#swtwc

“Got you a present, König,” Krueger says with that tone that says he’s enjoying this far too much. He drops the bags he’s carrying on König's couch.

“Nein,” König says, “I’ve told you too many times, I’m not hiring-”

“I’m not a sex worker,” the woman speaks up as she wanders through the cluttered apartment. “Though you should give them more respect. Everyone has bills to pay.”

The scent of omega wafts over König as she turns to him. Confusion surges through him again, worried eyes going to Horangi for an explanation.

“This is Susanna,” Horangi explains flatly. “Krueger thought it would be good for you to have an omega and, honestly? It would do you some good. Nikto tagged along for his own amusement.”

The man in question dumps his arm loads of shopping bags on the couch as well, a strangely calm look in his eyes. This only makes König more nervous.

“Nein,” he says firmly. “I did not ask for this. Why would you bring me an omega I did not ask for?”

“They say I’m a present to their favorite commander,” Susanna offers, arms crossed as she leans against König's kitchen counter. “Salvation doesn’t do returns,” she says, sounding bored with the situation.

König looks between Susanna and his three men - who are in deep shit for this - in shock. They’re serious. They’re dropping off an omega and her belongings. Then leaving her there.

“Horangi-”

“We just want to see you happy, commander,” Horangi says as he places a few last bags on the couch. “An omega can help with that. Besides, she needed out of that hell hole anyway,” he adds with a shrug.

“Who better to leave her with than our commander?” Nikto finally speaks up, his usual spark returning to his eyes. Now he’s amused.

“Seriously, that place was shit,” Krueger agrees, sounding uncharacteristically serious for the situation - he’s more a laughs guy, even on jobs.

“We have a job in a week,” König tries to argue, but the other three aren’t having it.

Sucks when your friends are the three most stubborn employees you have. König could step into his role as commander and demand they return her to this… Salvation. But even Susanna says they don’t take back omegas.

“Fine,” König says finally. “She can stay.”

“Now that that’s out of the way, can we stop pretending I’m not right here?” Susanna requests, seeming very unamused. “You three,” she points at Krueger, Horangi, and Nikto, “are assholes for dropping me on him without a word.”

Krueger lets out a roar of a laugh, Nikto chuckles, and Horangi seems unphased by her accusation.

“Are you truly alright with me staying?” she asks König pointedly.

The large Austrian frowns under his sniper hood, but nods reluctantly. He doesn’t know what Salvation is, but if Krueger got serious about it then it must be pretty bad. Turning away those in need isn’t really his strong suit.

When König finally manages to shoo the three men away, he’s stuck awkwardly pacing in his kitchen as Susanna sets up her space in his spare room.

“They never told me your name. I heard them call you König, though. What’s it mean?”

Speak of the devil.

König jumps, not having heard her approach.

“Ja,” he mumbles. “I prefer it. It’s a… nickname,” he offers, unsure what she’d know about callsigns. “It means king in Deutsch - German. It’s a German word.”

Susanna nods, accepting his explanation and clarification.

“Do you do that a lot? Swap between languages?”

König nods, tilting his head down as he’s suddenly uncomfortable looking her in the eyes.

“Fair enough,” she shrugs. “Expect me to ask for translations until I start picking up on it. I’ve not been around here long.”

“Where are you from?” he asks, genuinely curious. She’s sounds American, but he’s been wrong about accents before.

“The states,” she says nonchalantly as she browses his bookshelf.

Suppose he happened to be correct this time. Silence settles between them. Susanna seems unbothered by it and, honestly? He’s not upset about it either. Gives him time to observe his new roommate and see how much of a problem she’ll be.

As the day goes on, “problem” doesn’t really describe Susanna. She’s not talking his ear off, she’s cleaning up after herself, and even helped cook dinner.

“Your ragtag trio said something about stopping by soon to check on things, by the way,” she announces as she scrubs some of the dishes in the sink. “They were talking about it on the way here. Didn’t specify when.”

König pulls a dish from the strainer to dry it as he absorbs her comment.

“Check on things?” he questions, a bit lost on the emphasis.

“They want to know how long it’ll take for one of us to cycle, mate, and so on,” she says casually.

The next dish in König's hands nearly falls to the floor at her calm statement.

“You are not bothered by their curiosity,” he observes. “Why?”

“I expect nothing but a roof from you, König,” she sighs, exasperated. “I intend on job searching tomorrow.”

Silence settles between them again, this time it’s not so comfortable. Until Susanna adds something to her expectations.

“I also need privacy,” she adds coolly.

He nods slowly in understanding, agreeing so far. A roof, that she seems to intend on helping pay for with her mention of job seeking, and privacy. That’s… a lot better than he expected and far less than his friends probably hope for.

This could work.

Probably.

Masterlist | CoD Masterlist

Characters:

Hunter: A renowned general in the pharaoh's army. His keen senses make him an exceptional tracker and strategist. Hunter is known for his loyalty to the pharaoh and his unmatched ability to lead and inspire his soldiers.

Wrecker: A formidable warrior and a chief builder of the pharaoh's monumental projects or the noble families. His incredible strength is legendary, and he is often seen leading the construction of temples and houses, as well as defending them from threats.

Tech: One of the palace scribes and inventor, creating advanced tools in his free time and managing the vast records of the kingdom. Tech's inventions aid in agriculture, construction, and even in the military, providing strategic advantages, like making the chariots sturdier.

Echo: A high-ranking advisor and oracle, often seen as a bridge between the mortal world and the gods. Echo’s wisdom and foresight are invaluable in both governance and warfare. His insights are considered divine messages from the gods. Which he recieved after a horrific accident as his time as a soldier.

Crosshair: The pharaoh’s elite archer and hunter, known for his deadly precision. Crosshair protects the royal family and hunts dangerous game. His skills are also employed in strategic assassinations to eliminate threats to the kingdom. Or to keep the harbour safe, spotting foreigners before others can.

Omega: A young priestess in learning considered to be a prodigy blessed by the gods. Omega's unique abilities and pure heart make her a beloved figure among the people. She often assists in rituals and tries to provide spiritual guidance. And often seen playing with other kids.

The golden sun began to rise over the bustling city of Memphis, casting its first rays on the majestic temples and bustling marketplaces. Within a spacious compound near the royal palace, the Bad Batch siblings stirred from their slumber, each preparing for the day's duties.

Hunter was the first to rise. The leader of the siblings, he moved with purpose towards his personal shrine dedicated to Maahes, the lion-headed god of war and knives. The small altar was adorned with offerings of meat and a carved lion statue. Kneeling, he closed his eyes and muttered a prayer. “Maahes, grant me your strength and ferocity in battle today. Guide my hand and protect our land.” The air seemed to thrum with a powerful energy as he finished his prayer. Satisfied, he donned his armour, a leather tunic, and made his way to the palace to meet with the pharaoh’s generals.

Wrecker, known for his immense strength, was next to rise. His personal shrine to Ptah, the god of craftsmen and builders, stood prominently in his room. Wrecker offered bread and beer, his voice echoing through the compound as he prayed. “Ptah, guide my hands today. Help me build wonders that will stand for eternity.” His morning ritual complete, Wrecker headed to the construction site where a new temple was being erected. His presence was a source of inspiration for the workers, who admired his strength and leadership.

Tech, ever the intellectual, approached his shrine dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom and knowledge. Surrounded by scrolls and intricate tools, Tech lit incense and offered a beautifully scribed papyrus. “Thoth, grant me wisdom and clarity in my endeavours today. Help me uncover new knowledge and innovate for the betterment of our people.” After his prayer, Tech immersed himself in his workshop, working on an improved irrigation system to benefit the kingdom’s agriculture.

Echo, the spiritual advisor, was already at the temple, performing early morning rituals for Horus and Shai. His dual devotions made his shrine unique, adorned with feathers, small statues, and symbols of destiny. As the sun rose higher, he prayed: “Horus, protect our kingdom and guide us with your divine sight. Shai, help us understand the paths laid out for us and make wise decisions.” Echo’s presence in the temple was calming, and many citizens sought his counsel. His insights were considered divine messages, and his advice was highly respected.

Crosshair, the pharaoh’s elite archer, made his way to his shrine dedicated to Neith, the goddess of war and hunting. He offered a freshly hunted rabbit, his precision and skill evident in the clean kill. “Neith, grant me precision and protect our land from all who threaten it.” After his prayer, Crosshair joined the palace guard, which will be heading on today’s hunt.

Omega, the youngest, was full of energy as she approached her training. As a priestess in training, she honoured all gods, assisting in various rituals throughout the day. Her curiosity and devotion were clear as she participated in the morning rites. She often wants to join Echo, but he says the high priestess decides in which temple she will be.

Wrecker’s booming voice could be heard at the construction site, directing workers and moving massive stone blocks with ease. His strength, blessed by Ptah, was crucial in the monumental task. Tech continued his work on the irrigation system, consulting with officials and refining his designs and keeps to write down the test scribes neatly, never able to do just one thing. His mind, guided by Thoth, was a wellspring of innovation.

Echo within one of the many the temples, where he performed more rituals and offered guidance to those in need. His dual devotions gave him a unique perspective, and his advice was sought by many.

Crosshair patrolled the palace grounds after his hunt was successful, his sharp eyes missing nothing. Neith’s influence was evident in every arrow he loosed and every threat he neutralized.

As the sun began to set, the siblings reconvened at their home. They shared another meal, discussing the day’s events and their devotions. Hunter reflected on the day’s achievements. It was never easy to take care of them all, but he does. The gods are guiding him the right way.

Echo, ever the spiritual guide, said, “Horus and Shai have shown us the way. The omens are favourable, and our future looks bright.” Taking a sip from his young wine. Omega ads, smiling, shared her progress. “I learned so much today. The priests are teaching me well. Soon, I’ll know all the gods.”

As the night drew in, the siblings performed their evening rituals. Hunter offered thanks to Maahes, Wrecker to Ptah, Tech to Thoth, Echo to Horus and Shai, and Crosshair to Neith. Omega even if full of energy goes to fall on her bed tiredly, anticipating to continue her training. After the boys shared one last sweet beer, to make sure Omega did not sneak out again as she manages even to go through Tech’s systems unnoticed, retired to their quarters, their hearts filled with devotion and purpose. Each one thanked their deity before sleep, ready to face the challenges of the next day with the same determination and unity. Their respect for each other’s beliefs and their shared commitment to their roles in the kingdom of ancient Egypt bound them together as a formidable family.

Chapter 2