but he radiated considerable strength even through the hologram. Tough guy.
- To be honest, it's not every day that I get to see two such tall men in a row," I turned to the frowning man. - Oh, where are my manners?! Hello, King Tchaka. You may call me Head.
- Hello," said the king, in a hoarse voice. - I'd like to know what happened to my son and the soldiers.
- Hmm, I'm just now considering what to do with them to avenge the lives of my subordinates.
- You realise that in such a case it would be a declaration of war? - Tchaka asked in a stern voice, trying not to let his emotions show.
- A declaration of war? - I interrogated him. - Isn't your attack a declaration of war?! How interesting, though!
- We were forced to do it...
- I know why you attacked," he interrupted the king abruptly. - Someone had a vision of Bastet predicting the destruction of your beautiful Wakanda. But it was not your goddess, but a man who wanted to destroy me with your hands, or at least to spite me. And naturally, you could think of nothing better to do than to trust some prediction and attack first. We had no intention of contacting you at all and came here for a completely different reason. That's what your son was told.
- I want to talk to him.
- He's in a sweet sleep right now. Let the boy get a good night's sleep. This may well be the last time.
- You said the vision may not have been from Bastet, but from one of your enemies," Tchaka recalled my words, his eyes flashing angrily at my implication. - But why should I believe you and not my goddess?
- Believe it or not. I'm not forcing you. I just want to point out that it was your warriors and your son who attacked my men and killed several of them.
- What do you want? - Tchaka asked bluntly, picking up on the hidden message.
- Blood for blood. Who is responsible for this attack? I would hazard a guess that it was you?
- Yes," the man answered, but I thought he was lying. It wasn't empathy, since Tchaka wasn't here, it was just a hunch.
- And what, are you willing to sacrifice yourself for peace?
- How dare you, demon spirit, demand the death of our king?! - cried out a woman in an ornate headdress who appeared on the hologram. Apparently it's the queen.
- Very simple. I have your prince and a few dozen other soldiers in my hands. Their fate rests in my hands alone.
- You dare threaten the most powerful nation on the planet?! You're either a fool or a madman!
- Neither. It's just that if you attack again, I'll give all the superpowers on Earth samples of your technology. I wonder what they'll do next.
Both the king and queen said nothing, only grimaced at the realisation of the situation. Naturally, even with all my capabilities, I didn't want to go to war with Wakanda. I might be able to win, but at what cost? On both sides. That's not what I wanted. So I didn't consider it at all. But getting them in a lot of trouble in a no brainer would be a more acceptable option. Having Wakanda as your enemy is a thankless task. Still, they had the technology to cause me a lot of trouble. And let's not forget the heart-shaped flower and the watchful eye of several gods at once. And in case the major nations wanted their piece of the pie, there wouldn't be time for me. And they knew it. And no matter how you look at it, unlike the country, which will not move, we can change the place of deployment, and then look for the wind in the field. That also played to our advantage.
Besides, I could afford to be so brazen for two other reasons. Firstly, Tchalla was the only male among Tchaka's children. As we'd learnt with the help of knowledge mining, the king had four wives and seven daughters. The loss of a son would have hurt both the crowned family and the entire state. Secondly, you can't hide the truth in a bag, and sooner or later the general public would have learned about the defeat of the Wakanda colours to some nooneimas. Since they believe (and not unreasonably) that they are superior to other countries in terms of technology, such a thing could cause the same unrest in society. So I've been holding Wakanda by the throat, if I may say so.
- So you want the head of the one who sent the troops? - asked Tchaka.
- No, my lord! We cannot go along with that monster! - exclaimed the woman, turning to the king.
- Enough! - he cut her off with a single word.
- Hmm, how about we meet and talk in person?
- And where would that be?
- At my base. I can give my word that in any development, you will not be touched and will be allowed to leave, - I assured the man.
After a short deliberation he agreed, but on the condition that I would let him see my son and the surviving soldiers. Twenty minutes later, a flattened plane, if you can call it that, flew up to my base and landed on the ground. I went to meet the honourable guest and was in time for him to get out of his flying machine.
- Hello again, Your Majesty.
- Hello to you, too," he replied, not very pleased.
- I suggest that we don't beat around the bush and start negotiations as soon as possible.
- I agree, but first I would like to see my son and my citizens.
- Please follow me.
I went to the room where the Wakandian military men were kept and let them talk to their king. When he was sure they were all right, he relaxed a little, but when he learnt of the number of dead, his barely improved mood plummeted. After the soldier, he took the man to Tchalla. I didn't wake him up, but Tchaka, with the help of his kimoyos, was able to check his son's condition and verify my words.
- Are you ready to negotiate now? - I asked him, sitting in a small room with all the comforts of home.
- Yes. And so, since I'm responsible for the attack, I'm in charge....
- You are? - I interrupted him, sensing a definite emotion. - Or maybe you're protecting someone else? Like your son?
- I am the king, and therefore I am responsible for my subjects! - Tchaka said firmly, with his lips pressed together and his fists clenched.
- Huh? If you say so," I said, without arguing. - But I think I have a way out of this unpleasant situation that will satisfy both sides.
- I'm listening.
- I propose a treaty. One day, perhaps never, I will ask you or another ruler of Wakanda for a favour. And it will be honoured. This favour will not put your country at any risk. For example, I will not ask the Wakandans to engage another power. In exchange, I will not attack or destroy your country as I did in that vision. And, of course, I will give you prisoners.
The man thought for a few minutes. All this time he was actively scanning our technology with several well-disguised devices. I did not interfere with it, as we had time to conduct several experiments and learnt that the capabilities of Wakand technology are not enough to fully understand Singularities. The only information he'll get is that my technology is at a prohibitive level. And I think that will only push Tchaka harder towards the right option.
Then we went on to haggle and clarify some things. And when we'd negotiated a lot of terms, he finally agreed.
- That's great! - I said with joy. - Then let's conclude the Agreement! Who should succeed you as head of state?
- Tchalla," the man said, not very happy. But to his credit, he didn't try to bend me over. He must have realised the futility of this endeavour at once.
- Then he'll be woken up, we'll settle things quickly, and then I'll let your son and the soldiers go.
And so it was settled. Waiting until the prince came to his senses, I repeated the terms of the agreement to him once more and concluded the Contract. I didn't create a parchment, so as not to scare the office. It was more like a deal with Stark.
After that he sent the "dear" guests to the exit from the base and gave them the bodies of the dead. But I kept the weapons and some other technology. The Wakandians grumbled, but Tchaka ordered them to fly home, realising that I would not yield.
- Your Majesty," I called out to the man. Waiting until he turned to me, I continued. - You shouldn't always believe every prediction. Sometimes following them can trigger the results you see.
- I'll keep that in mind.
The Flyer was able to hold all the prisoners. As soon as the last Wakandan stepped inside, it flew vertically upwards and sped eastwards.
Waiting until the machine was out of sight, I went inside the base. The survivors were already gathered there.
- How many of them were able to scan their memories?
- Not counting the prince, ten. We're processing it now.
- Good. What about the bodies of our comrades?
- They've been sent to the main base.
- Good," I said again. - Now that we're done here, I'm going back to New York. Don't let your guard down. The radicals from Wakanda may decide to try you again. Be prepared for that.
- I'm on it!
Nodding goodbye, I teleported back to the US. There was still much to do.
Retreat.
At this moment, in the dimension occupied by Kyle Smith, the suppression of Anomalies was taking place. As he said, Dahaka and the Killer Cock had broken out. Aki and Gerda had taken on the former. Three rabbits and the same number of reindeer went with them, just in case.
The latter, today, could be said to have had their first serious fight after being created. Because of the specificity of their forces, this type of soldiers had long been tested and tried to compensate for the possibility of hitting their own. And now that this danger had been nullified by implants, augmentation and gene therapy, they could show the full power of their brain-destroying attacks.
While Igarashi and Wright took care of Aleph, Vav was left in the care of the base staff. Since the Anomaly was new, no one knew what to expect from it. One had to be prepared for any shenanigans the evil bird might pull.
So when the monster burst out of the holding cell, resembling a man dressed in a creepy cock-mascot costume, doped up on anabolics, with clawed paws instead of wings and big teeth in its beak, almost no one was surprised. Especially the mental health was aided by the Moonstone lotions that drowned out the big guy's aura of terror.
- GRAAAAAAAAAAAA! - Rooster roared, to the entire base.
