Chapter Text
Brazil.
Greed and rampant corruption were a breeding ground for the kind of services that SCORPIA provided. They already had an established presence in the country from a successful drug trade with several cartels and a human trafficking ring that Alex was less than thrilled about.
For right now there was nothing to be done about it. In a few years, maybe, if the conditions were right to disband it then he would. But as it was, he still had a seemingly endless series of tests between now and then. Technically this wasn’t one, at least not one that had been assigned.
He had been encouraged to watch for opportunities to expand SCORPIA’s business and Alex had found one in a rapidly growing resistance movement based out of São Paulo.
The status quo in Brazil had been maintained largely because people were too busy scraping by to address it. But a recession was hitting the country hard - there was no traditional work to speak of and even cartels struggled when nobody had the money to afford their wares which left a mass of angry, disenfranchised young people desperate for change. It was a powder keg and there was a fringe faction - the Exército da Liberdade do Povo (ELP) - ready to light it.
They had money from several wealthy, interested backers who would love to see a change in Brazil’s government in their favor. Money and means were a deadly combination. With the right resources. But the ELP was drastically under armed and under supplied for the sheer number of people joining. And certainly not enough for the war they wanted to start.
The ELP was still a bit small time for SCORPIA to normally pay much attention, but the situation had all the hallmarks of a brewing civil war and getting in early with a faction of it would be very good business.
Alex was willing to take a chance on it.
Yassen and Dr. Three agreed.
That was how Alex found himself caught up in the whirlwind of negotiating contracts, setting up intelligence networks, and massaging the egos of men a decade older than him who still thought themselves invincible and couldn’t see that their strings were being pulled. He almost pitied them. They had taken to SCORPIA quickly, Alex had given them what they craved most - to be taken seriously. He imagined when they had learned of his age that they identified him as having the same need, after all, at eighteen he was about the average age of their recruits. They certainly treated him more as a comrade than a potential business partner. However, the contract negotiation had dispelled any lingering doubts about his position in the relationship.
While this was his first official negotiation for SCORPIA he had, predictably, been given the best education in it that money could buy. An intensive week of lessons from Sahu - likely worth as much as a month of his Malagosto debt - had preceded his first tele negotiation which the man himself had observed and critiqued. Once the introductions were made and the first details hammered out, things had gone smoothly. It took four more tele negotiations and an endless stream of emails, before Alex had successfully secured his first contract for SCORPIA. Now all they had to do was sign it and clear the way for the shipments.
As he began arranging the operation proper, the conflict had started to heat up - there were clashes in the streets and a few strategic attacks on public buildings fanned the flames of revolution. Competitors had come out of the woodwork to offer their services but the ELP had turned them away. If Alex hadn’t been informed of this by his growing network within the organization, he would have known from the email from Marinescu - it was simple enough and Alex took it for the compliment that it was: “Well Played” .
Yassen had been amused when Alex brought it to his attention for guidance on a reply. Networking with competitors was still decidedly his thing and as much as Yassen knew he wasn’t going anywhere Alex still felt he owed it to the man to keep him informed on communications with outside entities. Yassen was amused by that as well. Glad he could help.
All told, it had taken a month from first contact with the ELP to where he was now - behind the newly reinforced and bulletproofed windows of a large home on the outskirts of the city that would serve as the base of operations. He had brought Sagitta and, on recommendation, had taken Aquila - a civilian friendly team who had several members that had been hired out of similar circumstances in their own countries and, more importantly, had a commander, Duarte, who spoke the language.
His local contact was a familiar but not unwelcome face. Collins, codename Boone, had done well for himself and, much like Samuel three years ago, Alex had dragged him out of that comfortable life into his newest assignment. He would remain the point of contact in the deal after Alex left and would be accompanying him to the contract signing in an hour. Everything was going to plan.
Until it wasn’t.
He felt more than heard his mentor enter the room he had claimed as his office and looked up. He’d been briefed - briefly - that Yassen was coming by on a surprise visit. It didn’t do anything to mask the confusion that Alex felt at that decision.
Yassen shouldn’t be here. It wasn’t that he was unwanted just… unusual. He was supposed to be in Mexico City wrapping up a negotiation with multiple cartels for one of SCORPIA’s bigger jobs.
“Sir?” Alex couldn’t help the question in his voice.
“Negotiations are finished. I was nearby and thought it best to see your operation.” And when did ‘nearby’ become ‘on a neighboring continent’? And with practically no warning.
“I suppose the recent conflict in Rio didn’t help?” Alex fished, trying to be subtle while they had company. He almost wanted to order everyone else out, but stopped himself.
If Yassen wanted the room cleared, then it would be. As it stood now, Marcus and Collins were doing their best to vanish into the woodwork. It was understandable that they would be twitchy around a member of the Board, especially one who had only announced his presence when he made the security request to be transported from the airport.
