Omar doesnt feel comfortable at all in this situation. His thoughts focuses on Fractal and on the loss his death means to him.
Not too long ago, his life was completely different. Igbo mercenary was used to filth and constant danger of the jungle battlefields, of ruthlessness of fellow soldiers...human or metahuman life meant a little to him, another disposable asset, like his own. When he lands in Denver, he expects little to change...life on Conrads Conquerors HQ, training, working on gear, missions in warzones as he was used to. Being left behing threw him into complete chaos.
Despites the fact he considers himself to be consistent enought to deal with anything that would cross his way, this civilization was something quite alien to him. Honest, pure and obvious violence of the uncontroled and unrestricted warfare was replaced by politics, subtlety and publicity. Not that that life is any hospitable to those weak in this urban jungle, it was the same unforgiving environment that he was familiar with, but methods differ.
In that moment of chaos after CC departure Omar knew one thing for sure. He needs, at least in the first phase, someone who will be able to provide cover in this field. When he first met Fractal, he was almost overhelmed by the grace the artist was able to deal with this level of interactions. He does that with ease and freedom, even joy, not even considering such interactions to be social warfare.
In a few weeks, Fractal unknowingly shielded Omar against against new environment, absorbing the worst cultural shock, allowing him to adapt at least a bit. Forged by combat, mutual responsibility and trust arises, something that remind mercenary of that "brotherhood of men" he was used to in his previous life. Slowly he was able to even accept the fact that he is working for a woman. That women in this word are more than Igbos would ever allow them to be. That they are independent, competent and able to pose equal threat as men. And that clinging on old ways may be not just disadvantageous, it may be dangerous in this world.
Like it or not, Omar became dependent on Fractal in lots of things. Yes, there were others in the team. Sam was just another soldier to Omar. Another tool, more or less competent in what he does. Ryker. Ryker was good man, despites he seem lost in thoughts most time. Lips. He was...errr...German noble. Mouse. Omar wasn`t even sure what made him made the kid that day in Don Costelo`s den. Not sure even now what this strange relationship means.
But Fractal...Fractal was somehow different. And now he is gone. First time Omar realizes full effect of this was the moment he said "Please" to Eliza. Not that Omar hadnt used this word too many times in whole his life. This was for sure the very first time he used this word when adressing woman. It strikes him with full force...she was professional, the same he was. Competent. No matter of gender. But more important. She was, at least in her own manner, free. And in that few moments Omar finds out, that he is living in cage he built for himself by his own prejudice. The cage that would always limit his possibilities, his coices, increase risks, decrease gains. That until he breaks this cage, he is nothig more than another criminal. Or wageslave. Fullfiling goals set by others, because of inability to set his own.
When they were leaving Fractals grave. Omar was lost deep in his thoughts trying to find the strategy how to deal with this challenge. It is a long run, and there are much more actual problems, well it is always good to know which way to go.
The dinner with Diamond went better than expected. Despites pain that from time to time bolts from his bandaged wounds, Tabbitha was able to handle most talking and even the other bitch at the table wasnt offended to the level she would walk away or start yelling. On the other side, their chit chat was more and more annoying and Omar was more than gratefull, when Jack accepted his invitation for a shot on the bar to celebrate his promotion...and to give ladies oportunity to discuss their own bussiness.
Smart move. By the chance we can use some reinforcements, if she would be capable enought...and silent.
Omar moves a bit, as he still doesnt feel comfortable in his new dress. On the other hand, he doesnt feel it would be aproppriate to came here in his camo...he didnt even had a chance to patch the holes made by Katsuo`s riffle...
Anyway, its good to see that you prosper. It may be better for you to keep our aliance hidden, I have a bad feeling about last evening. Or maybe you can help us both...