- Can birds do that? - asked one of the soldiers to his partner, not forgetting to fire his bolter directly at the Anomaly.
- This one, as you can see, can! - she growled, activating a grenade and throwing it at the target.
However, even it didn't do any damage. The creature simply ignored such a "trifle" and prepared to respond to the humans with dignity. At this moment, around Anomaly right in the air appeared large chickens, which squawked exhaustedly.
- Bird clamp with eggs! - Rooster roared and eggs, no smaller than ostrich-sized eggs, flew into the soldiers present, straight from the hens' cloaks.
On contact with the obstacle these shells exploded like grenades, forcing most of the attackers to take cover. But not everyone was lucky. Several men failed to take cover in time and as a result were seriously wounded. Anna Stone's E.G.O. armour didn't help either, which didn't protect everyone in time. As if that wasn't enough, the egg yolk glued the poor people together like superglue. Their mates began trying to free them, but they were having a hard time doing so.
Feeling the density of fire, the Anomaly broke through. Even shots from the E.P.O.S. of the swearing Harris and volleys of energy attacks of deer did not help. The thing was too strong.
The Bride's E.P.O.S. showed itself well, with the help of which it was possible to subdue chickens, forcing them to attack their mates. But on the Anomaly itself such an effect was much weaker.
Oleg, who stood in the way of the slowing Rooster, was able to throw him away with a youthful blow of the Lamp, partially crushing the body of the monster. Rhinoceros was about to crush the insolent bird when the Anomalies came to the aid of the created chickens. Some of them pounced on the man, trying to impale his E.P.O.S. and preventing him from finishing off the Rooster. While Oleg swatted away the insistent creatures, the other half of them began to create eggs again, but already to hatch naked chickens, the size of a fattened turkey and a beak full of sharp teeth. They instantly began attacking any human they could reach, hissing as loudly as snakes.
The deer squad took after them, releasing dozens of brain-generated energy charges. This proved effective against the breeding chickens, often killing them the first time.
The rooster, while some of his opponents were distracted, regenerated and managed to get to one of the humans. He grabbed the soldier's arm with his beak and ripped it off, swallowing it instantly. However, the victim was not confused and with a cry of pain, he put the remaining hand of the power knife right into the throat of the Anomaly.
At this point Anna Stone, who up until that point had been mopping up the brood of hens and chickens, entered the fray with the Rooster. The Anomaly, who was about to crush the wounded man, was unable to do so as he was protected by the woman's E.G.O.. Using the Sword of Justice, she severed both of the monster's legs in one fell swoop and tossed the injured man to the medics. An ampoule of chilopnesis could cure more than that, so he was no longer in any danger.
But the Anomaly was not appeased. The rooster, deftly dodging, was able to grow new paws and hit Anna with all his might, but did not achieve any visible effect. It was immediately attacked by Oleg, unleashing the full power of his E.P.O.S. on the mutant bird. When the monster was nailed to the floor from the force of the blow, Stone channelled all the energy stored in the armour into the blade and brought it down directly on the head of the roaring Rooster. It was the only thing that could put the vicious creature to rest.
- I-I'll be back bald monkeys!..!! - wheezed the dissolving monster.
- Yeah, for sure, - said Oleg, throwing the hammer on his shoulder.
- Fuck, what a stubborn bastard, - said the woman, withdrawing the armour with a sword and wiping his forehead wet with sweat.
- That's right. Every time these Anomalies get crazier and crazier," the man said, looking at the large feather-covered egg that contained the essence of the Rooster and the E.P.O.S.A. set that had appeared.
- "There's more to come," Stone quoted the Chapter. - Okay, enough chillin'. Time to get down to business.
When the Anomaly was suppressed, all of the creatures it had created disintegrated, which was convenient since they had multiplied too much.
- Shit, how am I going to eat chicken now? - complained to her friend one of the female employees present at the suppression. - I have a moral trauma after all that happened!
- Well, then go to our healers. Let them erase everything connected with that crazy bird, that's all, - the woman replied melancholically, sitting down on the floor and closing her eyes in bliss.
- I guess I'll have to...
At that moment, Aki and Gerda and their escort appeared from the pocket dimension. Although they were quite bruised, there was a clear look of contentment on their faces. In the battle with Dahaka, they had managed to win practically without using any helpers. This clearly showed the height of the girls.
