In front of a crowded fast food restaurant, Damien lounged over a metallic bench facing the congested street. Munching his crisped burger, he glanced towards his collaborative partner, who seemed unbothered to conceal their glare.
Considering the current operation, Damien opted for the usual black suits of the SIGIL, though with the dark fedora hugging the black strands of his hair as an exception. 'A decade later, and the world has gotten hotter.'
Morning wasn't what he had previously expected. After discovering what had occurred after Heaven's Fall, he anticipated humanity to be in a bleak state. But it appears that no matter the catastrophe or tragedy.
The indomitable will of humankind remains unbroken.
Exchanges between people echoed through his ears, their voices a noise of life that reminded him humanity lived on. The strange normality amidst an altering reality brought him a tinge of peace. A much-needed one.
Taking a deep breath, a nonchalant smile tugged his lips as he relaxed his body and enjoyed the tune of a bustling city. However, his uncaring manner seemed to bother the collaborative partner beside him, standing rigidly.
"I believe I have already introduced myself. Bother to do the same, will you?" His sable-tinted eyes gazed towards the unbending black-suited young man. "I don't mind waiting, but... You appear impatient?"
Ever since his awakening, his muddled mind and troubled heart had been given time to settle. His psyche brimmed with utter calm, a trait he presumed to be related to his identity as an Aberrant or the system.
Without a doubt, his mind was clear of hesitation and unease. A state of mind he correlated to his unprecedented boost of confidence. 'Beforehand, I would have prevented myself from talking as much as possible.'
'It looks like my body is onboard, which means that the rest of the decision lies with me. Can I open myself up and finally socialize with others?' In a peaceful world, he wouldn't have yielded.
But conversations were what separated allies from enemies, diplomacy from conflicts, survival from death. It was a required skill if he intended to last long. Being stubborn was foolish.
In any case, his words echoed in their ears, which calmed the mind of his collaborative partner. Straightening their body, his supposed partner finally introduced themselves. "I am Jason of Block 6."
"Nice to meet you, Jason." Damien yawned as he stood up from the metallic bench after finishing what remained of his burger. "Perhaps, it's time to start the mission. I will be relying on you."
He wasn't proficient in the intricate ways of the SIGIL. He lacked acumen in investigations or the capabilities of a civil servant. In short, he was confident of his ability to deal with problems.
Point him in the direction, and he'll handle it.
'Now that I think about it... This mindset reminds me of Miss Alastair.' A thought flashed in his mind, which widened his smile. It wasn't a bad comparison. In this world, his boss might be the final yardstick of humanity.
Jason raised his eyebrows, but didn't utter more words. It was understandable, as the one before him was no less different than an Aberrant.
Those disastrous abominations were the second reason for humanity's near extinction. Unlike the cryptids, the Aberrants were much more prevalent as they materialized near the black towers.
For this reason, public sentiment against the Aberrants was far worse than the cryptids. Although the difference was the same as comparing apples and oranges. Regardless of sentiments, the two were dangerous.
The two of them walked through the crowded sidewalk, heading towards the location where the human trafficking was taking place. It was the slums commonly known as Williamsburg, a part of Brooklyn facing towards the ruins of Manhattan.
According to the Federal Web, following the descent of the Black Tower, which devastated the Bronx. Refugees flooded Brooklyn, prompting shelters to be established. These complexes have lingered since then.
Those who couldn't adapt to the changing times were left behind by society, forever rotting in the nooks and crannies of rebuilt cities.
As the two of them traversed through the streets of Brooklyn, it didn't take long for the two black-suited men to reach the slums. Damien gazed forward with a scrutinizing gaze, sighing in his heart.
The suburban neighborhood was replaced with concrete complexes. It made one wonder how people could live inside suffocating structures. Though they didn't have a choice, to begin with.
It was either living somewhere or nowhere.
Burning drums and pieces of trash littered the streets as the ones inhabiting the desolate concrete complexes prepared for winter. In their state, it wasn't starvation or sickness that would kill them.
But the cold.
The arrival of Damien and Jason attracted some attention from the locals. However, after perceiving their attire, everyone promptly gazed away in dread. No one wanted to bother the Jaegers.
"How welcoming..."
---
As they paced through the slums, Jason took a quick glance at the young man in front of him. The officers of Block 6 have already briefed him about his partner's identity, and one feeling eluded his heart. It was Disgust.
Never did he think the SIGIL would dare to utilize an Aberrant as one of its Jaegers. It was nonsense, but after learning more about his collaborative partner. He realized that the circumstances were complicated.
'An intelligent Aberrant, how wasn't he swiftly executed?' Intelligence in their greatest adversaries was a troublesome ordeal. Better to nip the bud before it grows and becomes a disaster for all.
However, it was easier said than done. The Aberrant has the protection of Miss Alastair and was the third member of Block 7. If it were any other Block, SIGIL wouldn't have any problem. But it was the strongest they were standing against.
'Miss Alastair is the strongest human in the world. Her authority is more than the higher-ups could clash against. If it wasn't for her disinterest in politics, there would be no higher-ups to speak of within SIGIL.'
Jason wasn't foolish and understood the convoluted politics of SIGIL. Even though he didn't completely agree with the rigid rules, he was aligned with the thought process. Humanity needs order.
It requires democratic laws, and even the strongest humans should follow such societal rules. A somewhat naive view of life, but it was the perception of those in Block 6.
Perhaps it was why Block 6 was situated near the headquarters of SIGIL. Their loyalty towards the organization and the federal government was unbreakable. They could be considered the palace guards.
'Calm yourself down, Jason. Your orders are to observe the Aberrant.' He took a deep breath while gazing upon a beacon of aether walking in front of him. Truly, the world had gone mad.
Interrupting the rigid young man's thoughts, Damien stopped moving and surveyed the abandoned warehouse in front of them. His sable-tinted eyes observed the deserted structure with a scrutinizing gaze and remarked.
"Would you look at that..."
In front of the two black-suited young men was a forsaken warehouse that loomed over them. According to the mission briefing, this was the designated location where human trafficking generally took place.
An eerie silence filled the deserted streets that surrounded the derelict warehouse. The cold breeze whistled as dark clouds smothered the blue skies. Their surroundings dimmed, though the two moved forward and entered the forgotten structure of concrete.