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Chapter 30

“We have called today to address the direct attacks and the provisions of aid with each prefecture.” The captain’s authority demanded the attention of the room. 

From his stance, he showed no indication of offence or defence. Instead he held a diplomatic air with reason. The problem with diplomacy is the consumption of human emotion, mainly greed and fear, in the discussion of policy making which allowed no room for agreeability amongst the groups. This was human nature we are dealing with where words and actions do not meet. 

“The circumstances are as follows; we were ambushed twice. One outside during delivery and one on our base. There are many abnormalities in the tactics by the assailants. I ask for any other intel on the attacks or status updates on the condition of the alliance.”

The captain stressed the word alliance, throwing not-so-subtle hints of his suspicion. 

“We are unable to provide aid due to the burdens of attacks and the lack of provisions. Our condolences on your losses.” 

“Snakes.” I heard San hiss. 

I caught sight of Cynthia who lingered in the back of her group. She caught my line of sight. Her eyes beckoned a warning. She turned away as a groupmate eyed her suspiciously. 

“From the amount of members attending this conference, your incompetence to comply with the alliance really shows your capabilities as a society.” The sharp words prompted a scoff from the previous spokesperson. “May I remind you who has the most and least personnel? It’s quite reflective of the quality of your society.”

The sass from the analytics lady was unparalleled. Various members from around the room hid their snickering, some covering their reddening faces. The humiliated individual sat back down, humbled too quickly. The lady adjusted her glasses before continuing. 

“There is a lack of transparency across most members. We ask those to kindly come forth with intel. Especially when rises in attacks can establish patterns behind each ambush.”

Nobody stepped forth. The eagle-eyed lady raised an eyebrow. 

“Would the rumours be true then?” 

The air stilled. Nobody dared to breathe loudly. The room was on thin ice. One wrong tread and the whole thing would shatter and submerge. 

“What are you suggesting?” A person spoke up.

“It’s a shame some of you continue to hide like cowards.” Tension was rising. “You think I wouldn’t know some of you would be easily bought out.” 

The band-aid was now painfully ripped off. A person from behind leapt up from their seat and charged. Before I could register anything, my ears rang from a deafening bang. The person stood still before falling backwards. A clear hole emitted smoke dead centre of their forehead. Directly opposite with holsters empty was a hooded figure. 

“No weapons are to be unsheathed throughout the meeting. Penalty by death.” 

“This means war.” Others leapt up from their seats, fingers condemning the figure. 

“Rich coming from you traitors but aren’t we all?” Pearly white teeth flashed from under the shadow of the hood. 

“Withdraw your accusations at once.” Another leader pointed at the mysterious entity. “Who are you?” 

The cloaked figure turned away. A barrel was pointed at them. Another bang and the concealed rifle clattered to the ground. Smaller groups that didn’t anticipate a fight fled to the doors, having cleared out half the room. The figure made no attempt to prevent the escape of insignificant characters.