The War Satellite

Chapter Sixteen

Miles

Preparations were under way to get us ready to leave. Last minute classes were packed into hours we didn't have time for and everyone scrambled everywhere. Washington led the efforts with his head level and calm, even in the chaos. I had barely any time to talk to Audrey and Daniel, I barely had any time to think. I couldn't decide if it was a good thing or not.

We were especially busy training and learning with Philip, Logan and Ben. They were better than I could've hoped. Even Ben showed real experience. His fighting skills were extremely fine tuned and his strategy was legendary. He managed to come up with the most creative yet ingenious ways to attack and defend. Best of all, they all had fire in their eyes, they looked like they were ready for any challenge whatever shape or size. Maybe this mission wasn't so impossible after all.

After getting out of our last class we were called to the meeting hall to meet with Washington. Daniel caught up to me as I walked, he took a moment to catch his breath and stuttered out, "What do you think Washington's calling us for?" I shrugged.

"Probably to give us a rundown of the things we need to do before classes tomorrow."

Daniel nodded and stepped into the meeting hall. I looked to the head of the table. Hamilton stood next to Washington, his hands were tied in ropes, guards were on either side of him, their guns pointed at his abdomen. His eyes met mine but he looked away quickly. Coward.

I walked and sat down next to Daniel who had already pulled into a seat next to Audrey, they were whispering quietly glancing up at Hamilton. As the other people filled into the seats I noticed them doing the same. What was Washington thinking?

I turned to look at him, his demeanor was calm and his gaze steady. He wasn't worried, so why should I?

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, content to listen to the people shuffle around me.

"I suppose you are all wondering what Hamilton is doing here." Washington spoke in a clear tone. Steady and sure.

"He has asked to apologize."

Whispering sprung up around the room.

"He wants to apologize? As if that'd do any good." Audrey scoffed.

"Maybe he has something to say, to rest his own conscience," Archer said.

Audrey laughed, "I'm not sure that lying snake has one." Archer looked at me for help and I shrugged.

"We should stop guessing and hear him out."

"Exactly Miles." I turned to see Washington looking at me again. He turned to address the crowd.

"If you want to hear what Hamilton has to say I suggest you listen." The crowd was silent, all eyes turned and trained at Hamilton. He took a deep shuddering breath.

"I am sorry, for what I have done. No matter what you may be inclined to believe, I am not a bad man. I found a Hornet wandering in the forest, he was too close to the base, so I tried to distract him. I told him I could give him information. We started a deal, I gave him information and he relayed it back to his superiors. I did what I had to do to save you from being found out. I did this for the Founding Fathers.

"When Emma was abducted, she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I tried to tell her to go away but she wouldn't listen. Hornets men showed up and attacked her. She is dead, they dragged off her body they were going to dump it. I am deeply sorry, the hole I dug myself into is mine to fix. I am to blame. The only consolation I have is that I can tell you all the truth.

"Throw me in jail, kill me, but now you know the truth. Hopefully you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Even when I myself cannot." His voice caught and tears rolled down his face. He bowed his face in defeat. The room stood silent. The sound of a chair being pulled back shocked us out of the state. I turned to see Archer standing beside me.