Hollywood Zenith

" I really can't believe it. If what you are telling us is true than we have a bigger problem on our hands if there was such a person hiding in our ranks." Ahmed began calculating and no matter how he thought about it, it was looking dire.

The reason was simple, if they did chase away Steve or better exchange few fires the supposed spy would take that as the Black Swans staying on the sidelines. Now that they had seen them interact on friendlier terms it would be harder for them to convince them otherwise.

He had already seen what Steve was capable of and if the organization he was hunting was able to evade him to such an extent it would spell doom for their little town if they were to take them as a threat.

Steve could see their expression change and that's when he extended a unique opportunity to them.

" I know what you are thinking. I can't promise that everyone in this town will be fine but it would certainly raise your chances if you agree for a secret partnership."

" Partnership? Are you asking us to go under your wing knowing the history of Black Swans?"

" It will be a strategic partnership nothing more nothing less. My boss certainly doesn't like me strong-arming people into submission when they have no choice and I respect his approach even if sometimes he breaks his own rules."

Daris and Ahmed were confused, was his boss actually a good person?

" You can make your judgement when you meet him as I am sure he would like to personally set everything up but as it's holiday season, he is busy with family." Steve made the promise because he knew how Samuel operated. If there was a fight he would never shy away from showing off about it!

" And who is this mysterious boss of yours?" Daris asked because Steve never revealed his affiliations. Ahmed believed it had to be a secret branch of some government but Steve stayed silent for few more seconds.

" I will tell you if you agree to the deal." Daris looked at Ahmed as the latter nodded. After getting the confirmation, Steve divulged his boss's identity but for people like Daris and Ahmed, they didn't know whole lot about world powers. Steve didn't feel offended by it and simply went ahead with terms of their partnership.

First, Steve outright asked them to switch to modern technology for sake of proper communication between them. He feared HAM radio was too risky as the signals could be triangulated to give pinpoint location to their enemy.

Samuel had given him enough freedom to relocate some of the foundations resources and he was thinking about starting a new branch in Bosnia right beside Syiara's camp. They would have better resources and it would also elevate Drac's image in front of his potential match.

Steve was not doing for his friend but he was sick of him just marching outside during their mission to pick up girls. It was definitely not because he was jealous, it was all for the mission!

Next he agreed to provide them with latest solar panel technology, with hot climate throughout the year they could generate enough electricity to be self sufficient and it would also change how they were living in this remote location.

He also asked about fixing some of the damaged building but Daris asked him not to do it. He was already worried what their rival faction would think if they saw new shiny toys in his backyard. Steve agreed but he did talk them into accepting few sleeper vehicles that would come in handy during any surprise invasion.

Next was monetary issue, it would cost a lot and Daris didn't want to accept everything without paying anything in return. Steve didn't want to ask him much but with the likelihood of finding more bases in the region, he tasked Black Swans to gather as much intel about anything out of ordinary in the Balkan states.

They were not currently operating in other regions only going out to do missions for either the government or to accompany trusted contractor. It was perfect job because veterans that lived in this land knew the topology of the peninsula from top to bottom since they moved a lot during the war.

But Steve was asking them to infiltrate other regions for prolonged periods of time that included rival factions. It's not like they feared to lose their lives but the risk factor was too immense of Daris and Ahmed to agree.

" It's not urgent because we still have a fresh lead that would take months of manpower. As I told you before they are sneaky but since they decided to show themselves, there is bound to be some traces that we can exploit." 𝙛𝙧𝒆𝒆𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝙤𝙫𝒆𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝓶

" Alright, I will have my men ask around."

" Not right now, let them keep guessing. The man probably went into hiding for couple of weeks if not already left the region which is why we have to act like we don't suspect anything. For now, you should focus on building you strength. I will select a discreet location to drop off the shipments."

" Fine."

" There is also a issue with rat amongst your rank but I believe you can sort it out as you see fit. As I said, it's a partnership not a takeover."

They took few more hours to finalize everything. Steve decided to send some of his men to set up everything and stay in the region to provide support if needed. They would rotate every fortnight which would provided some rest time for his subordinates.

It was finally time for Steve to go home with his team. It had been a grueling few days for everyone especially James and his team which was why Steve's next course of action was to deploy them in different region to hunt other leads.

But before departing, Steve met up with Hamza again and handed him something.

" This-"

" It's a present. If you friends asked you about it tell them that I will send more of these in coming weeks. In that way you can contact me whenever you like." He was handing him the ipad obviously he scrubbed it of any sensitive information last night.

He had seen how much the kids liked it and thought it was better off in their hands as Steve could simply replace it when he went home.

"Thank you!" Hamza was so elated that he hugged Steve out of the blue. It suddenly got awkward because Steve didn't receive such admiration on his usual mission but he simply patted the youngster on the back a few times.

Unlike Steve who was thinking what to say next, Hamza immediately rushed off to show his new shiny toy to his friends.

" It's unusual that he likes you." Daris who was watching the scene commented.

" Well, I always been a likable person." Steve shrugged but when their eyes met Daris started laughing knowing he was full of shit!

They spend the afternoon to have a quick lunch. It was fascinating trying traditional dishes that they never had before but right after that, few of the men challenged Steve and his team to a drinking contest.

By the late afternoon, the men were already drunk. Cho who refused to participate had to carrying everyone back to the helicopter. He said goodbye in his leader's behalf as they took off heading straight to their base to catch the flight back home.