Early morning.
Two helicopters descended onto the grounds of an old manor on the outskirts of London.
The manor had once been the Shaw family home—a place of noise, arguments, and rare laughter. As the siblings grew older and their work scattered them across continents, their mother, Margaret Shaw, moved away. Now the property stood empty, its gravel drive overgrown and its halls cold.
Cole led the group inside.
In the main hall, Klaus, Adolfson, and Letty Ortiz waited, with Tool standing nearby. The others from Owen's team had stayed behind—they'd only been needed to stage the hostage footage and had never planned to hurt anyone unless Cole gave the order.
"Hey, fellas," Klaus called out, lowering his heavy machine gun slightly. "Long time no see. How about putting those guns down?"
Ross recognized the voice. "Klaus? Adolfson?"
They'd crossed paths before—The Expendables and Owen Shaw's crew had once taken opposing contracts, a clash that ended with Ross's team narrowly edging them out.
"You're not Owen," Ross said, studying Cole. "But the name fits. What's your relation to Owen Shaw?"
Cole didn't hesitate. "He's my older brother."
Ross nodded, understanding now. "That explains a lot." He holstered his weapon. Tool was in Cole's custody; Ross wouldn't risk a firefight. The others followed suit, lowering their guns.
Cole returned the gesture, stepping forward to cut Tool's restraints.
"Sorry about the theatrics, Ross," Tool said, rubbing his wrists. "Didn't mean to drag you into it."
Ross shook his head. "You don't owe me an apology." His eyes found Cole. "You planning to recruit us?"
Cole smiled. "Exactly. Join me. I can guarantee the money you make with me will be several times what you've earned before."
Ross glanced around at his men. "What do you think?"
He already knew the answer. This last mission had shaken his confidence as a leader. Cole's resourcefulness, command, and reach had impressed him. Backed by Owen Shaw's network, the younger Shaw could open doors even the CIA couldn't touch.
Ross made his decision. "I'm in."
Christmas, leaning against a pillar, gave a quiet laugh. "Guess that means I'm in too."
Caesar nodded next, followed by Yin Yang. "Doesn't matter to me," Yin Yang said. "As long as the pay's right, I'll take the job."
Cole nodded approvingly.
System prompt:
Ding — Congratulations, Host. You have recruited three A-Plus-rank operatives and two A-rank operatives.
Reward: Crisis Sense (passive ability — alerts user to immediate danger).
Reward: 10,000 Skill Points.
Reward: 2 × F-22 Raptor stealth fighters.
New feature unlocked: Mercenary Team. Please assign team name.
Cole grinned at the readout only he could see. None of them noticed the faint flicker behind his eyes.
"System, designate the team name: The Round Table."
Team registered. Primary base deployed — location: classified coordinates, central Sahara Desert.
F-22 Raptors delivered to base. Please confirm upon arrival.
Cole memorised the coordinates. They'd leave for the Sahara as soon as everyone was ready.
"Since you've all joined up," he said aloud, "I'll make sure you're treated properly. You still get the full commission from this mission. Give me your account details."
They each rattled off numbers while Cole keyed them in. A moment later, phones buzzed across the room.
$5 million each.
It was $3 million more than the original agreement.
Yin Yang cracked a grin. "Guess I made the right call."
Caesar exhaled in relief; even hardened mercenaries couldn't hide their appreciation for a payday like that.
Ross and Christmas stayed silent, professionalism keeping their reactions tight.
Klaus crossed his arms. "So, Cole… now that you've poached The Expendables, you planning on stealing our business too?"
Cole smirked. "What—worried about competition? Don't be. There'll always be work for both sides. If you ever find yourself tired of Owen's rules, you know where to find me."
He let the line hang, the implication deliberate.
Letty chuckled softly at the exchange.
Klaus shook his head. "Not likely, mate. I'm staying put for now." He looked at Ross. "Guess that means you lot are off the leash."
Ross's patience snapped just a little. "Get the hell out of here, Klaus. I said yes, and I don't go back on my word."
"Relax," Adolfson said, smirking. "Just a joke."
With that, Owen's trio turned and headed out toward their helicopter.
Cole watched them lift off, then turned to his new team.
"We'll rest here tonight. Once everyone's ready, we move out tomorrow."
Christmas asked, "Where to?"
Cole's answer came without hesitation.
"The Sahara Desert."