Chapter 11: The Bullion Heist 1
Been a month or so since I started with the Solomons. I have adjusted to this world and my new livelihood. Came to understand that this world is as chaotic as I remembered it truly. I brought up my status again:
[Health: 100]
[Armor: 100]
[Wanted Level: 0]
[Reputation: Trusted Associate]
[Status: Stable]
It has been that way now. And it's like an invisible hand that helps me figure out what my reputation is among the fine folks who are bad enough. The thing is that even though I have the means. My soul was in shambles. I find myself degrading to the old self of mine that did not have anything other than his job and family.
Some may say that second chances are God's gifts. I don't know why mine had these strange pop-ups that allowed me to visualize and detect such things. Nonetheless I would be ungrateful if I complain despite what I have right now.
Pacifica City has a lot of changes. Because of the non-involvement of the Solomon Family and its associates to the robbery that happened in High-Garden. They weren't involved in the massive raid sponsored by those who had been robbed in that auction. The long arm of the law brought forth a righteous hammering.
My associates were safe and from the looks of it they are being absorbed as a branch of the Solomons -- at least what's what Timotei told me was happening. Boss Shawn who took good care of me asked me if he could put a good word for him and his associates. I did. Told me Mr. Strauss about it and said that the Sullivan, like I said, would be included as an associate group protected by the Solomons. Though from the looks of it, they are going to stop moving drugs and other forms of substances because they need them more in their trade with the diamonds that the Solomons acquired.
I drive and fly for the Solomons. Because of my senses I am able to eavesdrop and understand that there are many things happening in the background. I always wondered why the girls were so protected by Mr. Alfie and Strauss. Then I realized that they act as a mouth for them as well. Which means that they deliver messages and dealings for the Solomons. The escorts who are usually working in the hotel/casino deliver parcels as well and some who do the extreme use methods that are quite… subtle. Ms. Philippa told me about it and in a way it was genius… using a phallic object with flash-drives inside it and placing them in their private area.
It is quite an effective method and so far according to the girls that I talked with. They haven't been caught and no one suspects it. Those who tried to reach out are usually sued by the Solomons and not only they get money from accusing that their employees were unlawfully searched and sexually harassed. They can also get to convey their messages to their clients.
It had nothing to do with me. I get paid well. I sleep well. And so far thoughts that I should become the richest and most ambitious man in the city have not come inside my head. I lack the resources and the drive despite my abilities. I could probably at least become something but that would be abandoning my carefulness.
Not to mention that I ain't a psychopath who could easily get rid of his morals. I have no intention of using what I have to kill aimlessly. Good or evil. I simply had no intention of being someone who could pull the trigger on someone living. Timotei is right that I ain't going to kill someone, but I'd beat them near-death and leave them traumatized. I guess that's my hypocrisy.
Pacifica City has started its rainy season. Because of it I always keep my expensive trench coat and trilby hat while driving around the districts of Pacifica. When I'm flying clients to their destinations I would stare at the cloud-covered skyscape of Pacifica while wondering how many are living their lives normally. Whether it was in the sky or on the road, I got used to daily life here in Pacifica.
There are times where I find myself in a bar. There are times where I find myself on my couch listlessly watching the smart television that I recently bought. It came to me that despite the changes in my physical ability and my inheritance of certain skills that allows me to earn money through it.
What does a man want more than he could?
I do think that it would be best if I could earn big money. To live without working my hands. But it came to me, without the 'need' to earn money. I would become lost again just like before I was in this world. This work that they gave me… it brought forth companionship and people that I could talk to. Business-minded people who had their own ideas, thoughts, and goals that eludes my understanding.
Can you know a person without spending time with them? Even though I have people that I talked to. I barely understand what motivates them or what makes them who they are. It's not a surprise that people rarely let out their thoughts and they do not bare their soul to others so quickly. And who'd tell their life story to others so easily? So although I talk to these people, I often think that they are just acquaintances who I work closely to.
But a storm is coming to the city. I could somehow tell with my senses telling me. Warning me that although the Solomons have evaded the long arm of the law. We were in the eye of the storm and it wouldn't be long until some of those who loathed the Solomons would try to drag them to the pit that they were pulled under.
***
Brooks was lively as ever. Granville Street at least was still lively with many folk coming in and out. The Solomons' Hotel & Casino was the liveliest with many people from inside and outside the city entering.
