Chapter 133: Flying Competition
"Now, move out!" Hobbs commanded, and his contractors methodically began unloading their equipment from the aircraft.
"Agent Hobbs, I'm the Rio police chief," the local chief greeted enthusiastically. "I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your agents. Is it really necessary to deploy this much firepower for just two fugitives?"
He was startled by the sound of heavy tactical vehicles being offloaded behind them.
"Let me tell you what these two are capable of," Hobbs said, showing no intention of slowing his pace. "One is a former undercover FBI agent who spent five years in deep cover and knows all our operational procedures."
"The other is a career criminal who's broken out of federal prison twice and has spent most of his adult life evading law enforcement."
The police chief jogged alongside, slightly out of breath. "Well, if there's anything I can do to assist..."
"Just two things. First, I need a liaison officer."
"No problem, we have plenty of qualified..."
Hobbs casually pulled a file from his folder and handed it over. "Elena Neves, patrol officer. I want her. Make it happen."
"Why her specifically? We have plenty of experienced, well-trained officers."
"I like her résumé," Hobbs offered a diplomatic, if somewhat evasive, answer.
In reality, he had already reviewed all the intelligence on the flight over and concluded that Reyes' organization must have deep connections within the police department. He was certain that at least half, if not more, of the department was on Reyes' payroll.
That's why he adopted such a cold attitude toward the local police chief.
The only person who might actually be on his side was the officer he'd just requested. Her husband had been murdered by Reyes' crew the previous month, making her and the crime boss sworn enemies.
Regardless of her tactical abilities, at least she wouldn't flip on them.
"Understood," the police chief conceded. "And the second thing?"
Hobbs, already at his vehicle, turned back coldly. "Stay the hell out of my way."
Hobbs didn't hesitate to be blunt, knowing diplomacy wouldn't help here, but he couldn't resist getting his point across.
Meanwhile, Dom and his two partners had already stripped the stolen sports car down to its frame.
The next day,
Ron didn't lead everyone to lounge around the office as usual. Instead, he found an open field not far from the office and brought the whole team there.
Including little Carl, dressed in his janitor's uniform, who was bragging to Arthur with a cocky expression. Arthur could tell from Carl's attitude that whatever Carl was talking about was getting on his nerves.
Andy had only walked a short distance across the grass when he was already sweating heavily. "BOSS, if you're planning to take everyone on a nature hike today, I suggest you slow down so an old-timer like me can keep up."
"Don't put yourself in the senior citizen category, Andy—you're only in your fifties," Ron said, nearly knocking Andy over with a friendly slap. "Besides, I told you that you didn't have to come out here."
"So what are we doing here with all this gear? How much farther do we have to walk?" Hank dropped the equipment from his shoulders onto the ground, breathing heavily.
"Right here's perfect," Ron said, surveying the distance. He picked up the scattered metal rings with mounting brackets and began driving them into the ground. "Now, set these rings up according to the pattern on my diagram."
"I'm hiring a new team member today, but I'm doing things a little differently. I sent out emails yesterday inviting a bunch of candidates for tryouts. They'll fly my drones through these rings in numerical order. You guys will be the judges, helping me find the fastest pilot."
Arthur complained while working, "What's the point? Are we just that bored?"
"Nope, I just think it would make operations a lot smoother if my team had someone dedicated to drone operations—helping us with reconnaissance or providing overwatch from a better vantage point."
"Boss, can I compete?" Carl excitedly raised his hand.
"No way, kiddo," Ron ruffled Carl's buzz cut. "You're just a kid, and California labor laws clearly prohibit child employment."
"But he's already working as your janitor," Arthur pointed out.
Carl continued staring at him hopefully. Ron shrugged helplessly. "That's different. Janitorial work is more like mowing a neighbor's lawn—just a way for a kid to earn some spending money. But my drone pilot position is different. This person goes into combat."
"Into combat?" Carl's interest blazed even brighter. "Is it really that exciting?"
Remembering his last mission, it definitely was!
"I want in too! If you don't let me, I'll steal another drone when you're not looking," Carl started scheming. "No! I'll poke holes in the condoms that my sister bought, and then you'll..."
Sensing juicy gossip, everyone stopped working, their faces lighting up with anticipation. Ron quickly covered Carl's mouth. "Okay, as long as Fiona gives her permission, I'll let you compete."
"Yes!" Carl jumped up excitedly.
As expected, after hearing it was work for Ron, Fiona agreed without even asking what the job entailed. Ron had no choice but to go along with it.
Across the park's grassy area, more and more people gathered. Pale-faced nerds with thick glasses began clustering around Ron.
"Boss, are you seriously planning to recruit an operative from these geeks to run missions with us?" Hank looked at the applicants with a dismissive smirk.
"I bet they'd wet themselves before we even reached the battlefield. Unless you want to pack extra diapers on every op, I think little Carl's more reliable, even though I don't like involving kids in this work."
"No, I think they can handle it," Ron disagreed. "Don't judge them by military standards. That way you'll just think none of them are good enough."
"If not military standards, then what standards should we use?"
"Gamer standards, obviously." Ron's mouth curved into a confident smile. "Flying a drone in combat is basically like playing a video game. So as long as they're good at gaming, I think they're perfect for this job."
These candidates were all aces Ron had recruited from flight simulation and combat game forums. He had complete confidence in them.
(End of chapter)
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