Pasadena, Los Angeles - The Watering Hole

"Erwin, you know that we are supposed to meet once in a while. This is highly unusual unless you've come to me regarding the recent trafficking of the Narco-Empire that we seem to be on the same page about."

Erwin could not believe that Peralta had made his way into the pockets of the Russians. It was clear though, they answered to no one but their leader. This was the matter of protection for Peralta, allying with the Russians, it gave him more reach and manpower. Something that the warriors were to notice no doubt...

"Sir Peralta, this business with the Russians you have. It has caught the attention of the very people you are at war with, you do not know what they plan to do? They are gearing for war, they are readying the enforcers and preparing to carve up your territory like a fresh ham."

Erwin could use the analogy freely without Sasha here, considering she was being a lookout for the warriors currently. Her skills in sharpshooting were unmatchable. 

Jake leaned back into his seat, he could already see that Erwin wanted something from him and he wondered what. This was already going to be an alliance of some kind but what was left to be determined was what kind?

Someone had to be the leader, the one that would rally the troops and while both had qualifications, there had to be one. 

"Commander Smith, may I remind you that it is I that gave you guys the info you needed. Without me, some of the bombings would have gone unchecked and you would have lost half your numbers in the last four months alone. If anyone is at risk here, it is you. I have my people checking on a daily basis and I have connections that I plan to use for the future." Jake answered in a confident tone that would only be heard in Captain Holt, clearly showing that he had changed in the last couple of months or so.

Erwin could see that he was going to be losing this but how much was the key to this all, he wanted to know what he could get away with. The worst of solutions was that the Eldian movement would have to remove themselves from all their bases. It seemed that Peralta had the same thing in mind, clearly not wanting his group to lose ground. 

"I want your group to merge with mine, we use our skills to combat against these Narco-Terrorists and bring them to heel. Together, we would bring a new fear to these...warriors, what do ya say?" 

Erwin never got to give an answer as gunshots were heard and cars speeding away, as well as civilians who were screaming heard from outside the doors of the club. 

Both of the men smirked at one another, sending their men to deal with the threat. It was time to work together, as was the duty of overthrowing the newest enemy that had gained their most undivided attention...

Cars sped onto the streets, blockading the way in and out of the street that led to the watering hole, the warriors would be hard pressed to figure out what they needed to do now. Jake Peralta was not about to let them go without a fight and this was exactly it. This was going to bring about a new goddamn alliance into the war between Sinaloa and the Wardens, things had been tittering on the edge for a while but Jake knew it was a matter of time. 

"Porco Galliard! Pieck, it's time we have a talk. The whole block is locked down, please come out and I shall stop the sharpshooters from opening fire. Should you not wisely listen and head back to your master in New York, I do believe he is known as the Beast, Zeke. You may go but only one of you!"

Jake was clear in his threat, he had them pinned and they would not be escaping. The air was thick, no one spoke and only the sounds rifles being loaded was heard. Would the warriors surrender? Did their training allow that much?

They had all got their answer when Porco had exited, still holding the rifle. Yet Peralta stepped forward, not once showing a single ounce of fear, almost daring Porco to shoot him. As if he knew the kid had the instinct to do so. 

"You've made a good choice Mr. Galliard, I assume the Madam Pieck is already heading to an airport. If so, head inside."

Galliard stared down Peralta for a couple of second, for a fleeting moment, he thought that he had seen Zeke for a second. Their resemblance was almost the same. 

"She is. Just know this Peralta, you won't be winning this war."

Jake chuckled, placing a hand on Porco's shoulder, both heading inside so they could begin this little talk with the young warrior...

"Porco. It's a pleasure to meet one of the devils, the very same that killed many of my operatives. I remember the operation back in England, the Gremory family has control of some areas along with the Pavanno family. Now, we caught a few of your own people, tortured them a good while. Gruesome details, things that are far too much for such a growing mind such as yours."

Porco gulped, eying both Peralta and Erwin. It seemed like Peralta was the one in control here and yet, Erwin held just as much power. Maybe he could use this or maybe not, he would not be seen as weak by the very people they were supposed to be better than. His eyes narrowed, watching the various Russian mobsters and soldiers of Eldia. 

