Behind the Mask (Part 1)

Chapter 7: A Plan Involving a Certain Hunter (Part 3)

 Meet me in the command room, Siel typed.

Sure, but give me a moment to settle things over here, the response came shortly afterward.

Drumming his fingers on the black dashboard, he thought, It’s probably the best approach to talk to Hunter as Siel. Perhaps I’ll reveal myself. But in the meanwhile…

He had recently set up a one-to-one intercom with many other head leaders in the building, in addition to his R leader, feeling it necessary in comparison to the general transmitters.

“Lein, how is the construction?” Lein had recently had been promoted to head of the miner and metal wing. The former head decided to take a step down, as he wanted to spend more time with his family and switched places with him.

“Fine. We’re still working in rebuilding the buildings the Roaquens destroyed in the previous battle.”                                                                                                                  

“Approximately how long will that take?”

“Only a few more days. I have many free workers with me, so at the moment, we’re on schedule.”

“Good.” