An Odd Mission

Woh woh woh! This is real bad!

Huh? Who was that?

What the heck?! Hey, is that you Hardy? What's the deal?

Well if it isn't my brother from another mother, Aldo! You're just in time!

You're the one who came outta no-where. But what did you mean about me being in time?

Come on man, ya don't need to worry about that.

No one's better than ya when it comes to helpin' out the little guy? Am I right, Aldo?

What's with you, Hardy? You know I can't just ignore someone who's in trouble.

We're all good then! Listen here...

I'm leavin' the rest to ya!

Huh? What the heck do you mean by that?

Well, well, well! Look who we have here...

Oh great... Today just gets better than better...

Hey buddy, stop your yammerin' and listen... You seen this guy walking around?! Blonde hair, got a scar on his face.

What's that? A blonde guy with a scar?

...... (Oh man... What did he get himself into?)

This guy you mentioned?! Is he in trouble or something?

Nothing! Nothing at all! I've jus' gotta have a talk with him... Then I'm gonna atomize him and dump his remains at the airport!

......

You know... I think I saw the guy you're talking about.

Eh? You don't say?

Ahhh!

He ran off that way. You might catch up if you hurry.

Is that right?! We appreciate the help! Now we've got ya, ya jerk!

Geeze...

Ya did good, Aldo! Ya got me outta a real jam there. I didn't think he'd fall for your terrible actin'.

You... What did you expect putting me in that position?!

So are you gonna tell me why someone's out to "a-to-mize" you? Did you hit on his girl or something?

I'm hurt, Aldo! Why would ya imply that a saint like me would do anythin' wrong?

We we're just at the tavern playin' a hand of cards or two... And thanks to my amazin' luck, I won a few hands in a row.

So he was angry about losing at a game. Sounds to me like you didn't do anything wrong. You should've just talked to him.

I thought about it, but he got as mad as a bull. So what if a few extra cards dropped outta my sleeve when I reached for his wallet?

What?!

You were cheating?! Just like I thought, you got yourself into this mess!

Hold it, I did nothin' wrong. He told me he'd give me everythin' in his wallet if I won.

You better give that guy his money back.

I never said nothin' about that. That guy had it comin'...

I don't know anything about him, but you need to give back the money.

I got it! I'm just gonna borrow it for a little while. For now, I just wanna say thanks for coverin' for me. I've got some work ya might be interested in...

Why do I get the feeling you wanna get us into trouble somehow...?

Ya think this is a scam or somethin'?

Haha! This one's on the up and up. Just a little security work. Ya were a guard before, so this job's right up your alley.

A security job? In that case, I can help you out.

That's the ticket! We're meetin' up with the employer in Theta District.

Got it. Let's head out then.

You finally made it, Hardy. Better late than never...

Good things come to those who wait. Ya can't expect a guy like me to be tied down to a schedule. Either way, I get the job done. That's one thing I guarantee.

I guess that's good enough. As long as the payout is worth it.

Are you the one we're supposed to protect?

Yes. At least that was the plan... I need to change the terms of the contract.

That right? Makes no difference to me.

I had hoped you would be able to act as security for a shipment and myself... But due to unforeseen circumstances, it arrived earlier than expected. I've got other engagements to attend to, so I'd like you to watch over the shipment for me.

No problem on our end. Watchin' over important things is my specialty.

It runs in the family doesn't it? Hardy the Watchdog.

You're a watchdog?

It's a name I picked up along the way. Ya know, ya could do well in our world. Why not try it out?

What does that entail exactly?

Haha, sorry kid. Sometimes people don't get my humor.

Gettin' back to the conversation, where's the shipment right now?

Route 99. Fewer prying eyes out there.

Route 99? Why choose such a dangerous location?

Can't say it's uncommon for my jobs to take me out there.

Is that right? This sounds like a shady deal. Are we sure this is legal?

Can't say for certain...

But could ya keep that on the down low? For me...please?

For you?

That's right. How would ya feel if I was tossed off the airport because of somethin' ya said?

What, !

Just think of this as business. We don't need to get involved in whatever that guy's up to. What's in the shipment? Is this legal? What's his goal? We keep our noses outta their business. We do a job, then we get paid. That's it.

No matter what you say though, I can't agree to doing anything illegal. If that's how it is, then I'll have to stop you.

No why do ya gotta get so serious? Just listen... Could ya keep quiet even if it's illegal?

In that case...

Then ya gotta stop me, right? We don't know nothin' about this deal. If we don't know, then we've got nothin' to worry about. Even if we get pinched, we don't have anythin' to say. We're just victims doin' an honest job. Our employer's just tells us what we need to know. It's just a financial transaction.

......

I don't think not knowing is an excuse for bad behavior.

Well, well, aren't ya just the stubborn boy scout.

Hardy, you've brought a do-gooder into our world. Were you thinking I'd increase your reward by inviting this kid?

Why I hadn't even thought of that! Would ya if I asked?

......

Just kiddin'... I only wanna teach this kid somethin' new.

Hardy! What are you, !

Cool it my man. This all could be totally legal, right? The shipment could be medicine that'll save hundreds of children... Blind orphan children... Terrorists might steal it, right? That could just as easily be true, so it's best to just not know.

Darn it... I got it, but if we find out something isn't right, then I'm gone.

Now you're talkin'! Let's go to Route 99. I'll treat ya to a drink once we're done!

*sigh*

It should be around here.

Hey, Hardy...

What's up?

Are you always doing shady jobs like this?

Hmmm... Mostly. Once you're in, it's hard to get out.

Why's that? With all your skills you could easily find a legit job somewhere. You could do something to help people, like join the EGPD.

......

Hardy?

You're right...

But! I live for my freedom! Puttin' on a uniform and workin' the nine to five just ain't my thing. I made this decision a long time ago and I ain't gonna change now.

You made that decision a long time ago?

Darn right I did. A big brother's always got to have the answers right...

Ya know, you've got enough on your plate, Aldo. There's no need to dig up dirt on my past.

I'm not trying to find anything... Hold up... Did something bad happen to you?

Look around. This is the place, but I don't so nothin' nor no-one around.

And it looks like we've got a problem on our hands.

Hey, you! What are you two up to?!

The EGPD? What's going on here?

We got a report from a person of interest that an illegal shipment was coming here.

According to the report... The suspect's a middle-aged man with blonde hair, a scar, and carrying a gun!

Now hang on there! There aren't any middle-aged guys around here, right?! More like...aged to perfection.

Is that what you're worried about?! So it really was an illegal deal!

Not so. It's kinda a gray zone. But it looks like our good friend set us up. We draw the attention of the EGPD and meanwhile the real deal happens elsewhere.

Really?!

It happens more than ya think.

What do we do?! Let's start by explaining everything to the EGPD...

Wait! If we do that we'll get hauled off by the EGPD. That means the contract is void.

Then what do you suggest?

Since I was young, there was only one thing to do in this situation...

Run away!

What, !

What are you rattling on about?! Come quietly!

I'd love to stick around, but unfortunately I've got business elsewhere!

Come on, Gray!

What's that?!

He's my loyal partner, Gray! Time to work! Show these guys how ya dance!

Urgh!

Uuurrgh...! What's with this robot?!

Darn it! He's got a robot! We need to stop it to arrest him...

It's no use! He's hacked our weapons systems and engaged our locks!

The heck?!

Good boy! Ya always know what to do, Gray. I think it's now my turn to finish this up.

Just what do you think you're doing?!

Are you going to shoot them?! That's crossing a line that you can't return from!

You're so naive, Aldo. Survival's all about takin' action, not debatin' ethics.

Stop it, Hardy!

Close your eyes, Aldo.

Huh?

Woah?!

Wh-What was that?!

Haha! Did ya get a glimpse of my light bullet? See ya around, EGPDummies and bounty hunter bum! I've got business to take care of!

W-Wait!

Rgh... My eyes...

Are you okay?!

Darn it... Are you a bounty hunter? Then go get that jerk!

Bounty hunter?

Until our eyes are back to normal, you're the only one who can pursue him! All of us were looking at the light.

(I don't understand what's going on, but I've gotta find Hardy.) L-Leave this to me. I'll go find him! Just wait for me here!

Hardy!

Yo! Ya caught up to me!

Don't you "yo" me! I don't catch up to you, I was just lucky to stumble into you.

What's with the raised brow? Ya should be grateful. Ya could've been thrown in the slammer if I hadn't done that.

What, !

Thanks to my quick thinkin', now you're the good citizen bounty hunter who's gonna bring me in.

That's what your plan was? So that whole bounty hunter talk was just a cover for me?

Of course. See how nice I am?

But is it okay to mess with the EGPD like that?

No problem at all! Those dummies don't got what it takes to catch me.

That's not what I meant...

Yeah, yeah, we'll take care of that later. Well, we played the part as decoy for our employer. Now, it's time we got our reward.

But we don't know where the actual deal is going to happen.

That's where my good ol' pal comes in. Gray, I need ya to check all the security cameras in the area.

......

Perfect! I'll give ya a nice pat on the back later.

What did you do just now?

We just did a tiny bit of hackin'. Gray's a doggy-master when it comes to electronic warfare.

So it was Gray that locked those EGPD officers out of their weapon systems.

......

Haha! You're darn right it was. He likes the praise.

Let's see where our friend went off to... I see... He's in the Industrial Ruins.

The Industrial Ruins? Why there?

I'm gonna keep that under wraps for now. Let's go.

Okay... That should do it.

Oh no, did we miss the party? Our invitations got lost in the mail apparently.

Hardy! Glad to see that the EGPD weren't able to haul you away.

Your sympathy's amusing considering that we were just bait.

Cut it out, Aldo. That's in the past now. All that's left is a discussion about our reward.

Yes, of course. I'll give you a proper reward. Come on out, guys!

Children?

......

What's the deal?

Don't you get it? They're just slum rats. Humans without a citizen ID can fetch a pretty penny. I think they'll settle our contract.

......

What the hell is he saying?! Children can't have a price...

Oh, the boy scout over there doesn't know the value of children, does he? You probably think we should just hand them a warm meal and send them to school for nothing. How childish... These kid's already have value as tools for those who demand them.

You twisted freak! Those are human lives you're talking about!

So the boy scout has a bark. You guys have no idea how they'll be used, do you?

Right... And accordin' to our contract it's none of our business.

Hardy!

Still...

One things concerns me.

......

When it comes to a sicko like ya who treats children like objects to be bought and sold... Even I can't allow that regardless of the reward!

What garbage is this?! We had a deal!

I'd rather spend a lifetime in the slums myself than to get a reward from the likes of ya.

Just let them go and get the hell out of here. Otherwise I'll put a hole right between those smug eyes of yours.

You don't get it, do you?

Oh well, I'll just have to get rid of you. This'd be a great time to try out the new weapon I just bought.

You were able to buy something like this?! That can't be legal!

What I buy has nothing to do with you, isn't that right?

You're right about that. That doesn't concern me... But right now I don't care about all that! As long as I draw breath, I can't forgive ya for what you're doin'! Aldo, let's take care of this garbage, and the robot too!

No problem here!

What, !

Hah... It's Gray. Did ya get a picture?

Good boy! If we get that data to the right people, he'll be run out of town.

No, you can't!

Now release those kids and get out. And don't even think about pullin' somethin' like this ever again. I've got eyes everywhere...

Okay, okay! If you delete the data, then I won't lay a finger on them!

This is why I hate dealin' with trash like ya...

Hardy...

Now that justice's served, I'm feelin' tired. I'm startin' to show my age, am I right?

Excuse me... What're we supposed to do now?

Ah right... Ya can't just go off on your own. Alright then, Gray, call the boss.

...

Gray'll take ya two back home.

Th-Thank you mister!

Sorry 'bout gettin' ya involved in this. Trouble seems to follow me.

No problem. In the end, we helped some kids and stopped a crime in progress. Can't argue with that.

Hah, oh to be so care-free again. Well, use that youthful energy and hang out with me a bit longer.

Sure, but where do you wanna go?

I made ya a promise, didn't I? Let's grab a drink at the bar.

Ya really just want a soft drink?

Yeah, I'm not interested in the other stuff.

To each their own... Ya helped me out a lot back there.

But that reward... He was gonna trade us children for helping him...

Yeah, that's the reality of things... I shouldn't care about what happens... But I couldn't just ignore them.

Hardy...

I was just like them, growin' up in the slums. I lived day to day tryin' to stay alive. I was lucky enough to have a little brother to help me get through it all. But I never saw anythin' like we did today... The buyin' and sellin' of humans.

......

So shouldn't we let the EGPD take care of those kids?

It's not that easy... People without citizen IDs are not recognized as members of the Elzion public. Even the EGPD doesn't acknowledge their existence.

So they're either turned into pawns of the government or lab rats...

Why doesn't anyone speak up?

Because everyone already knows. Poor kids get caught up in the underbelly of this city. I told myself that I'd rescue them all from that world of corruption.

I don't want anyone to suffer the same fate I did.

Right... But you didn't have to take on such shady work.

Yeah, well, one benefit of comin' from the streets is that it's easy to get info on the government and the underworld. Especially when ya work for them...

Who are you talking about?

Hardy...

Oh, forget about it! Just a slip of the tongue! Let's order another round!

Aaaaahaaaaa!

I found you, you little weasel!

Pardon me, sir? I do not believe we have had the pleasure of meetin' before.

Umm, Hardy, it's the guy you...

Give me back my money, you piece of Git! I told ya I'd not forget you cheated me!

What's that? Cheated, ya say?

There's been a misunderstandin'! I just bumped the table with my elbow and some cards fell down!

Are you tryin' to feed me lies, are you? If you're not gonna hand over the money, then I'll just have to take it back!

Then make the old guy here pay for the damages!

Then ya might be penniless by the time that happens...

Somehow, I think you had this one coming.

Huh? Hey, aren't you the guy who told us where he went... Hah, that means you're with him, right?!

Hold it! It's not like that! I was just umm...

What are ya sayin', my best friend? We're partners to the end, Aldo!

Hardy! We're friends, but right now...

Don't try to pull the wool over my eyes! You're both gonna enjoy a dive from the airport!

Haha! About that...

Forgive me!

Hey! Hardy! Get back here!

You're not gettin' away this time!

S-Sorry! Here's the money... Which means I'm paying Hardy's bill, that jerk!

Hardy! When I catch you...!