President Zha'rik cleared his throat as he took a seat.
"The council has arranged another ploy to retrieve you. Once the search concludes without successfully locating you kids, a massive extraterrestrial mobilization will take place all over the world".
He straightened himself.
"This means that the existing threat in our world—aliens—will be released in their numbers into low-class communities across every region."
"Why low-class communities?" Valtor muttered, unaware he'd spoken aloud.
"Because," President Zha'rik replied, "every single one of you was chosen from such backgrounds." He paused, then glanced at Valtor. "All except you."
The crew exchanged confused glances.
Zara frowned. "So only low-class citizens would be exposed to those monsters, while the council and other highly placed people remain safe?"
Lynx scoffed, shaking his head. "They're threatening to attack our hometowns if we don't give ourselves up", he said simply.
The President nodded. "It's the most deranged plot I've ever heard." He rose slowly to his feet. "And as a member of the council, I've been pressured into voting for the death of my own people."
"No—" Orea shuddered under her breath, the thought of her family flashing through her mind. "We can't let that happen."
President Zha'rik met her gaze.
"That, we cannot". He said quietly.
"You kids would be forced to come out of hiding—though at a strategically timed moment." He paced again before stopping.
Turning to the group, he continued, "To this effect, we'll be drawing up a mission plan. I'll leave my aides here to oversee the process." He motioned to the officers stationed by the entrance.
"The final draft will be sent back to me for approval," he added. "This mission must begin as soon as possible. It's the only way to outsmart the council's agenda."
He stepped closer to the youths, his gaze passing over each face. "Take courage," he advised. "You've waited for this moment, and it's finally here. It's time to take back your freedom."
Valtor's eyes narrowed as he listened, his expression hardening with resolve.
..........
"First, we'll create a massive distraction that allows the revolution to unfold beneath the surface," the intimidating officer began as
the group huddled around him, a strategy board placed in the centre, fully mapped as an imitation of the divided regions.
"There are three strategic locations we must be stationed in," he continued, pointing to the board. "Vatica, Nexis, and the Kyrenian region."
"Why those three?" Kymani asked.
The officer straightened. "The Vatican government maintains absolute control over council operations. Nexis houses all the necessary gadgetry for council enforcement. And the Kyrenian region currently hosts the largest concentration of aliens—the same ones intended to be used against you."
Orea sighed internally. "What do we have to do?" she quietly asked.
The officer's gaze returned to the board. "I suggest you split into three groups," he said, dragging counters toward each marked region. "One team per location."
"Those assigned to Vatica will extract the Professor and destroy the council's experimental facility and setup.
"Those sent to Kyrena will breach the alien migration process to prevent the intended spread.
"And those in Nexis will secure and distribute machinery and equipment, ensuring civilians across all regions can defend themselves... If need arise".
Keep in mind, there will - in no doubt- be obstacles on the way.
"The execution order of these missions has not yet been finalized", he added.
"What are your thoughts?" the soldier asked, glancing around as he studied their expressions.
Lynx crossed his arms, eyes fixed on the board display. "Do you really believe this plan would work?"
The officer turned to him.
"I believe it would create enough distraction for the President and our godfather ally to set the revolution in motion," he replied. "It's also our best chance at stopping the alien infestation before it begins. That way, we keep civilians safe and place our full focus on the real enemy." He paused.
"The council."
Lynx nodded slowly, then turned to his friends. "What do you guys think?"
Valtor met his gaze with a knowing look before glancing toward Orea. She turned to him and nodded slightly.
Zara placed a hand on Rowynn's shoulder. The younger girl patted it gently, then looked to Kymani. Catching her expression, he gave off a slight smile.
"We're ready," he said.