No

On approach, one of the men at the table nudges another, an older man missing his left eye with a claw like gash running across the side of his face, presumably the leader of this company.

“Something we can do for you, Comrade?” He asks, his voice like gravel as he leans back in his chair, looking up at Natalya with intrigue.

“I have heard that your outfit is reliable… I require the assistance of you and as many men as you can spare.” States Natalya, keeping her tone gentle even though her words speak of business.

“You have heard right, we have what you’re looking for… we have some time before we must fulfill other obligations… I can give you one squad of no more then 12 men, armed and ready to fight… however there is a matter of expenses.” He says… glancing down as he gently swirls around the small bit of amber liquid in his glass.

“Yes, I am aware that nothing worthwhile comes for free, what is your price?” Says Natalya, hands folded gently in front of her.

“500 rubles. I can risk the lives of the men and women under my command for no less than 500 rubles” he says, leaning forward, elbows resting on the table.

“And keep in mind, this only buys our services for one assignment, we only do extended contracts with those we know we can trust, understood?”

“Oh I understand, I wouldn’t want to put you in a less then ideal position when we’re just getting to know each other.” Replies Natalya, looking to assuage the military veterans concerns.

It’s a good deal, all things considered, 12 fighting men and women, already armed and presumably trained, it should be enough to accomplish the task that awaits them or at least give Natalya a fighting chance to accomplish it herself.

“Now… what did you say your name was…? The Red Tide only deals with people… not clients…” he says, the implication clear.

“Natalya Dyatlov, though you may have heard me referred to by another name…” it would appear that she was correct as the mana face breaks into a knowing smile.

“Ah… I see… my name is Captain Sergei Kurkov, but for the time being, simply refer to me as Comrade Captain.” He says, leaning back in his chair to finish up the last of his drink in one gulp.

He affixes Natalya with a scrutinizing gaze, a deep scan that goes past the physical, as though the grizzled old veteran means to read the contents of her soul like a book.

After what feels like hours under this scrutiny, finally an easy smile returns to his face, evidently he liked what he found.

“Well Comrade..? Shall we make a deal…?” Asks the older man, rising from his seat, lifting a hand for Natalya to shake, to seal the deal as it were.