Chris Jacobs
If I called up Chris Jacobs right now I'm guessing he'd be up a tree in a steamy Columbian jungle, making some extra cash working security for some banana firm with a guerrilla problem. Because we all know that guerrillas love bananas, right? Heh. Anyway, he'd be making some wisecrack about the last time he came in for his paycheck, the time he made me try one of his incredibly awful cigars, and I hacked and coughed for five minutes, then got dizzy and had to sit down. Then he'd suddenly go all quiet and business-like, say "gotta go!" and that would be it until next time he's in to collect his check. Oh man, I feel nauseous just thinking of that cigar again. Doesn't he know that smoking is banned in office buildings?
In action, Chris is built like an Abrams main battle tank, and he moves a little like one too. He shines in scenarios where you're up against overwhelming odds, where the enemies are armed with grenade launchers, RPGs, and other high explosives. Chris has a knack for shaking off that kind of stuff, and just plowing on through. Just don't get in his way.
Jennifer
If I called Jennifer, I'd probably find her in some luxurious London or Paris penthouse suite. Paid for by a client of course, like all her expenses (and Jen incurs a lot of expenses). I'm guessing she's taking a luxurious bath before heading out to garrote some hapless HVT (that's "high-value-target" to you and me). It's always funny when Jen comes in to the office. She leaves this trail of drooling guys in her wake. And though she looks oblivious and aloof, she knows exactly what effect she's having. The thing that bugs me is that I have to remind her of my name every time. "I'm Cameron. Remember? The director of the project?" Yeah, whatever.
Jen's specialty is precision. She's one of those people who likes to make every bullet count -- and likes every grenade to take out five guys. So she's spent a lot of time honing her sniping skills -- she has a steady hand, and unbreakable concentration. For Jen, time is money, and she's all about getting it done with the maximum possible efficiency.
Mattais Nilsson
As for Mattias Nilsson… your guess is as good as mine. He very rarely answers his cellphone. He is a notorious pocket dialer, though. Since he has my direct line on speed dial, it's not uncommon for me to get a call from him at 4AM. Last time I picked up I heard a sound that I can only describe as a fuel tanker plowing through a death metal concert. In an abattoir. I've learned to let the machine pick up. We all dread Mattias' visits. Last time he came in he left a shark carcass behind in one of the meeting rooms. Shark carcass, as in "the remains of a dead shark." I guess it was in that suspicious duffle bag that he refuses to leave at the security desk downstairs. I shudder to think what else is in there.
Mattias is pretty much a force of nature. He's all about indiscriminate destruction, flinging high-powered airstrikes around with abandon. He's at his happiest when he's collapsing entire city blocks. As someone who spends most of his time causing things to bust apart into their component parts with explosive force, Mattias is fortunate to be blessed with a natural agility that makes him capable of getting out the way. Where less experienced pyromaniacs might get crushed by that falling chunk of masonry, flying car wreck, or crashing helicopter, Mattias has already moved on and is calling in the next airstrike.
Most people think that mercenaries only care about money and kicking ass. But take the time to dig beneath the surface and you might just find a sensitive, tender soul who -- deep down -- just wants to be loved.
Wait, no. That's me.
Let me try that again. Most people think that mercenaries only care about money and kicking ass. But dig deep down and you'll find something else burning inside. Pride. An unshakable conviction that says "I can take on the entire world, and win." A need to be seen as the best in the business, as the most dangerous guy (or gal) in the room. The continent-sized confidence that comes from knowing that you can handle anything this crazy world can throw at you.
Pride. That's what makes a mercenary tick. Pride. And money. And kicking ass. I should also note that Mattias has an almost unholy love of salted licorice.
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