Yassen took the seat across the desk from Alex, which immediately made him feel wrong footed.
He wasn’t used to being in a position that even suggested that he and Yassen were on even terms. He was sure that Yassen could tell how flustered Alex was, and equally sure that the older man didn’t care at all.
He began to speak, tone even and considering. “Your instincts were correct, civil war is brewing. Even if our client does not win, the war profits alone will make up for the losses our other businesses here will take during the fighting.” The drugs, the trafficking. All profitable and all on the line when a war broke out. Yassen would want to be sure that their investment was worth it. A dangerous pause confirming exactly what Alex expected. “I wish to meet them to better understand the odds of success and what their expectations of SCORPIA are.”
Alex had spelled it out in his reports fairly clearly and the analysts agreed - a roughly sixty percent chance of success due to sheer numbers alone and the fact that the corruption in the police forces and military might cause them to switch over when the tides turned. Should they win, SCORPIA would have a stronger foothold in the country. It wasn’t too odd for Yassen to want a personal look at that. It would also go over rather well with their client. Having one of the heads of SCORPIA come for the signing would show that the organization took the contract seriously.
“I’ll have Marcus get with Commander Hill to arrange for transportation,” Alex said, already raising his hand to gesture at Marcus, but Yassen’s mouth tightened. Alex paused.
“You have a second strike team that is more familiar with the area. They will suffice.”
And that… that made Alex pause. He wished that Yassen had emptied the room, because there were several things that Alex wanted to say to that and none of them were ‘yes, sir’. Some of them were even downright rude.
Yassen going anywhere without Danube was not on the Alex-approved list of things he could do. Yassen, however, did not care about the list and Alex was not in a position to press the issue. At least having them along as a secondary team would make sense, even if Aquila was suited to take the lead.
“Danube is your primary security and already reporting for duty. Sir.”
But even as he said it, Alex felt doubt creeping in. It was true that Danube didn’t know the area and the routes, and it would be too short of notice to fully brief them for the meeting. And Aquila had done well so far.
Alex didn’t anticipate any problems - his intel had been reliable and his scouts were capable of ensuring there would be no disruptions. He wasn’t happy about it but it wasn’t worth the fight he would inevitably lose, particularly when there was obviously something bigger going on.
Still, maybe he could at least convince him to take Sagitta. Yassen seemed to sense where his thoughts were going - an infuriating habit that hadn’t improved with time.
“There is not sufficient secure transportation for the entire security attaché. Danube will remain at the base, Sagitta with you. If there is an attack you will be the target. I will take Aquila.”
There would be no further argument.
“I’ll see to it,” Alex murmured as he stood. He would need to go downstairs, brief the teams, have them double check -
“Sagitta will. What is the status of the operation?” Yassen asked. Business as usual. Alex could deal with that. He nodded to Marcus to start preparations without him and straightened into an ‘at ease’ position, still deferential with his hands clasped behind his back.
“We leave in an hour to sign the contract. There is no intel to support this being a set up, no sighting of other hostiles in the area. The intelligence agencies appear to be keeping an eye on the situation but there’s no movement to suggest that they are going to strike. I don’t anticipate any issues. The first shipment will arrive in three days on the Histria Azure. We have infiltrated the port authority and the local police to ensure there will be no complications.”
“Your local contact?”
Alex didn’t let his eyes flicker towards Collins, still standing by the door and trying to seem impassive.
“Boone, he was in my class at Malagosto and distinguished himself by developing an account with one of the cartels here. He has formed a good working relationship with the ELP. They are convinced he shares their ideals.”
“You will not always have your classmates to draw from.” A cool observation.
Only years of careful control kept any outward signs of annoyance from showing. You would think he did this on every operation. “I’m aware. I imagine there’s not many left and even fewer who would be trustworthy to run an operation. Had Boone not proven himself on his operations in the region, I would not have chosen him.”
Yassen nodded, it was nothing he hadn’t already been made aware of. The recitation was likely for Collins’ benefit - the subtle reminder that Yassen had approved his appointment on merit. “The good Doctor has been pleased with your progress on this operation. He would like to see you continue to identify other potential areas of opportunity. You will need to submit five more by the end of the week.”
And that would be a headache to handle mid-operation if Alex hadn’t anticipated the order already. Sometimes he felt like he was getting used to the demands put on him by his superiors. Alex was usually painfully reminded that was a false impression whenever he started to feel too comfortable. But comfortable was the last thing Alex would admit to feeling right now - why was Yassen here? It was clear he wouldn’t get anything further from the man with company around which meant he would just have to wait for the other shoe to drop.
Satisfied with the orders given, Yassen settled gracefully in the chair Alex had vacated and booted up his laptop, no doubt starting in on one of the million projects that could only be managed by a board member.