I landed the helicopter as usual. Mr. Edward Callahan patted me on the shoulder. He looks at Ms. Eloise with a wide smile as he saunters to her. Ms. Eloise wore such an outfit that showed her body well. It was sparkly and the allure that she showed would make men weak. She wraps her arm around Mr. Callahan and motioned for him to go.
"Thank you for flying me here, Mr. Orlov!"
They bid their farewell. Jon Locke, who was with me, got out of the helicopter while carrying his assault rifle. He slung his rifle on his shoulder. He leans on the copter while trying to light a cig for himself.
"He really likes flying now. He got money and with you around to fly him around. It can't be helped that he'd take the more convenient transport. Even our clients prefer you flying them around."
They indeed liked me flying them. It cost a lot and the luxury of being flown made it much more expensive. Even Mr. Strauss praised me for my flying skills.
"I could teach you how to fly," I said.
Jon replied, "I'm learning. Been watchin and it looks okay."
"I mostly rely on instincts."
"That so? Well, your instincts are good. Your value to this family is rising."
I leaned my palm on the helicopter. "Hope none takes my rise hard."
"Meh, you ain't officially part of the family. You usually don't step on their toes either and you are withdrawn so no one really gives a shit about you, Nik."
"Ouch."
"That's the truth," he said while taking a drag of his cig. "You mind your business and no one has a problem about it. Well, some say you fight in the club back in Eastbrook so no one has the guts to brawl with you. You ain't being an asshole either so there's that as well."
"Good to know then. No one has a beef with me."
"Party must be going hard. Everyone there, all our clients?"
Jon nodded. He told me that most of the folks who are in this party are partners and business associates of the Solomons. Some of them are folks who enjoy the casino and are rather friendly. There are guests who are quite influential while there are interesting folks who handle certain supplies that the Solomons need.
"We have no place there, Nik. Unless you want to get involved in the underworld-side business of the Solomons. I assure you that it ain't pretty."
"So you saw a lot already?"
"I did. Wouldn't recommend it and it ain't for you. Better turn blind to some of the nasty trades that we have. It ain't pretty. Nothing is pretty and this side is the most legal as we can get. The real source of income comes from what we offer outside this city. We deal with jewels most of the time, but there are times where we offer our services to some of the heavy-handed side of this city. If anything, your skillful flying is going to be an asset to the Solomons."
We spent a long time in the landing pad when Mr. Strauss came out. Alongside Mr. Strauss was Mr. Hawthorn and Mr. Mordred who was bringing along this gentleman who had this military look on him.
"Lieutenant Thorne, this here is Mr. Orlov. Our pilot. He'll be taking us to the base. But first, Mr. Orlov. Can you fly a military vehicle?"
My head froze for a moment. Then I answered, "I can. Anything really. Same controls, and I have my studies."
"That so?"
He gave me this 'we'll see about that' look. Since Lt. Thorne wanted to see actions more than talk. He told me that I should fly them near the outskirts of the city. Jon Locke rode with me as I flew them to the base in Afores.
Lt. Thorne seems to have informed me that we were coming so didn't meet any incidents as I landed in the center of the base. It was terrifying being surrounded by heavily armed men and it made me wonder why they need a pilot other than theirs to transport something.
Strauss told me, "Because this is a secret. And sometimes it's best that only those who we can trust are involved in this transport. So, can you handle this, Mr. Orlov?"
I nodded quietly. Didn't say much and went to work. Mr. Strauss seems to like that. And since I was already in this damn base. I went to the pilot seat while being scrutinized by Lt. Thorne about my 'ability' to fly a military vehicle with goods containing god knows what.
Thankfully my ability to fly was enough to handle the aerial vehicle. Lt. Thorne told me the location and with that I flew the cargo helicopter out of the military base and to the designated location that they wanted me to take the damn container.
"Looks like you can fly, son. Smooth… you sure you haven't flown one like this?"
"Guess I'm talented, Sir."
"What did I tell you, Thorne? Boy's a natural driver and pilot."
Mr. Mordred praised me while grinning. It took a few hours before we arrived on this clearing called Mill Close. There was a caravan of heavily armed Humvees with folks that looked like they were mercenaries.
I landed the container while the folks on our side kept watch. It didn't make sense to me and Jon why we were here. But I wasn't asking questions, fearing that whatever gets in my ear would drag me to the pit.
They pulled the container out and dragged it to the center. Lt. Thorne and the others walked to the mercenaries and opened one of the crates. Gleaming as if they've never been sullied by anyone.
Bullions of gold.
We were carrying gold bars.
I just fucking flew a container full of them.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone