INTREPID SWORD

MISSION

LIKE THOSE BEFORE HIM, callan will find that his presence alone does not warrant fernando’s undivided attention. what’s left of his eye remains split between two screens, not quite in the middle, but able to oversee all that he needs to.

“young.”

the clatter of his fingers punctuate his greetings. their constant strokes measure to the beat of his own inner monologue. here, in his empty sanctum, he is the musician. an the concerto of his lengthy response is one the elite four should be no stranger to. for what the single word he says aloud is made up for with paragraphs of praise in the HNN.

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Callan Young

INTREPID SWORD

MISSION

“GO AHEAD.”

there is no fluff or small talk needed. just a singular focus on their primary objective: the discussion and conditions for liberating Elinor Anderson.

“the limitations and conditions will reflect on your plan,” he mentions in passing. after all, putting his personal resources on the line means expecting a payoff. anything short of success is simply a waste.

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Callan Young

INTREPID SWORD

MISSION

“THAT WON’T WORK,” fernando dismisses almost immediately.

“trafficking and transport are handled for what they dub, ‘small matters’. something of this magnitude is immediately escalated to their upper echelon.”

it is here that he stops typing.

“we’ve tried what you’ve suggested when they held slateport. and, to their credit, they’ve learned from it. that approach only works if we manage to hold someone applicable within a twelve hour window of said incident.”

and now, his gaze too sets on his elite four.

“short of snagging someone akin to Cillian Quinn, Alexandra Briarwood, or THEO BECKETT, i doubt most of rocket would have any details. it would be the equivalent of team rocket kidnapping a ranger to extract information about dahlia goode’s avatar abilities.”

his eyes roll to his door before going back to callan.

“but, if you’re able to deduce her location with a fairly certain confidence rate, and proof, i will mobilize on your behalf.”

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Callan Young

INTREPID SWORD

MISSION

“I DIDN’T,” is as plain an answer as he can manage.

fernando’s no stranger to this change in tactic. he’s utilized it many times before. in fact, it used to be one of his favorites.

in recognition, he knows just the way to counter. like any battle, attacks must be made with more than just the sight of landing. an opponent must consider the reaction and retaliation that comes after.

that, in itself, is enough to reaffirm his impression of who callan is.

“i wanted to protect the world against a criminal organization that destroy my home and butchered my family. wherever that took me was of no consequence. as long as i could prevent another unprepared region from suffering the same fate.”

his stare matches him. one against two. resolute against any dispute.

“and since then, it has escalated into so much more. losing hoenn effectively means losing this world. that much became apparent before the ultra beast. as far back as when rocket took over slateport.”

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Callan Young

INTREPID SWORD

MISSION

“ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS, MISTER YOUNG.”

fernando finds offense in his words, even when purposed to be a compliment. for he has heard such a line many times before. repetition makes it dull. boring. but the experience he’s gained create a loft counter.

one that strikes with the guile of a hidden dagger.

“i only appear that way because of your preconceived notions. but i appreciate the kind words, nonetheless.”

his attention buries itself back into his word. as if the exchange had never happened. where callan’s appointment is no more than a space before the next sentence. an empty lull after an affirmative period.

“i’d like that though.”

the sound of clattering keys bear the weight of a thousand slashes. each one is swinging at empty air. training for the next battle.

“just make sure my calendar is open.”

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Callan Young