Cheng Peng swallowed, his voice so low it was almost a whisper. "But... the higher-ups were specific. Evacuation only. No engaging. Even if we encounter hostile interference, we are strictly forbidden from fighting back..."
He glanced up furtively at Fei Jin as he spoke.
Fei Jin's hand clenched into a fist, the veins on the back of it popping.
'No fighting back?'
'Evacuate the civilians, but we can't strike back?'
'Who's going to protect the old and the young, kneeling on the ground, crying and begging for help?'
"Get the vehicles ready! Assemble in three minutes! The whole team moves out!"
Fei Jin ordered in a low, heavy voice.
"Yes, sir!"
Cheng Peng snapped to attention, saluted, and turned to run out.
"Wait!"
Fei Jin suddenly called out to him.
Cheng Peng spun around. "Village Chief, any other orders?"
Fei Jin was silent for a moment. His gaze was as still as a deep pool, yet it concealed a raging undercurrent.
