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lykanthropa · 5 years

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End of Contract

Summery: The contract of the 9 mercenaries of Mann Co. has expired after 5 hard years. The boys are looking forward to return to their families. But there is a clause in the contract that was not obvious

Home time (?)

In the early evening, the Mercs, laughing and chatting, return to their base in 2Fort in Engie’s Truck after successfully completing their mission. The golden evening sun accompanies them. In the last 5 years they have carried out many missions, fought, died, returned and fought on. Commanded by a woman of whom they only know the voice. The Mercs just call her The Administrator. There are loudspeakers everywhere in the base. Through these, the administrator gives them the commands. And not just that. There are cameras, through which she watches them. But this mission was special because it was the last one. The last time the mercenaries had to fight. After 5 years their contract expires and they can go back to their families. They are already sitting on packed suitcases. Tomorrow morning their train will leave. Although they are all looking forward to returning and leaving Mann Co. behind, each and every one feels a little twinge in their heart. They are all used to each other, they were like a family. It hurts when they have to part.

2Fort, a so-called map, was also part of some of their missions in the past. They often had many different bases in which they had lived. 2Fort is a small, completely fenced-in area with two buildings facing each other, connected by a wooden bridge construction with a roof under which is a water basin where the sewage water from both bases flows into it. The special feature of these buildings is that they are completely different from each other. One is wood, the other metal. One red, the other blue. Previously they had fought here with an opposing team for each of the opposing secret material, while their own was to be protected. The Mercs had always said that playfully "capture the flag", but the last mission of this kind has been over a year. And since then they have not heard anything from the opposing team. They do not know if their contract has already expired or if they are employed elsewhere. Anyway, the blue metal building is now a taboo zone, which must not be entered under any circumstances. Strict instruction of the administrator. But none of them has too much curiosity anyway. Not even scout. The orders have always taken them completely in and now they have only the journey home in focus.

One last time, the mercenaries carry their weapons down the Intelligence Room, where their secret material was once located. There are now 9 large, straw-filled boxes. It's hard for the boys to part with their weapons. Heavy hugs his minigun. “Oh Sasha... Heavy will miss you.” Medic and Engineer give him a comforting pat on the shoulder. “It's okay, Heavy. Take your time. It is also difficult for me to let slip away my Medigun forever. And for the others it's certainly no different.” “Yeah... It's kinda weird...”, Scout agrees and looks at his scattergun before placing it in the box. Soldier imitates him, embeds his rocket launcher on the straw and salutes goodbye. Spy takes his last cigarette out of the disguise kit and places it in one of the boxes along with the butterfly knife, the sapper, and the watch. Followed by the grenade launcher and stickybomb launcher, the flamethrower (from Pyro's point of view it’s the rainblower), the rescue ranger, the sniper rifle and the medigun. Only when these weapons have found their place, Heavy brings the courage to separate from his Sasha and puts her carefully in the last box. “I feel somehow naked and defenseless without my weapons,” remarks Demoman. “Yes, but I’m sure that we will quickly get used to normal life again. And then all this will be nothing but a faded memory in the back of our minds.” “Pfft! Spy. Always positive, aren't you?” “I just wanted to cheer him and everyone else up. Anyway, I'm glad it's over, because I think you should finally pursuing a decent and, above all, a normal job, Jeremy. Just like us adults did before we came to Mann Co.” “Yeah, sure. Vacuum cleaner salespeople like you, or what?” “What? The fine Frenchman was a vacuum cleaner salespeople?” Demoman laughs. “That would explain his preference for suits.” “Vacuum cleaner salespeople are America's natural enemies!” “Screw you! I will not follow in your footsteps. I will become a world famous baseball player!” Heavy bangs on the table. The bang makes everyone present wince and the Russian has their undivided attention now. He looks around one. “Why do little men argue? Today is last day as a team!” “Heavy is right” Engineer agrees. “We argued the last 5 years. Today, on the last day, we should get along without quarrels and enjoy the last few hours together.” Sniper lifts his arm. “I’m in. I just want to chill out.” “Yo Snipes, you've been chilling out all those years in your nest while chilling aiming with your sniper rifle at the heads of our enemies and then chilling killed them. By the way, you have drunk your coffee and not even to piss you got up. You didn't have to move a millimeter. More chilling is not possible. And today, on the last day, you want nothing else than chilling. Care to respond?” “…Sniping's a good job mate!” Amused laughter fills the room. “Hudda!” “Pyro says he's hungry” Engineer says. “Aye! Where you mentioned it.” Demoman holds his stomach. “Me too.” A loud crackle from one of the loudspeakers on the ceiling attracts the attention of the Mercs and shortly thereafter the well-known voice of the administrator speaks to them. “Good job, mercenaries. I'm very satisfied. As a token of my appreciation and because your last mission was today, I have prepared a feast for you. Go in front of the respawn room.“ “For real?! What are we waiting for then?” Demoman, Scout, Sniper and Pyro start running. Spy sighs. “Will this kid ever grow up?” “That comes from having European genes. If he were a complete American, there would be nothing wrong with him!” As Spy walks by, he answers, “Well, Mon Ami, that just means American genes are not dominant. Besides, sometimes you behave like an immature child, too. You know?” “Take that back, Frenchie!” Soldier follows the Frenchman in a scolding tone. “I think I'll miss that” Engie says with a smile. “Da. It was nice time.”

Heavy, Medic and Engineer are following the others. “What about you, Doc?” “I will miss the legalized experiments and everything about it.” “Will doctor miss team too?” “Hm? Oh! Yes, sure.” Heavy gives Medic a reproachful look. “Of course I'll miss you too, Heavy. After all, you were my only family I ever had in my life. I think I just get used to being alone very quickly.” “Don’t you have anybody waiting for you at home?” “No. When my parents died shortly after my 14th birthday, I was all alone from now on. That's why I'm sorry if, back then, when we first met, I behaved defensive and sullen. Even though I always had to deal with people. But they were patients to whom I had no emotional connection. Unlike you. Maybe that had overwhelmed me a bit.” “We didn't know. You really don't have to apologize, Doc.” Medic makes a gesture of refusal. “It's okay. Just let it be. Let's enjoy our last evening.” “OH MY GOD! How cool is that?” Scouts voice echoed through the base. “Must be something big, if it makes the boy cry like this” says Engineer with a smile. A delicious smell of meat and gravy comes to meet them shortly thereafter. “God, Scout! Wait at least until the others are here!” they hear Spy admonish him. As Medic, Engineer, and Heavy arrive at the top, they are also amazed when they see this large table extending from them to the respawn room. Adorned with a snow-white tablecloth, nine plates were placed on the left and right of the table, with three large silver dining bells in the middle, hiding hot delicacies. One of the bells has already been removed, releasing the scent of roast pork in the air and enveloping the whole base. Around it are small plates with different salads. Scout already wants to lift the second bell, but Spy wants to stop him. “No, Scout!” “Pfft! Don't pretend you don't wanna know what's underneath. Besides, all are here now.” The second bell reveals different kinds of meat. Sausage, schnitzel, spicy-looking buffalo wings and steaks. The various fragrances mingle in the air and make the Mercs mouth watering. Under the third bell are sandwiches. A little disappointed, Scout shrugs his shoulders and turns his attention to the meat. Heavy, on the other hand, is delighted. “That looks pretty good” says Demoman, but looks disappointed. “But where is the swill?” “Here, mate!” Sniper reaches under the table and brings out a bottle of rum from there. Demoman copies him and discovers other bottles. Wine of all kinds, schnapps, beer. Even vodka is there. “Yeah! Now it's a party.” The Scot opens a rum bottle and takes a sip from it. “Now let's sit down and finally eat!" The Mercs like to follow Scout's request and everyone is looking for his place. "Hehe. Hadn't thought that the old woman would do something for us like this.” “She can hear you, boy” Engineer reminds him. “Was not meant pejorative. I just mean I didn't expect that from her. After all, she always appears so cold and callous. I always thought she doesn't care about us.” The Mercs are digging food on their plates. There is something for everyone and the plates are individually filled (for Pyro there is only one bowl of soup with a straw, but he seems to be very happy about that). But before they can take a bite, it crackles in the speaker above them on the ceiling. Scout makes himself very small. He's worried that his words will now be doom him. All mercenaries look up to the loudspeaker, waiting for whatever the administrator has to tell them. “My dear mercenaries, my last command to you is that you eat as much as you can. Enjoy your meal. Take your time. Consider this dinner as your last meal. When you are done, I will contact you again. And now - good appetite.” It crackles again in the speaker and it becomes quiet.

