The Revolution Came

Chapter 14: Reconnaissance

September 30, 1932

Three weeks had passed since the capture of General Rivera and Commander Bracodo, and Kyra's execution had been indefinitely postponed. But Ken Drick knew that postponement was not a pardon, it was merely delaying the inevitable. And with every passing day, the revolution grew weaker.

Inside the Supreme Council chamber, chaos reigned. Every member of the council was engaged in heated debate, voices clashing as tensions reached their breaking point.

"It's pointless!" one of the secretaries exclaimed. "If we send forces to rescue General Rivera and Commander Bracodo, we risk losing what little support we still have among the people."

"But they are key figures in this revolution!" another countered. "Without them, we wouldn't even be here debating independence. Have you all forgotten the Battle of Herodia? That was the spark that ignited this war! If it weren't for their leadership, we wouldn't have made it this far!"

Ken Drick pinched the bridge of his nose, his frustration mounting. If only he had been less blind, less foolish, Kyra and Cody would still be here, fighting by his side instead of being branded as criminals or left to rot in enemy hands.

"Another thing to consider," the secretary continued, "is that we're already losing the people's trust. Rivera's removal and Mutogil's trial have made us look weak. If we abandon them now, we'll lose what little credibility we have left." Ken Drick had heard enough. He slammed his hand on the table, silencing the room.

"That is enough!" his sharp voice cut through the tension. "I agree with Secretary Codinera." He gestured toward the secretary who has spoken in favor of the rescue. "We must save General Rivera and Commander Bracodo. Without them, this government wouldn't have survived the first months of our revolution!" Murmurs rippled through the room, but no one dared to challenge him.

"So, here's what we're going to do," Ken Drick continued, his voice firm. "We are sending a special branch of the 212th Battalion to extract them. That is final." A few members nodded in silent agreement. Others hesitated, but none spoke against him.

"If a battle ensues, the Bracodo Sharpshooters and the Black Guard will provide support," he added. There was no room for debate. The decision was made.

"Then we are finished here. You're all dismissed!" One by one, the council members filed out, leaving Ken Drick alone with the remaining Presidential Guard and the Black Guard. The tension between the two factions was thick, glares were exchanged, and hands rested near weapons. The distrust in the room was suffocating.

Then, Captain Dwayne Newhiskey stepped forward.

"Sir," he said, his tone unnervingly smooth. "Would it be wise if I led the rescue operation?"

Ken Drick's glare was immediate and unwavering. The audacity of the man, the very one who had manipulated the council into imprisoning Kyra, the same man who had whispered poison into their ears, was infuriating.

"No," Ken Drick said coldly. "We already have someone else in mind."

Dwayne's confident smirk faltered, replaced by thinly veiled panic. "But, sir-"

Ken Drick raised a hand, cutting him off with a sharp glare.

"I've made my decision, Captain Newhiskey. Now leave my office before I have the guards escort you out."

The Black Guards, now replacing Newhiskey's men, stood at attention, their disdain for the captain evident in the way they watched his every move.

Newhiskey hesitated for a moment, but seeing no way to argue further, he clenched his jaw and turned to leave.