As much as Alex would like to catch up, he needed to get Marcus and Hill and everyone else on the same page. Handling security for Alex was one thing but for Yassen as well in such a short time frame? It was a nightmare.
Collins followed without a word. It wasn't until they were downstairs and what he judged as safely out of earshot that he spoke, “Wasn’t expecting that,” he murmured.
Alex considered whether to reveal that he was just as in the dark about the purpose of Yassen’s arrival as Collins was. The meeting itself was probably proof enough, he supposed.
“Me neither.”
“Any reason?” Collins asked. He was smart enough to know that there were probably several reasons, only a few of which would be able to be discussed.
Alex shrugged.
“It’s a potential gold mine depending on how long the war goes on and who wins. The more attention we show them early on, the better they might view us at the end.” Collins nodded and Alex tried to let himself relax into the explanation. Tried. Something about it wasn’t right, though, and he couldn’t let anyone else know that without starting a panic.
Orion had good instincts, but without anything to point at, they would just be seen as anxieties.
Collins seemed about to walk away when he paused, looking at Alex consideringly. “He didn’t seem too pleased to see me.”
Yassen was rarely pleased to see anyone, he wanted to point out but since ‘Mr Gregorovich’ was a board member Alex was required to stay his tongue. Or at least keep the personal comments to a minimum.
“I wouldn’t worry about it. He finds your placement acceptable.” Collins was good at hiding his emotions but Alex could see the moment he considered what would have happened if he had not been judged as ‘acceptable’.
“Always knew you’d go far.” Collins murmured under his breath - an affirmation of why he had gotten close to him at Malagosto or a way of paying him a compliment, Alex couldn’t tell. Maybe both? Either way the man needed reassurance.
“It’s fine, you’ve been in my reports for a month now. He knows your background and why you were chosen for the role.” Alex paused. He wasn’t sure whether he should divulge any more, but a brief insight into what made them tick wasn’t too damning. “He just needed to hear my reasoning in person. It helps him take stock of where I’m at, too.”
The man seemed to consider him. “It’s not easy is it?”
It was vague but Alex knew exactly what he was talking about. And no, no it wasn’t.
“What do you think?”
“At least it pays well, right?” In typical fashion Collins tried to lighten the mood. It was an endearing trait and rare in their line of work.
“Not nearly enough,” Alex shot back. He could appreciate an attempt to be friendly, especially coming from someone who had just been assessed by Yassen.
“Benefits?”
“The dental sucks and I have a group of live-in babysitters.”
Collins turned to where Adams was occasionally glancing in their direction, tone suddenly serious. “They are very protective of you.”
“They’re paid well to be.” Alex acknowledged, carefully steering clear of any appearance of attachment. “And I suppose Mr. Gregorovich has likely provided some… motivation.”
“I bet,” Collins conceded. “Don’t envy them, or you to be honest.”
Alex studied Collins for a minute. He was thriving in Brazil. Even under threat of civil war and at the heart of a Board operation he was mostly at ease and didn’t have the stress lines that Alex saw getting deeper every time he looked in the mirror.
“Don't suppose you do.”
Collins shrugged one shoulder and gave an inscrutable look to Alex, who was suddenly wondering if he’d said too much. Maybe the vaguely ‘off’ sensation he’d had since Yassen arrived was loosening his tongue. Alex refocused on the rest of the room, hoping something would set him more at ease.
Marcus was wrapping up the briefing, walking the other commanders through the local safe houses and back up plans. Alex listened to the list of them with dull interest, having memorized them all weeks before.
Collins spoke up again. “So he wants to go to the signing without his strike team?” His tone was incredulous, and Alex couldn’t blame him. It wasn’t a reasonable choice by one of the Board, but neither was it one that could be argued.
Yassen was a practical man. One who wouldn’t trust his life to many. Alex’s job wasn’t to understand him, it was to follow his orders and justify them down the chain of command.
“He’s read the reports, Aquila has done well, they have local knowledge that Danube doesn’t and they come recommended. We haven’t spotted any potential threats, it should be fine.”
Should. Wasn’t that a comfort? Collins seemed to buy it even if Alex himself only grew more cautious by the minute.
Marcus looked up and Alex gestured him outside, Commanders Hill and Duarte following. He hadn’t intended for them to come but it would save Marcus a few trips back and forth to relay any messages.
“I don’t like it.” Marcus whispered next to him, so lightly that only Alex could hear.
Neither did Alex, but it wasn’t like he could change Yassen’s mind.
They made it out under the portico before Alex stopped and the men fanned out in front of him.
“The situation is not ideal,” he addressed them all and Hill nodded tightly. He obviously shared Alex’s sentiments. “But we have to make it work.”