“…last meal?” “In fact a very strange term” Medic agrees to Heavy. I think it fits. I will not eat like that for a long time anymore.” Scout is about to tuck in but Soldier bangs his fist on the table, making the dishes clatter. “Not now, private!” “Now, what is it?” “First a prayer is spoken!” “Are you kiddin’ me? I'm starving!” “I'm not a believer, but I agree with Soldier.” “Pah! You can talk. You just beheaded a bottle and have had a few already. That's why you're talking nonsense.” “Scout, please. Only once.” Spy speaks with such gentleness in his voice that even Scout cannot argue with that. Or wants. “Hmpf! Whatever…” The Mercs fold their hands for prayer, close their eyes and lower their heads. “Holy Mary, mother of Joseph.” “Oh God…” “Gott im Himmel.” “Silence! At a dinner prayer only one speaks! Holy Mary, mother of Joseph. We thank you for this meal. And thank you for the last five wonderful years I could kicking Faggot-Maggots in the ass.” The others secretly open their eyes and look at each other. “You've been protecting us all the time and I ask you to continue to keep holding your protecting hand over my team wherever they go. Also the Europeans and the Aussie. Amen.” “Wow, Soldier... We didn't know you felt that way for us.” Engie's face has a heartwarming smile and the others feel equally flattered. Also Scout, but the boy doesn't want to show it and instead says: “What do you mean by your team?” “That's right, City Boy! You are my team! You have always been. I'm responsible for you and that's why I pray for you. Finally, I'll have to let you go tomorrow. I cannot take care of you anymore. In addition, I'm sitting at the head of the table! That says everything!” “We'll miss you too, Soldier.” “You will!” “Okay, okay! Now we can eat, right?” “Dig in, son” gives Soldier Scout his permission, and he takes that literally. Scout takes the steak in both hands and bites a big piece off. “God, Scout! Use at least knife and fork! If your mother would see that.” Scout's mouth is überfull, so he uses his middle finger to answer. “Hmph!” Spy pours himself a full glass of wine, leans back and tries to ignore Scout's antics. Heavy has opted for steaks and sandwiches. But mostly sandwiches can be found on his plate. Medic next to him enjoys a sausage in addition he eats (by the most untouched) salad. Only Sniper also uses the healthy greens. Demoman and Soldier are also among the meat-eaters, although Demo is actually more drinking than eating. And Pyro sips his soup comfortably.

Engineer starts with the Bufallo wings. They are actually as spicy as they look. They taste almost like the original from Texas. Only now does the mid-forties realize how much he misses his home. But the homesickness will not last long, because tomorrow it gets back home. He will return to his ranch, to his beloved barn, where he can tinker with his machines. And then there's his old father waiting for him… “Hey boys. What will you do when you get back home?“ he asks almost melancholy. Scout wants to be the first to answer, so he greedily chokes down the piece of steak. but it gets stuck halfway and he begins to cough and choke. “Medic!” he managed to scream, but the doctor remains calm. “It's quitting time” he just answers merely and continue to eat. Spy hits the kid on the back with his hand, but that doesn’t work either. He reaches for his bonk and pours the energy drink into his throat. “I'll return to the heart of America and develop my skills as a soldier!” “Does that mean even after Mann Co. you still want to work as a mercenary?” “No, I will only fight for my country and for that I have to keep myself in shape. Who knows when the Germans start World War III?” “Hmph! So this is how you thank me for treating your wounds? But since I know you, I will not blame you” Medic answers cold. “You are excluded!” “Aha, and why that?” “Because you are half an American!” “Interesting. I did not know that yet. I assume that was a compliment. Thanks for that.” “What are you going to do, Doc?” Medic looks thoughtfully at Engineer for a moment. “Well, actually I would like to continue to work as a doctor, but for that I would need a license and I'm not sure if I would get those at my age. I also believe that the world is not ready for my kind of medical knowledge. I think I will use the money for pigeon breeding.” “Why pigeons?” “Not any pigeons. White doves. I train them as carrier pigeons and send them to you every few years.” “That sounds nice. But they would have to travel long distances. Could they do that anyway?” “With my medicine, they could easily fly around the world in 80 days.” “I'm already looking forward to my first carrier pigeon” replies Heavy. “And then Doctor will not be alone anymore.” “You're right, Heavy. I will have many pigeons. And I will give eight of them your names.” “I didn't know you could be that emotional, Doc” Sniper joins in now. “The last five years have been something special for me. And like every human being I try to connect these memories with something from the present to bind this beautiful time to me.” “I think we all will. What about you, Sniper?” “Hmm ... As much as I love my job as a sniper, I'll probably have to hang it up and help my parents on the farm. For years they have been in my ears how worried they are. Well, at least my mother. My dad used to scold me that I should finally looking for a decent job.” “Like a farmer?” “Yes…” “You should do that, Herr Sniper. Your parents are not the youngest anymore. You should be with them while they are still alive.” Thoughtfully, the Australian nods and stares down at his plate. “Hey, chin up, lad. I know how you feel. My old mother is also the last one I have. I know she will not live forever either, so I give up my job as a bomb specialist and enter into the family business. My mother's wish is that I take the company over after her death. She always says that it should stay in the family. That means for me that I should start my own family. But I'm just too old for that. I spent my youth working on bombs, perfecting myself so I missed out on starting a family.” “Is she angry with you because of that, partner?” “Nah. Even when I was a child, she forgave me all the mischief I've ever done, even though she was very strict. Especially after the death of my father. Probably because I'm her only child. We have a very close relationship and as long as she lives, I will not leave her side.” “Anyone with parents understands that they care about their children. Neither mother nor father want them to survive their children. Scout's mother only allowed him to work as a mercenary because I'm with him.” Having finally won the fight against the stubborn piece of meat, Scout swallows it and takes a deep breath. “How dare you? I can take care of myself!” “Scout, you screw up the whole mood…” “You can't tell me a thing! You're not my father!” “Yes, I am.” “I wish you were not.” “How can you say that, boy? A well-bred son does not talk to his father like that.” “He was never there for me! He was always on the road to work as a spy for some moneybacks. That was more important to him than me and my Ma! If I be wrong, tell me!” “………” “Exactly. When we get back home, you will continue to work as a spy and leave us alone again. You make me sick!”

A veil of silence falls on the team. Engineer feels bad. He just wanted to have a nice conversation with his team and not provoke a fight. He wonders if he should tell Scout that his mother and father are holy and that he can be happy to have both, but he decides differently and stays silent. Only Demoman interrupts the silence. “What about you, Engie?” “Huh?” “What will you do afterwards?” “I will return to my ranch. To my workshop and my dad.” “And what does he say about your career choice?” Sniper asks curiously. “Well, I would say that I really take after him. In his youth he also worked as a mercenary.” “At Mann Co.?” “Yes. I was 20 when he returned. He was... changed. He never talked about his job. I had the impression that he was the only survivor to come back from a war. He had retired. Even when mother died, he didn't attend the funeral. I'm the only one he still has and whom he trusts.” “I’m sorry, Engie.” “Thank you. I appreciate it.” “And you, Heavy? You cannot wait until you're back with your mother and sisters, am I right?” Medic gives the Russian a well-meaning smile, which Heavy replies. “Da. Miss my family very much. I'll take care of them. Have earned enough money to make ends meet for many years.” When Heavy speaks so proudly about his family, the mood in the room lights up. “And what are we going to do with Smokey Joe here?” Soldier throws into the room and everyone looks at Pyro. “Hhmpf?” “Yes, what happens to Pyro? Does he even have a home or family?” Pyro lays his head to the side. “I think he has nobody…” “If so, then one of us should take care of him” Engineer suggests. The rest of the group is silent. Nobody wants to have Pyro near them. Especially not near their family. It tears the Texan's heart, but he can understand it. “Oh well, Partner. Then you come with me.” “Hudda?” “My ranch is very big. There are also horses. You like animals, don't ya?” “Truckie, are you sure you want to do that?” “Why not? There is enough space. Besides, Pyro and I had always had a close relationship, hadn't, partner?” Pyro claps his hands like a little child. “Well, at least he understands you better than us... But actually, I meant more like his preference for fire. In Texas, it is very dry and on your ranch there is certainly a lot of wood?” “I'm will be have an eye on him. It will be fine. When repairing machines, he may use the welding torch. That will distract him.” “Whatever you say, mate.”

