![[batista.png]] *Added to the Codex on* ***March 19th, 2024*** --- ### Quotes "This is an olive branch, Batista. I suggest you take the easy way out." - The Jaguar "Suppose I should thank Batista, really. His fuck up in Panama gave me my freedom. Cheers, mate!" - Crawford "Batista was as great a leader as the Liquidators ever had. At least, until his costly mistake in Panama, which saw the Sparrow lose her star prisoner."[^1] - The Broker <br> ### Description Formerly a Lieutenant Colonel of the Brazilian Armed Forces, Batista has led the [[Skullcaps]] for several years, though that wasn't always the plan. After parting ways with the army, Batista joined the [[Codex/Organizations/The Dark Market|Dark Market]] and worked under the Jaguar, where he founded the [[Codex/Armed Forces/The Liquidators|Liquidators]]. He oversaw their operations for several years. Though he found himself missing field work, Faren was thankful. His partner reminded him the desk job kept him coming home every night, not to mention the compensation meant their four children were set for life. That would change in 2043, with the collapse of the Dark Market's [[Codex/Battlefields/Stranded|Gatun Lake]] operation. The Dragon estimated a profit loss in the hundreds of millions, not to mention the disappearance of the Sparrow's prized prisoner, [[Codex/Specialists/Charlie Crawford|Charlie Crawford]]. Blame for the disastrous incident was placed squarely on the Liquidators and Batista. Citing the undeniable impact of the Liquidators before this incident, the Jaguar saw that Batista and his family were spared retribution, at least of the liquidating variety. He was informed he would "voluntarily" step down and be cut off from the Dark Market. Exiled. In a rare moment of sympathy, the Jaguar provided Batista with the idea, and start-up capital, to form his own mercenary company. From here the Skullcaps were formed, giving Batista his long-sought chance to return to the field. He enlisted ex-soldiers and SOF operators across South America, specifically targeting those who'd been dishonorably discharged and discarded by their militaries. When approached by the [[Thousand Petals Coalition|Coalition]], Batista was seduced by their war cry (and monetary incentive) and rallied behind their cause. The TPC claimed to speak for the abandoned; the idea spoke personally to Batista. [^1]: This is one of the Broker's loading screen quotes.