Page 36 of Beyond Redemption

“Consider it done, General,” Brooks said, turning as he spoke into the radio pinned to his chest.

“Maddox,” Marcel said, turning his attention back to me. “What kind of firepower are the Carlisis likely to have?”

“They obviously have access to modern small arms, including rifles and suppressed handguns. They’ve demonstrated the ability to source heavier weapons when necessary. Their Yakuza connections expand that access, particularly for explosives, though they generally avoid anything that guarantees a federal response.”

Marcel nodded once. “Understood. We’ll plan accordingly.” He took a sip of coffee, black like mine. “Your family,” he said. “Ibarra said to expect your brothers, women, and children?”

“They tend to stick together,” Liis said. “Four men, including Travis, their wives, Falyn, Camille, Ellison, and Abby. They have multiple children between them ages ranging from one to teens.”

“Naomi is making sure we’ll be ready for that as well.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I recognize this is disruptive.”

“It is,” Marcel said. “But Travis hand-delivered my daughter when the alternative was death. And as I’m sure you can relate, I would do anything for my daughter.”

I nodded once, and we let the silence stretch just long enough to be uncomfortable before Marcel picked up his fork again. “I’m aware of the circumstances,” he said. “Emotions will run high when your family arrives. I trust you’ll keep it contained.”

“You’re correct,” I said, already dreading the first hour of their arrival. “I’ll do my best to keep it to a minimum.”

“Family is… complicated.” He lifted his eyes. “But it stays in the Longhouse. I won’t tolerate physical altercations or unrest inside my gates. Handle it quickly. Remind them that your stay here is necessary. Theirs is not. Not even Travis.”

I looked at him, searching his face for the slightest crack. There was none. He cut into his eggs as if he’d just updated us on the weather.

The teens moved around us, refilling water, clearing plates as they emptied. Tanaka collected General Marcel’s plate the moment he finished, retreating without a word. Köhler paused near Liis, waiting until she’d finished the last bite of toast before taking hers.

Marcel folded his hands on the table. “You’ve been given an overview of the rules.”

“Yes,” I said. “Ibarra covered them.”

“Good. Because enforcement won’t be flexible.”

“I wouldn’t expect it to be.”

A corner of his mouth twitched. Not quite a smile. “That’s usually where federal agents bristle.”

“As you said, we’re guests. Any bristling will be done internally.”

That earned me a low chuckle. And then it was gone.

“This arrangement is ironic. Militia and federal government.” He continued, “Different philosophies. Different lines of authority.”

“Same end goal,” Liis said. “Protecting people.”

He leaned back slightly. “Breakfast will be served at the Longhouse in an hour. Pack your things. Familiarize yourselves with the accessible areas of the compound while you have the time. Your belongings will be moved to a semi-permanent residence while Orientation is underway.”

I nodded, and Liis and I stood. “Thank you, sir,” I said.

“Any questions before you go?” Marcel asked.

Liis and I traded glances, and I took the opening. “Perimeter response time,” I said. “If someone breaches the outer fence.”

“Immediate,” Marcel answered. “We’ll know they’re coming long before they knock on the door.”

“Rules of engagement?”

“Containment first. Typically, we escalate to force only if necessary. I anticipate hostile action. Your sidearms will be reissued immediately if circumstances require it.”

Liis followed. “Medical support on-site?”