The Unexpected Visitor

The base was quieter than usual when the stranger arrived, a silence hanging in the air like the calm before a storm. It wasn’t uncommon for people to pass through the gates, but usually, they were expected. This one, though, he was a complete mystery.

The man appeared out of nowhere, striding through the security door like he owned the place, wearing a dark trench coat that seemed too formal for the ragtag group of people that made up the gang. His steps were confident, deliberate, and his eyes--sharp, calculating, flicked over the surroundings with the interest of someone who had done his homework.

Panzer was the first to notice him. He had just finished checking a couple of weapons in the armory, his hands still dusty from the work, when the door creaked open. He looked up, and his eyes narrowed.

“Who the hell are you?” he barked, his usual swagger turning into a protective snarl.

The man didn’t flinch. He simply looked at Panzer, raising an eyebrow as if he’d encountered far worse. “Kazimír,” he said smoothly. “I’m here to speak with Victor.”

Karl, who was leaning against the wall nearby, froze at the mention of Victor’s name. He didn’t know this guy, but then again, he hadn’t been in the gang long enough to know everyone. Panzer’s gaze flicked to him, a silent question hanging in the air, but Karl didn’t have any answers. It wasn’t like Victor had a fan club.

“Victor?” Panzer repeated, his voice a little too loud for comfort. He took a step closer to Kazimír, eyes narrowing with suspicion. “You think you can just stroll in here and ask for Victor like you’ve got some kind of VIP pass? This isn’t a goddamn hotel. Who the hell do you think you are?”

Kazimír didn’t budge. He simply met Panzer’s gaze, unflinching, as though this was a routine interaction. “Kazimír,” he repeated, as if that was all the explanation anyone needed. “I’ve been sent to speak with him. Is he here or not?”

Panzer’s lip curled in irritation. “No. He’s not here. And even if he was, I’m the one you’d have to go through. So unless you’ve got something important, I suggest you take your little ‘Kazimír’ routine somewhere else before I--”

Before Panzer could finish, the door to the next room swung open with a creak, and Axon, who had been resting after her ordeal, stepped out, looking mildly confused at the noise. Her eyes flicked from Panzer to the stranger in the coat.

“What’s going on?” she asked, her tone a mix of exhaustion and curiosity.

Panzer threw her an exasperated look. “This guy thinks he can just waltz in here and demand to talk to Victor like he’s royalty or something. I’m trying to get some answers, but he’s not exactly forthcoming.”

Kazimír didn’t even glance at Axon. His attention remained fixed on Panzer, his calm demeanor unshaken. “I’ll wait for him,” Kazimír said simply, his voice almost bored. “I’ll stay out of the way until Victor arrives. I’m not here to cause trouble.”

Panzer’s face turned red with frustration. “Yeah? Well, that’s great. You want to sit tight while Victor shows up? Fine. But you’re not moving an inch. And if you try anything, anything at all, I’ll put you down faster than you can blink.”

Kazimír gave a slight nod, as though he didn’t take the threat seriously. In fact, he seemed more amused by it than anything. “Understood.”

Panzer stared him down for a moment longer, looking for any sign of a trick or a weapon, but Kazimír remained unnervingly calm. He gave another irritated growl and motioned to the others who were beginning to mill about, waiting for their orders.

“Stay with him,” Panzer barked at Karl. “We’re keeping an eye on this one.”

Spectral, who had appeared in the doorway just behind Axon, looked between Panzer and Kazimír with his usual neutral expression. “What’s going on?”

“Some guy named Kazimír thinks he can just waltz in here and demand to talk to Victor,” Panzer grumbled. “Like we’re supposed to be impressed or something.”

Spectral’s lips twitched in a barely suppressed smile. “Sounds like a fun afternoon.”

Panzer’s glare intensified. “You want to keep an eye on him, then? Because I sure as hell don’t trust this guy.”

Spectral held up his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just saying, I’ll be in the corner. Watching.” His eyes flicked to Karl. “You should probably keep a hand on your weapons, though.”

Karl just nodded, watching Kazimír carefully. It didn’t sit right with him either. There was something about the man that didn’t add up. He didn’t seem like someone who should just walk in and expect to be treated like a VIP, no matter how calm or confident he was.

Axon, however, didn’t look all that bothered. She just stepped past Panzer and leaned against the wall next to Kazimír, crossing her arms. “So,” she said, her voice flat, “you want to talk to Victor. You’re not in any hurry, I take it?”

Kazimír gave her a short look, as if just noticing her for the first time. “No. I’m not in a hurry.”

Panzer scowled at her. “Axon, don’t get too comfortable. This guy--”

“Relax, Panzer,” Axon interrupted, her eyes never leaving Kazimír. “He’s not here to cause trouble. Right?”

Kazimír gave her a slight nod. “No. I’m not here to cause trouble.”

Before Panzer could retort, the sound of the front door opening broke the tension. Everyone turned to see Victor step inside, his expression unreadable, though there was a certain air of authority around him. His eyes immediately scanned the room, settling on Kazimír with an intensity that made Karl’s skin prickle.

“Who’s this?” Victor asked, his voice smooth, but with an undercurrent of something sharper.

Kazimír straightened up, a faint smile curling his lips. “Kazimír,” he said again, as if that was all he needed to say. “We’ve done business before, just not in person. I was the one who made the request for the relick.”

Kazimír continued, his voice still calm but carrying the weight of a request. “I’ve been meaning to speak to you directly. I need your help getting me out of the country. I’m in a tight spot, and I can’t afford to stay here much longer.”

Victor’s expression remained unreadable as he processed Kazimír’s words, but there was a flicker of interest behind his eyes. He stepped closer, folding his arms across his chest.

“You want my help with this... why?” Victor asked, his voice cool. “You’ve made it this far without needing to deal directly with me.”

Kazimír met his gaze without hesitation, his tone now more serious. “Because I want more than just a one-off deal. I want to set up a stronger, longer-term arrangement between us. Future jobs. Bigger jobs. I’ve got connections and information that could be of value to you. But to do that, I need to get out of here. I’ve made enemies, and staying put is no longer an option.”

Victor studied him for a long moment, then glanced at Panzer, who was still standing off to the side, looking like he might explode any second. Victor held up a hand to calm him, before turning back to Kazimír.

“I don’t take deals lightly,” Victor said, his voice measured. “If I help you with this, you’ll owe me. Understand?”

Kazimír didn’t flinch. “I understand. I’m offering you more than just my loyalty. I’m offering you leverage. A partnership that benefits both of us.”

Victor’s gaze sharpened. “And what makes you think I need your partnership?”

Kazimír gave a sly smile. “Because I’m the one who can make sure you stay ahead. The gang's competition, your enemies, they’ll be no match for what I can bring to the table. But I need your help to get out of this country first. After that, we can talk business.”

Victor took a long breath, considering. Finally, he nodded. “I’ll think about it. But I don’t make deals unless I know they’re going to work for me.”

Kazimír didn’t seem phased. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

With that, the two men stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the unspoken agreement hanging in the air.