"Peralta, may I be allowed to speak freely. I can give you the information that you will so desire in the coming days, would you like to know?" Porco asked with an eerily calm tone, something that set Erwin on edge. 

Jake had simply leaned forward with his own curiosity on the subject shining through. He wondered what information this boy of the Warriors would be privy too, little did he know that he would soon regret his little curiosity. 

"I would have you know that in retaliation for the beatdown and systematic killing of our operatives in England. Chief of Movement, Zeke. Led an operation to take down Darlene Linetti, Lynn Boyle and...Karen Peralta. Is that what you wanted to hear Sir Peralta?"

Jake thinly smiled, it was clear that he had not known about the murder of his mother, along with Gina's and Charles', this was going to be a tough time for all of them. He motioned for the guards to remove Galliard from his sight...

"Erwin, just what is your next plan for dealing with the Warriors and Zeke? A divine move would be great, one that would show our enemies, we're not afraid of showing our hand and that we have more to give them!"

Erwin calmly stroked his chin, noticing how Peralta was seemingly unraveling, already asking him for the next stage of dealing with the Warriors. Maybe he could give the man some kind of patient, for now,  he would think and allow the man his revenge fantasies. They would need him in the future and could not lose him to the lust of vengeance. 

It had been days since his last talk with the key player of the war, Jake Peralta. 

Porco was kept away from the main prisoners here. It seemed like Peralta had many other people that were working against him. Still, Porco knew that he had started the unraveling process of Peralta, with Peralta's mom dead; he had no one to give him support. He would need something, everyone did and this was just one of the things that Zeke wanted to use. 

"Mr. Galliard, you have a visitor."

Looking up, Porco found himself looking into the eyes of Erwin Smith. A man that was known as a true believer, things were getting different and now with Erwin allying with the Wardens. It left with him with resources that even the brass did not have access to unless they went through with the cop route.

"Erwin Smith, what an unexpected pleasure. We never expected you here of all places, you see, we didn't have that much info on you, to begin with. Yet here you are, I wonder where your other squads are. Levi Ackerman, Hange Zoe, and Eren Yeager. Including many others, we may not know much about you but we know about your soldiers."

Erwin showed no outward sign of being worried for his people, he knew that he could trust them to handle themselves. They were in a war, what else was to be expected but pure determination and faith in what they were doing? 

"Porco, I could say the same about your family. Your Brother, Marcel is currently in England regarding the retaking of some key ports. He is assisted by the very warrior program that was offered to you."

Porco growled, trying to escape his restraints as his eyes held nothing but hatred for the commander of the eldians.

"I'm here to strike a deal, something that would be foolish for you to pass up. Do you understand?"

Porco tilted his head to the side. Erwin was a smart man, capable and manipulative. Leaving him here to have control of the situation was a smart move on the part of Peralta. Leaning forward, Porco could not help but show his curiosity at what might be offered to him.

"You want me to make a phone call? That's it?"

Erwin was leaning against the wall, watching Porco Galliard. The boy probably suspected that he would give him some speech about what was right. In truth, he wanted the boy to make a call, see where his fellow warriors were at.

He knew that they would possibly be worried, wanting to know what could have been, things were changing and no longer was Erwin going to be left in the dark. He knew who the true enemy was, he would have a sitdown with this Zeke and bring him to see that he was being used. His warrior unit could be used against the very people who wish them dead. 

"Yes, I have no doubt that Zeke is quite displeased with only one of you returning. He will probably believe that you've given information to us, you will reassure him and state that I simply want to have a talk."

Galliard still couldn't believe what was going on here, Erwin and Zeke talking? Two men who were the same in many ways, maybe they should have a sit-down and see just how similar they are.

"Why should I do this? Just what does this give me?

Erwin raised one of his perfect eyebrows questioningly, he thought the man would know. 

"Hm, you get to talk with your comrades and get peace of mind. Do it Galliard, maybe you can be the bridge to a new era, hm?"

Erwin did not wait for an answer, already walking out and believing that Galliard would not wish to waste such a chance. This was it, he would be the one to bring about a summit between their organizations.