“Mr. Gregorovich’s security protocols shouldn’t differ from yours,” Marcus offered. Technically it was true but it just didn’t feel that way.
“It will just mean two priority targets on the route.” More dangerous in number but the odds would be the same - the same number of vehicles, the same number of teams, just… with, as Marcus would call him, the only tolerable Board member of SCORPIA there.
“Has there been any additional insight from our scouts along the routes?”
Duarte and Marcus shook their heads simultaneously. A good sign given they both were managing different intel.
“I want internal eyes on those routes searching every inch of it until we’re back.” It went unsaid but given the stakes it needed to be affirmed.
“We’ll handle it,” Hill agreed. Good. A pair of eyes at the base could process the intel faster than any of them in the field would - too busy assessing immediate threats. “Wright and Reyes will be the points of contact for your teams in the field.” Hill’s own chauffeur and his medic neé native speaker made sense for the job.
Marcus seemed to approve. “Need to get everyone mic’d up soon if we’re rolling out.” The all too unwelcome reminder that they were leaving with Yassen within the hour. The overwhelming feeling of wrongness was back, curling in Alex’s gut. But there was no pushing this deadline out until they could regroup.
Hill jerked his head in a nod. “We’ll check the vehicles while you get yourselves in order.”
It was dismissive enough that Marcus bristled at the insult. But Alex brushed it off. In his opinion, Danube leaned a little too hard into the ‘not safe for civilians’ designation specifically to get away with that kind of bullshit.
“And our teams will go over the plans and backup routes again,” Duarte offered, finally breaking his silence.
“Thoroughly. We can not afford any mistakes.” Alex stepped closer towards the commander, watching him stiffen at the proximity. “You are being entrusted with the protection of a Board member. Keep him safe. Do not let him out of your sight. Mr. Gregorovich is highly capable but I would rather he did not use those skills. If he is harmed under your watch you will have to deal with me. Am I clear?”
“Yes, sir.” It was said staring straight ahead. At attention. Duarte’s old military days back rather than the independent commander he needed. Alex cut his eyes to Marcus who nodded. He would handle it.
“Dismissed.”
Orders given, the men walked inside with conversation already sparking up. Alex waited until they were gone then slumped against the wall of the building, just out of sight of the windows, running a hand through his hair in a desperate attempt to calm his nerves. Something was wrong but there was nothing further that he could do. He had prepared as much as he could in the small time frame given. All he could do now was trust his men and his intel. That strategy hadn’t failed him yet. Then he pulled himself upright and made his way back into the house.
Collins must have returned to the study - for want of better things to do or possibly waiting for his own orders, Alex didn’t know and wouldn’t bother to ask. He was trying to seem calm and collected over by the window as he checked his phone for the latest update, but Alex clearly read tension into the line of his back.
Yassen was still working diligently at the desk, fingers flying over the laptop keys in what had to be one of the endless reports sent back and forth between him and Three.
"Sir?" Alex asked.
Yassen's fingers paused, then continued. No verbal response forthcoming, because he'd said all he needed to. Or at least, all that needed to be heard by outside ears. Alex was willing to bet - willing to hope - that it was the latter.
He held up a hand.
"Leave us."
Unsurprisingly Collins didn’t seem all that reluctant to leave. He was still busy coordinating the last parts of the job with the ELP.
This would be his operation to lose, if everything went as planned.
Alex waited until he left before he went back over to the desk, taking a seat on the more familiar side of things.
Yassen stopped typing and closed the laptop.
A moment passed where they each just looked at each other, taking an honest assessment of what time had changed. They rarely saw each other any more, kept too busy in different parts of the world.
And put like that, maybe a neighboring continent was near enough to just drop by. The thought made Alex grin, and that softened something in return in Yassen's expression.
The push-pull gravity that they'd always had. Alex had missed it.
"It's good to see you. I thought Mexico City was going to take another full week."
Yassen let a small huff of air escape his mouth.
"I have full confidence in the team I left behind. The government may have cleaned house, but that left several gaps in employment."
Alex nodded. That had been the gist of what he'd gathered from afar.
A government cracking down on corruption, trying to root out the cartels and diminish their power. And when the cartels needed to reinfiltrate the system, they'd gone to SCORPIA instead of trying to sort the mess out themselves. Corruption, up to the highest levels that could be managed.
It was easy to forget when so much of his training had centered around assassinations that the other wings of their operation were equally lucrative. That was something both Three and Yassen had been beating out of him over the past four years. First Alex had learned how to kill, then he’d had to learn to adapt to other options as well.
That his first impulse was always to eradicate a problem was something he’d had to become more comfortable with, given time. Not a trait he liked, but one that he’d been forced to reckon with. Alex was what Dr Three fondly referred to as a ‘direct personality’.
Alex supposed it was better than ‘pragmatic’.