Chapter 297: 297
Jared is looking at his prepared food and I bet he’s thinking of not eating the whole thing.
“Don’t waste food man, I know it tastes like cardboard but it’s better than nothing. People would kill for that. Just drown it with that choco banana muffin that comes with it.” I reminded him.
“I know bro, it’s just that it’s too dry. Don’t worry I’ll eat it all.” he looks dejected.
“Here, I haven’t poured everything from mine yet. It’s marinara, it could help with the taste. There’s also this jalapeno cheese spread that I haven’t opened yet.” I handed him a couple of packets from my side.
“You sure bro?” Jared asked.
“Aww~ such a kind older cousin.” Tatiana said with an almost mocking tone.
Kaley started to chuckle and Jared stopped his hands midway.
“Hmm? You don’t want it? I’ll pour it all in here and you won’t be able to get anything.” I smirked.
“N-nevermind. I’ll eat it as it is.” Jared started to eat everything though he’s chasing it with water. Nikolas on the other hand is offering some of his portions to Tatiana but she’s politely declining. Tatiana pulled out a couple of candy bars for herself since I think what she ate isn’t enough. Jared finally gave up and took the packets where the sauce is at and he started on scraping whatever is left of it with the dry veggie burger.
“Much better…” he trailed with food in his mouth.
I just shook my head and we continued on eating our meals.
“What do you think the situation back home is?” Kaley asked.
“Well, Oscar will call us if anything happens. He’s not calling us yet so they must be doing the same routine. They have the records from that city hall there so one of the things they might be doing is going to those places where there is a high possibility of good items.” I replied.
“Can I borrow your Sat Phone then? I think I’ll give a call to check on mom and let them know we’re coming back soon.” Kaley said.
“It’s in my pack in the tent if you want to use it. After that, could you all take down our tents and pack up? Tell that to Honassan and Avalos too if they didn’t receive the news.” I asked them.
“Sure, you’ll be heading to meet with the mayor and the president, right?” Kaley asked.
“Yeah, I think we’d be quick since he said we’d only be finalizing some things. I’ll get back here as soon as I can since Iskoh’s new office is just the floor beneath us.” I replied as I stood up.
I walked down the stairs and I reached the place I was supposed to go to. It’s a large room for the director of the hospital and I know that because the nameplate on the desk Iskoh is sitting at has her name. Rod is also here and there’s a cold breeze coming from the windows.
“So, what are the few things we need to talk about?” I started.
“Okay, I’ll be straight to the point. I’d like to tell you to accept only the aircrafts and not the soldiers from this place. I found out that a few soldiers died at your position earlier but that’s not the reason for me deciding on this. If you think about it, this place needs more soldiers than your place. This place, Manila, is right next to the biggest city in this region, Quezon City.” Rod stated.
“We’ve already talked earlier and I agreed to give him at least a few from the work he’s done here. It’s only fair.” Iskoh said.
“It’s not really fair if you’ve seen this kid’s place. The only thing he’s lacking over there are several more soldiers and vehicles like helicopters and such. Besides that, I think he needs more land but basic necessities are not a problem for this kid. It’s like shit never hit the fan inside his compound. Guns are not a problem and the people there listen to him. Security is tight and he has people with essential skills.” Rod explained.
“Damn, now I’m kinda jealous.” Iskoh is surprised.
“You’re praising me too much. I wanted a lot more to happen in my place. Besides, didn’t the two of you have bigger places than me? I know Iskoh had a restart but he already has experience running a much bigger place. I’m not being modest either but I don’t want to think of my place as utopia yet.” I smiled but I shrugged my shoulders.
“But you’re doing a great job. That means something. I have experience but I already failed a few times. It’s like I’m learning the ropes again.” Iskoh said.
“Anyway, that’s my point. This place needs more soldiers compared to your place. Not to mention we lost a few soldiers from the riot in the city hall. What do you think?” Rod looked at me.
“Well, it can’t be helped but I’m gonna take this time to propose something…” I trailed.
“Hmm? Better do it now while we’re talking about things.” Rod replied.
“I want a portion of the fuel you’re getting from the oil rigs in the ocean. Not the ones for normal vehicles but for boats and helicopters. I want as much as you could give me.” I said.
“You know that they’re more expensive now that they’re not accepting money, right? I still have a huge supply of them back home but I can’t just give them away. Well, if you want that for not taking the soldiers, I could give you an equivalent amount. They’re liquid gold and if you want more, I’d need something equally as valuable.” Rod replied while drinking from his bottle.
“I can make bullets. How’s that?” I casually said.
“PUUUFFFFHHHHH!!! What?! You mean- What?!” Rod spat out what he’s drinking.
“Hmm, I think I want part of that too.” Iskoh has a calmer reaction.
“Kid, you serious? Wait, I heard that there could be problems with handmade bullets, right?” Rod tried to confirm.
“Yeah, I could make them. The only way you could have problems with handloads solely lies with the person making them. Newsflash, I’m not like any other person. The bullets we’re using are made by me. I know you have a huge arsenal of weapons in your city but it’s only a matter of time before everyone runs out. Judging from your reaction, you don’t have anyone that could make bullets at your city that you know of. I think we could be trading partners. You have something that I want and I have something that you need. Fuel for bullets. That’s fair, right? Oh yeah, please don’t tell other people besides us.” I looked back at them.
“Wait, can’t you just teach some people to make them?” Iskoh asked, half-joking.
“Yeah, I could.” I answered quickly.
“Isn’t that giving away something you have a monopoly of? I can’t believe you’d agree so easy.” Iskoh was surprised.
“It’s pretty straightforward but don’t blame me if the one they made explode and rip half your face off. Let’s just say that what I’m doing is more than following an instruction from a piece of paper. It needs a bit of a, let’s just say, ‘finesse’ if you will.” I replied.
“Are you serious about that?” Iskoh tried to confirm.
“Yeah, there’s this ‘feeling’ you need to have in making them or else losing a finger would be the least of worries.” I replied.
“No need to explain, I’m good with you being the manufacturer. Well that solves one huge f.u.c.k.i.n.g problem in the future. Alright kid, you got me. What else do you need?” Rod said.
“I want the rest of the Russian soldiers at my camp. I believe their leader’s name is Artem. Tatiana is who you sent me before and now Nikolas, their other member is here on a mission to find the rest of them that has gone missing with three more soldiers at my base.” I answered.
“That’s easy so I’ll give that as a bonus. What else do you need?” Rod immediately answered.
“Aside from fuel, I need materials and the equipment for making them. The casings, primers, gunpowder, and the projectiles are what’s needed to make one but the equipment like the presses, tumblers, and et cetera are much needed too. I have them at my place but it’s not enough to arm the Philippine Army. I could only make bullets for you if you could supply the materials you found and I take a small percentage of that on top of the fuel.” I explained.
“Hmm.” Rod’s in deep thought.
“I’m not in dire need of them yet but is there anything you want to have in particular? I’m still in the process of rebuilding this place but I’d delegate a few people for something that you want that could be accomplished here. Anything comes to mind?” Iskoh asked.