It's getting dark outside. The ceiling lamp above the table now gives them light. After two hours, the table is almost completely empty. Scout leans back in his chair and strokes his filled stomach.” That was good. If that had really been my hangman's meal, I could die now in peace.” “I completely agree, Kiddo” confirms Sniper. “I could fall asleep immediately. I have never looked forward to my bed that much.” “…I will miss you. Thank you for all the nice years and your friendship. I will always remember it. Also this moment.” “This constant, emotional impregnated blarney really is a pain in the ass…” growls Scout. “He says he will miss you as well” Spy translates. Scout is far too bloated with food and too tired to discuss with his father why his middle finger is used again. He is annoyed. Annoyed, because Spy is right. It starts to crackle again in the speakers above them. “Now the administrator addresses the last word to us. I will somehow miss her voice…” “Did it taste it?” The nine affirm her question in different ways. “Surely you cannot wait to return home tomorrow, are you? Unfortunately, I have to disappoint you. You will never see your families again.” The mercenaries caught their breath. Initially, Scout thinks that's a joke, which is why he says with amusement: “What? Do we have to do the dishes ourselves? As much as this is, this could actually take years.” But the boy soon realizes that neither the Mercs nor the Administrator laugh. “Right?” he asks uncertainly. “You will not leave this place alive.” Soldier shoots up from his chair. “That's egregious! I fought for Mann Co. yearslong and that's the thanks I get?” “You all have read your contract?” “What does the contract have to do with it?” Demoman barks. His voice trembles. The thought of never seeing his mother again makes him panicked, scared and angry at the same time. “There is a clause in it that may not be obvious.” An unholy silence settles on the team. “If the contract expires, the mercenaries must be killed.” Terrified faces - and yet they somehow knew it. They should have known it from the moment the Administrator used the word hangman's meal. Because this woman never jokes. But what would that have changed about their situation? “Where exactly should this clause stand?” Spy asks almost tonelessly. “I have had your contracts brought to respawn room.” Spy sets out to walk the few yards to respawn room. The gate opens and there he sees them already lying. All nine contracts are lying neatly side by side on the bench. The Frenchman takes his contract and returns to the others in the vestibule, leafing through the few pages. He is a quick reader, but he cannot find a contract clause that entitles the Administrator to kill them after the contract expires. It would have been more than foolish to sign this contract with such a clause. That would have been suicide. “I can’t find it.” “You will find it under the clause of confidentiality.” “A clause in a clause. I assume that Mann Co. is hoping that the people they are hiring cannot read between the lines.” Spy looks at the camera in the corner. The small, permanently red glowing point that they have been exposed for years appeals suddenly very threatening. “This clause is the most important of all, but it must not be too obvious. That would scare away mercenaries.” “Quite rightly!” “Believe me. It's a shame to get rid of men like you, but everything you've done, seen, and heard here must not go outside. That's why you have to die. I didn't make the rules, but if I oppose it, Mann Co. will need a successor for me.” “But you are not averse to it, are you?” “Not at all. It's purely business.” “I assume that the BLU team did not travel home or was transferred, am I right?” “You are right with your guess. They are dead.” Scout starts shaking all over. He takes a deep breath and then jumps up from his chair. With his index finger pointing at the camera, he yells: “Bullshit! That's bullshit! You cannot do that! They would search for us!” “You mean your families? Their efforts would not be crowned with success. Mann Co. is a shadow hidden in the dark, impossible to track down. Your fate is sealed from the very moment you signed this contract." Medic looks back and forth between the Mercs. His gaze finally lingers on Heavy. He was completely silent the whole time. His horrified look is directed at the empty plate in front of him. How must he feel inside, after these words? What does it feel like to be told that you will never see your family again? Medic does not know. He has no family. He has nothing to lose. But he will do everything possible to make the others return home. Almost with complete calm, he looks up at the camera. “How should we be killed?” “In the same way as the BLU team was wiped out.”

Suddenly a loud noise penetrates their ears. It echoes throughout the place, sounds like a commissioned machine. Quick the Mercs make their way to the outdoor platform, from where they have a good view of the BLU building. There are now the lights on which lights up the dark night sky brightly. From there comes this disturbing sound. “What happens over there?” “No matter what comes our way, we will not give up without a fight!” announces Demoman. “You have your weapons at your disposal. But remember, your respawn codes have been completely deleted. There will never be a way for anyone of you to return. Good luck.” And with that the speaker becomes silent and the mercenaries stay alone. “That I will miss her voice, I take back immediately.” “That’s alright, partner. You couldn't know that. No one of us could it.” With horrified, angry, and incredulous eyes, they stare across to this large, factory-like building, which has something in it that want to kill them. But whatever that may be, they will fight it. Their last fight as mercenaries begins. And this time it's all about life and death. Soldier takes the floor. “So, soldiers! You heard it! The war is not over yet! We are tired and exhausted, but give your best for the last time! And don't forget! You are the best of the best! Let us Mann Co. regret the day they hired us!”

#TF2 #tf2 medic #tf2 sniper #tf2 spy #tf2soldier #tf2 demoman #tf2 engineer #tf2 pyro #tf2 heavy #tf2 scout #tf2 administrator #tf2 red team

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