- Huh, these Anomalies are something to behold! - The smiling Aki said, stretching her body seductively.
- Indeed, these creatures are quite amusing," Gerda said regally, folding her arms across her chest. - Almost like you. But don't worry, you're a cut above the competition.
- Ha-ha, very funny. In fact, I wouldn't mind taking a swing at the second Anomaly.
- It's already been suppressed," Anna Stone said. - How'd it go?
- We took that Dahaku out with a thud! - replied Aki, pointing with her hand to the Anomaly's essence vault, which was being held by one of the rabbits.
- Excellent. One problem has been dealt with. Now we need to solve a few more,' Stone muttered tiredly.
- What's wrong? - Gerda asked, looking at the woman. - They didn't really explain it to us, just generalities.
- The distortions attacked one of the bases. And they made a great massacre ...
End of retreat.
By the time I finished in Mauritania, the Anomalies were already suppressed. I jumped back to the base and checked it out. The girls were as happy as elephants after defeating Dahaka. Aki described in colours how they had fought and defeated the monster. I congratulated them and decided to rest for a while. I couldn't say that I was seriously tired physically, because of the advantages of super strength, but the mental part was not so easy. Leaving the girls to enjoy the triumph, I went to my small office to sit in peace and quiet.
But soon enough my solitude was interrupted. Aki burst in and instantly orientated herself and plopped down on the couch to my left. Gerda slowly came in next and sat gracefully on my right.
- Tell me! - Aki said with a serious expression on her face.
- Tell me what? - I decided to ask her.
- What happened, tell me what happened! Both Gerda and I felt that you were not yourself today! Even your subordinates felt it!
- And do not even try to avoid it, otherwise we will be upset and cry, - with a slight smile threatened Gerda.
Well, I was literally left with no way out. I had to tell everything in detail. The girls were quiet and listened attentively.
- Yes, it's getting weirder and weirder," Gerda said thoughtfully, tapping her finger on the sofa.
- Mmm-hmm. So you think we're going to lose? - Aki asked, looking straight into my eyes.
- From my experience, she really saw it.
- What makes you think she didn't have some kind of drug trip? Or maybe she'd just been drugged? - the girl asked a new question.
- Something tells me it's not that simple....
- And that empathy of yours! - continued to press Aki. - You're too focused on it! Instead of using it as another sense, you've become too reliant on that ability! As if empathy is the ultimate truth!
- Probably because it is," I said tiredly to the raging girl.
- 'Well, yes, it is! How do people live without this marvellous ability?! Shit, Kai, I don't recognise you! Are you really serious about listening to what she's saying?! Besides, for every clever nut, there's a reverse threaded bolt. Well, she saw something in there. We just have to figure out a way around it!
- How easy it is for you," I said, squinting my left eye. - If only it were that simple.
- You're the one who's making it complicated! It's really very simple. Of course you're going to lose if you sit there as squishy as a lethargic fish. Come to your senses! All right, I'll help you with that!
Without waiting for me to answer, Aki hugged me, squeezing me so tightly that I even began to worry about the integrity of my bones.
- Are you trying to send me to the afterlife? - I mockingly wheezed, hugging her back.
- Yes, you and a crowbar can not nail, don't pretend! - replied the girl, flashing her fangs.
- Well, you have forgotten about me, leaving me alone... - Gerda said sadly, covering her right eye, without saying a word.
- Come here," Aki called to her, beckoning her with her hand.
Gerda joined me on my right, resting her head on my shoulder while her mate was on my left. Heh, I ended up with 'a flower in each hand'. With quite warm and loving flowers. I hugged the girls tighter, relaxed and channelled what I was already feeling in their direction. I even thought Gerda and Aki almost purred with contentment.
I don't know how much time had passed, but I could clearly feel E.G.O., along with my mind, outlook, and determination, gradually recovering. But still that damning doubt remained in my mind, never fully eradicated. Like a speck of dirt on a perfectly clean surface.
But all things must come to an end, and so must this pleasant pastime.
- "Head, the feds are here trying to sniff out what happened," Anna mentally addressed me. - Should we work with them?"
- "You don't have to. I'll set it up right now."
- "Got it."
Eh, we can only dream of peace.
***
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