The stark, gleaming halls of the Eternal Intelligence Directorate (EID) reflected the weight of the task at hand. Black banners adorned with the golden fleur-de-lis of the kingdom hung solemnly along the lobby, their rich fabric catching the soft glow of the ambient lighting. The EID's headquarters exuded a sense of precision and power-designed to embody the unyielding resolve of the Golden Eternal Kingdom.
Ghost entered through the main doors, his white and black armor a stark contrast against the lobby's polished obsidian floor. His presence was impossible to ignore; even here, among agents used to dealing with the most dangerous threats, his reputation preceded him. The Captain of the Royal Guard-protector of the throne and Second-in-Command to King Monn-was not a man to be trifled with.
As Ghost strode across the lobby, his sharp gaze swept the room, noting the agents moving with purpose. Their whispered conversations and the occasional tap of boots against the floor were the only sounds in the space. The air was thick with the tension of a kingdom at war, though the EID's work was always shrouded in secrecy.
At the end of the lobby stood Director Athos Vel, the head of the EID. Clad in a tailored black uniform with gold accents, Vel was an imposing figure in his own right. His hair, silvered from years of service, and the faint scars on his hands hinted at a storied career in the shadows of the Eternal Kingdom's enemies.
"Captain," Vel greeted as Ghost approached, his voice low but firm. "Welcome to the Directorate."
Ghost gave a small nod, his expression serious but respectful. "Director Vel. I trust the situation with the Sons of Liberation and their benefactors is progressing."
Vel gestured toward a door at the far end of the lobby. "We'll discuss everything in the briefing room. This way."
The two men moved through the labyrinthine halls of the EID's headquarters, passing walls lined with mission plaques and historical artifacts from the Directorate's many victories. Ghost said little as they walked, his thoughts focused on the mission at hand. The Sons of Liberation had proven to be a greater threat than anticipated, and their connection to a foreign nation on the watchlist demanded swift action.
The briefing room was a secure chamber, its walls reinforced to prevent any form of eavesdropping. A holographic table dominated the center of the room, projecting a map of the Golden Eternal Kingdom and the surrounding regions. Key locations were marked with red and yellow indicators, each representing potential threats or active operations.
Vel activated the display, zooming in on a region deep within the territory of one of the major nations suspected of supplying the Sons of Liberation.
"This is where our latest intelligence points," Vel began, his tone clipped. "We've tracked the movement of arms and supplies from this region, funneled through a network of black-market traders and corrupt officials. The Sons of Liberation are using these resources to fund their guerrilla campaign against us."
Ghost leaned over the table, his piercing gaze fixed on the map. "And the nation itself? Have they officially denied involvement?"
Vel nodded grimly. "They've issued denials, of course. But we've intercepted communications that suggest complicity at high levels. Whether it's rogue elements within their government or a coordinated effort, we can't say yet. What we do know is that the supply lines are well-organized and heavily protected."
Ghost straightened, his expression unreadable. "So, we cut off their lifeline. Target the supply routes, dismantle the network, and make an example of their leaders."
Vel hesitated, then gave a small nod. "That's the plan. But there's a complication. The Sons of Liberation aren't just operating in the shadows anymore. They've begun to recruit openly in the rural areas, promising protection from what they claim is the kingdom's overreach. Public sentiment in some regions is shifting."
Ghost's jaw tightened. "If they're gaining sympathy, it's because we haven't been swift enough. I want actionable plans, Vel. The King expects results, and so do I."
Vel brought up another display, showing dossiers on key figures within the Sons of Liberation and their foreign allies. "We have a list of targets-high-value individuals whose removal would cripple their operations. Our field agents are ready to move as soon as we have the green light."
Ghost studied the profiles, his mind already calculating the risks and benefits of each potential operation. "Coordinate with Zeta Squadron for air support. If we're going to strike, we hit hard and leave no room for retaliation."
Vel's lips curled into a faint smile. "Already in motion. I assumed you'd want Zeta involved."
"Good," Ghost replied, his voice firm. "Keep me informed. I'll report back to the King once we have results."
As the meeting concluded, Ghost turned to leave, his thoughts racing. The Sons of Liberation were no longer just a domestic threat; they were the spark threatening to ignite a global conflict. The decisions made in the coming days would shape the future of the kingdom-and Ghost intended to ensure that future was one of strength and unity.
Stepping back into the lobby, Ghost paused for a moment, his gaze flicking to the banners bearing the kingdom's emblem. The fleur-de-lis shimmered in the light, a symbol of the Golden Eternal Kingdom's resilience. With a final glance, Ghost adjusted his armor and strode toward the exit. The time for action was now.
YOU ARE READING
Eternal.
Science Fiction"They stood with us, side by side, Fighting through battles as the nights got colder. Their blades once lit up the battlefield, And their voices were strong-but now, it's quiet. I can still remember the way they laughed, The way they'd charge into t...
