line of duty and desire

Power is a game of chess; to keep it, you must think several moves ahead

They arrived at the sacred surroundings of the temple, a place bustling with life and spirituality. As they approached, the air was thick with the scent of incense, mingling with the sounds of prayers being whispered fervently by the faithful.

Outside, a crowd had gathered, some kneeling in devotion while others moved about, lost in their own thoughts. The temple, a magnificent structure, stood tall, welcoming all who sought solace within its walls.

"Templo de Dios y Hombre" is written in bold at the entrance, meaning "Temple of God and Man", most of my childhood memories start right here. This temple is an old church that Nicolai turned into a temple. Our religion is different from others; just by believing in God's existence, you will be welcomed. The temple is a place for you to pray to God in your own way, with no interception from anyone, Nicolai is not only the founder of this religion but also the chief priest who nurtured it, this religion is accepted by many hence the great number of people coming in to worship.

Upon entering, Gift and Hugo followed the customary ritual of removing their shoes at the entrance and wrapping her white veil around her head, as for Hugo he was in white shirt and baggy trousers, the standard color for stepping in the temple, a sign of respect for the sacred space they were about to enter.

They walked towards the altar, where a large bell hung invitingly. With a gentle pull, Gift rang the bell, the sound echoing through the temple, momentarily silencing the chatter of their minds. They paused, closing their eyes to drown out the noise of their thoughts and hearts, seeking forgiveness in the stillness of the moment.

This was a standard procedure in the temple, an act of humility before they engaged in their serious business.

After this moment of reflection, they turned to meet Nicolai, who was already seated on the floor, in his orange Cassock as usual, posture straight and composed. His legs were folded neatly beneath him, and his inked hands rested comfortably in his lap. With his eyes closed, leaving a black expression on his almost inked fulled face.

He was deep in prayer, and both Gift and Hugo knew better than to disturb him during this sacred time.

Finally, Nicolai opened his eyes and spoke,

"Ya es hora de que alinees tu sexo, Hugo."

It's time for you to align your s*x, Hugo

His words hung in the air, a mix of humor and seriousness.

Nicolai had a peculiar aversion to speaking English claiming its another mans language; hes truly possessive so he preferred to communicate in Spanish.

Gift glanced at Hugo, sensing the confusion that clouded his expression. Nicolai was known for his sharp wit and layered meanings, often speaking in riddles.

"Te tomaste tu dulce tiempo como mujer también podrías tener una vagina como una, ¿sí?"

You took your sweet time like a woman you might as well have a vagina like one, yeah?

Nicolai continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. It struck Gift then—Nicolai was chiding them for their lateness, and the realization dawned that they had kept him waiting.

In the ensuing silence, she and Hugo exchanged worried glances, understanding that with Nicolai, choosing one's words carefully was crucial. He was quick to take offense, even at the slightest hint of insincerity, such as an apology that felt forced.

Nicolai then moved gracefully full of height and aura through a door that led to his private quarters within the temple.

He rarely left this sacred space, conducting his operations and issuing orders from here, a hub of activity cloaked in tranquility. Moments later, he emerged, throwing a green file towards Hugo. The file bore the HC seal ie Hernandez cartel, specifically from the intelligence unit.

As they flipped through the contents, they discovered it was a manifest detailing shipments of "dead bodies" arriving soon.

They looked through the document, and it turned out to be a list detailing the shipment of what they call "dead bodies or human remains". This is the method they typically use to receive their drugs and other contrabands, which usually are packaged nicely in coffins. But what they're seeing now is twice the amount they usually get from Nicolai's distribution network overseas.

"This amount is enormous; we already have stock, and I doubt the wares can hold all of it" Gift expressed her concern, know they'll have to double their time and manpower.

"Nadie está intentando entrar en mi tarro de galletas" he added, indicating that someone was intruding on their territory.

Hugo continued to examine the rest of the file, and his expression shifted to one of alarm.

" Maldita sea, esto no es nuestro; it's from a Russian company called Pears Logistics. They are signing up for a bloodbath, lo juro por dios"

D*mn, this is not ours; i swear to God

he said, barely containing his anger as he clenched his jaw, determination evident.

"lo que significa que quieres entretener a la competencia?"

meaning you want to entertain the competition?

Nicolai questioned while taking deep breaths and pacing around his talisman with both hands behind his back clenched to fists.

"han llegado demasiado lejos; sólo porque nunca he tenido competencia"

I have come too far; only because i've never entertain competition he asserted.

"Give us an order jefe" Gift said, equally determined. He was right; until now, they had managed to stay afloat because they had avoided any confrontations with competitors or anyone who pose a threat, including the feds, they were always one step ahead.

"matemos una serpiente desde su cabeza; el barco, las drogas o whatever is onboard.... quemar todo"

let's kill a snake from its head; the boat, the drugs or Whatever is onboard.... burn everything

Nicolai said with a bitter laugh.

"It's done," Gift replied almost too confidently, this is something they've tackled before even if not, she was ready for that validation.

"Azzaria, ve a prepararte. reunirse con Brian y Tochi; Brian ya tiene los suministros que necesitarás"

Azzaria, go get ready. meet up with Brian and Tochi; brian already has the supplies you'll need

Nicolai instructed, looking directly at her.

He later on turned to Hugo

"Y tú, dress nicely and go put a wire on Madame Juliet; she's in New York. Tenemos gente ansiosa por saber por qué"

And you, dress nicely and go put a tail on Madame Juliet; she's in New York. We have people eager to know why.

he added, clearly cutting Hugo out of the mission, yes he was really angry.

he walk softly towards azzaria and sofly stroke her face then finally gave her a kiss on her forehead.

"Empezar a trabajar"

Get to work.

Nicolai ordered.

"Si jefe" both Gift and Hugo responded with confidence. Exited the temple and head towards the car.

"so you made me late, have my masculinity questioned, i get cut off and you get a kiss? " Hugo said, feeling a bit let down.

" Your hormones must have kicked in already.. al this whining and sh*t" Gift said, trying to mess with his head even more As they hopped in the car.

" keep messing with me, you might have to trek to Brians, we'll see if Nicolai will give you a kiss or a bullet" Hugo clapped back whilst starting the engine up.

"Just be careful, okay? do this well who knows you might get a kiss too" Gift said with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood.

" you know a pig flying is more likely than that happening" Hugo shot back with a smirk.

With that, they drove off, the atmosphere a little lighter despite the seriousness of their situation.