Veil of the forsaken.

"L.E.A.D.S"

The tension in the meeting room was palpable as Matthew and Mai-Lee stood across from each other, their voices rising with the weight of the discussion.

"I still don't get why you're pushing for this now," Mai-Lee said, her arms crossed tightly. "We're barely holding it together with the chaos outside, and now you want to throw a trial for L.E.A.D.S. roles?"

Matthew's eyes narrowed, his tone steady but firm. "We need to evaluate the new recruits and our trainees. The L.E.A.D.S. roles are crucial to our survival. Without strong leadership in each category, we won't make it through what's coming."

Mai-Lee scoffed. "And you think these trials will solve everything? We already have enough problems, Matt. If anything, the last thing we need is to throw more uncertainty at people who are already walking on a tightrope."

He didn't back down, his hands resting on the table as he leaned forward slightly. "I'm not asking for chaos. We need structure—L.E.A.D.S.. Leadership. Evaluation. And Development. Survival. It's not just about the trial, Mai. It's about ensuring the right people are in the right positions for the tough decisions we'll face. This is about preparation, not idealism."

Mai-Lee's gaze hardened. "We can't afford to waste time on trials when the real threats are out there, and we don't even know what half of them are."

Matthew exhaled slowly, clearly frustrated but resolute. "We won't survive without strong leadership. You know that. L.E.A.D.S. roles aren't just for show; they determine who runs what. Who oversees medics, who controls resources, who deals with strategy, defense, and the outside. This is bigger than us, Mai."

She was silent for a moment, her jaw tightening as she absorbed his words. When she finally spoke again, her tone had shifted. "I get it. But we better make damn sure that these trials mean something. We can't afford to put someone in charge who can't handle it."

Matthew nodded, acknowledging her concerns. "We won't. This trial is to make sure that doesn't happen. We're putting people through the fire, seeing who comes out stronger, who's capable of stepping up when things get real. It's not just about skills. It's about resilience."

Mai-Lee stared at him for a moment before breaking the silence. "And if they fail?"

"They get another chance. But if they fail again... we'll have to make hard choices," Matthew said, his voice cold.

Mai-Lee didn't respond immediately, but she nodded in agreement, the weight of their reality setting in.

"We start the trials next week. We need L.E.A.D.S. in place before everything goes to hell," Matthew continued, his eyes locking with hers. "We can't afford to wait any longer."

"Alright," Mai-Lee finally said, her voice lower but carrying a weight of reluctant acceptance. "I get what you're saying, Matt. But if this goes wrong, if we put someone in charge who's not ready for this—" she cut herself off, shaking her head. "We won't get another chance."

Matthew gave a firm nod. "That's why we're doing this. We can't afford to mess up with these decisions. L.E.A.D.S. roles can't be filled by anyone who isn't tough enough to handle what's coming."

She exhaled sharply, stepping forward and resting her hand on the table. "Fine. I'll back it. But we need to vet these candidates thoroughly. No shortcuts. If we're putting lives in their hands, they better damn well earn it."

"Agreed," Matthew said, his eyes flicking to the door as a quiet knock interrupted their conversation. The door cracked open, and Father Gonzales stepped in, his usually calm demeanor strained.

"We've got incoming," Father Gonzales said, his voice even but urgent. "Dorothea's with the rest of the team. They're ready to brief us."

Mai-Lee and Matthew exchanged a glance before Matthew spoke up again, his tone changing. "Alright, let's meet them. We'll talk more after the briefing."

The meeting room quickly filled with the others—Dorothea, Art, and the boy they had brought in, still looking nervous and uncertain, standing near the back of the group. Mai-Lee barely spared him a glance as she took her seat, but Matthew stood tall at the head of the table.

Art stepped forward, his usual calm presence grounding the room. "We made it out, but things are escalating. The boy," he motioned toward the teenager, whose face was pale, "might have information we need."

Mai-Lee didn't miss the sharpness in Matthew's eyes as he glanced at the boy. He had been silent through the exchange, but the tension in his posture was evident.

"His name's Andrew," Dorothea continued. "He was caught stealing from the VLTR lab. He claims he was gathering chemicals for his sister. She's sick, and he's desperate to save her."

Matthew's gaze shifted to Andrew, his expression unreadable. "And you believe him?" Mai-Lee asked, her skepticism clear in her voice.

"We don't have any other leads," Art replied, his voice firm. "And even if he's lying, we can't just leave him here to fend for himself. We brought him in for a reason."

Matthew nodded slowly. "We'll put him through the same vetting process as everyone else. If he's useful, he stays. If not..." He trailed off, but the implication hung heavily in the air.

Dorothea's eyes narrowed, and she leaned forward. "You're seriously going to make this kid prove himself now? After everything we just went through?"

Matthew's gaze never wavered. "I didn't make the rules. We need all the hands we can get, but they better be capable ones."

Andrew, who had been quiet up until this point, shifted uncomfortably. His voice was soft but desperate. "I swear, I'm not lying. I need those chemicals for my sister. I didn't want to get caught, but she's dying, and I don't know what else to do."

Father Gonzales sighed, his gaze full of pity but his voice resolute. "We all have our burdens, son. But desperation can lead to poor choices."

Matthew's voice was firm but not without a hint of understanding. "You're not the first one to go to extremes for someone you care about, Andrew. But right now, you're in our hands. And if you're going to stay here, you'll have to prove your worth."

Andrew nodded quickly, his eyes wide. "I'll do anything. I'll prove myself."

"Good," Matthew said, his gaze softening just slightly, "but talk is cheap. You'll start by joining the trial."

Mai-Lee let out a sharp breath, her arms crossed again. "A trial, huh? You're really pushing this, aren't you?"

Matthew looked back at her, the steely resolve in his eyes. "The L.E.A.D.S. trial is happening, and everyone in this room will have to face it eventually. Whether they're rookies or veterans. We need to know who can lead, who can think, and who can follow orders under pressure."

The group fell into a tense silence, the weight of Matthew's words settling in. There was no arguing with him now. Everyone knew what had to be done, even if they didn't agree with it.

"Alright," Art said, breaking the silence. "We'll get it set up. But you'd better be prepared for some pushback. Not everyone's going to be thrilled about these trials."

Matthew's eyes hardened, but he nodded. "I'm ready for that. Let's move forward. The trials start tomorrow."

End of part.