Entrusting the Future of the Youth...

Current world events had made the military and political atmosphere quite tense in recent times, as each of the four major military factions seemed to have themselves occupied with a singular goal, and for once seemed to have no interest in fighting each other.  At this time, Rogue attention seemed to be focussed heavily on the Don Ventimiglo, an Italian businessman that seemed to be making himself quite a nuisance in the eyes of law enforcement.  Similarly, the Xelot Knights focussed their efforts on cleaning up France, and eliminating harmful elements within its political system.  Both and Mercenaries and the Order of Demai focussed themselves on businesses that seemed to prove quite counter productive to their own personal goals, now targeting the Mysterious Benefactors and Drago Enterprises respectively.

This time of tension, also brought with it a remarkable calm in the military arena, as factions for the first time in a while, found it quite unnecessary to look over their shoulders with suspicion that one of the four would be attacking the other.  This calm however was interrupted by major threats world wide, like the maniac Tener Aldron and his vigilante justice; a criminal known world wide only as Ultima (the centre of the Anomaly quest) and unstable menaces to society like Xavier Stryke.

In most of these events, the Rogue Special Forces took it upon themselves, either as a faction, or under the individual initiatives of its officers to deal with these situations, already having captured and imprisoned the international mercenary team, code named SABER.  With this in mind, it was no surprise that the next target for rehabilitation would find himself sitting at the Rogue Fortress in Barbados as well.  Xavier Stryke would be the law enforcers’ next target, brought in by Roun Itami, and was now being forced to spend the past few weeks doing what he considered to be catching dust in the Rogue prison.

Given Roun’s approach to the matter, he was quickly taken off the case, leaving Tyler Cage to deal with Stryke’s rehabilitation, something which the Rogues focussed strongly on.  Unfortunately, this proved to be quite difficult given the channeler’s demeanour, bringing Tyler to her wits end when dealing with the boy.  The Rogue Field Commander sighed now as she discussed the matter with her leader, Kyasho Mirakama, rather frustrated with Stryke’s lack of cooperation.

“Unlike Jayce, Stryke’s instability isn’t the reason that he’s a threat, he’s both intelligent and most importantly indifferent… which is why he is the way he is.”  Tyler explained, causing Kyasho to nod slowly from behind his desk.

“And you’ve found it impossible to deal with him?”  Kyasho inquired now.

“He doesn’t need a Field Commander Sir…”  Tyler started, being visibly frustrated.  “He doesn’t event need a drill Sergeant, what he needs is a slave driver… someone to make him do the right thing, and someone that will revert him when he get’s out of hand.”  She explained.  “I could do it, but I don’t see it being particularly helpful in the long run.”  Tyler continued, causing Kyasho to nod, sympathetic to her frustration.

“I understand… it would seem that we have gotten to young Xavier too later in this game… what he needs now is discipline that the current Rogue squad is not equipped to give.”  Kyasho explained, causing Tyler to raise an eyebrow.

“What do you have planned Commandant?” Tyler inquired now, not liking the tone in her leader’s voice.

“It is the best interests of Xavier Styke to be part of a strong military unit, one in which discipline is primary and strength is secondary.  Whereas it would be possible for him to receive this training under Rogue supervision, that would require him being isolated from the rest of our officers, as that is simply not how I wish for you and your team to develop… unfortunately, this would only serve to make him resent you all more, and not foster any love for team work within him.”  He paused now.  “Taking this into consideration, I see myself being left with two real options.”  Kyasho paused again, to let Tyler take it all in.  “I have no wish to keep one of the more important players in this game trapped in a Rogue prison for the rest of his life, which leaves me with the options of enrolling him in a military school under the supervision of a nation of the UN, or placing him in the custody of one of the other Military Faction leaders.”  He explained, causing Tyler’s eyes to widen.  “Personally, I would never trust any world leader with this level of responsibility.”  He explained, alluding to tendancy of politicians to look out for their own interests, rather that those of the world, before he continued.  “And though they are my former students, Marshack and Rayad are both too fanatical to facilitate the level of training which Xavier requires, as they focus too much on ideals rather than discipline.  This leaves me with only one real option.”  He stated firmly, causing Tyler’s jaw to drop.

“You’re going to entrust a maniac of gross proportions to a band of cut throats?”  She inquired now, completely bewildered with her leader’s reasoning.

“Director Maika Smerkyov is one of the few men to whom I can entrust Stryke’s well-being Ms. Cage, I expect that you will trust my judgement.”  Kyasho replied now, causing Tyler to nod slowly, before he smiled lightly.  “Rest assured Field Commander, this is best for everyone.”  Kyasho smiled.

“I’m just concerned about the safety of my team should we meet him on the battlefield sir.”  She explained, causing Kyasho to nod.

“Xavier is a worthy adversary…”  Kyasho started.

“Who kills indiscriminately sir.”  Tyler interjected now, before she paused, sensing the facility’s shields drop temporarily, before a Perfect Level signature manifested inside of her Commandant’s officer.  She waited briefly, and her heart stopped, as Maika Smerkyov materialised inside of the room, greeting Kyasho before he turned to address her statement.

“Despite the rumours, the Mercenary Army does not pride itself on Kill Counts, Ms. Cage… I assure you that he will be less of a menace under my Agent’s command than he would be in any other unit.”  Maika sounded now, causing Tyler to reluctantly accept his words.  “However, feel free to monitor his progress if you wish, I will request that Bayman make his psychological development available for your perusal as he undergoes disciplinary training.”  Maika added, now causing Tyler to nod in acceptance.

“I think I will do that.”  She replied to Maika before turning to her faction leader. “Thank you Sir.”  She addressed him, causing him to reply.

“That is all Ms. Cage, you may go.”  Once again Tyler nodded, before leaving the room.

Downstairs, Cloud Stryfe paused briefly, temporarily ceasing his conversation at the time with the young Itami, Ryuu, as he pondered why his Director would be present in the Rogue base.  His curiosity slowly subsided however, as he determined that whatever it was that could be so important, as to bring him to the Rogue base, would either be revealed to the team soon or would remain classified for a very long time, and as such, his curiosity would be no use.  With this in mind, her resumed his conversation and dismissed the event for the time being.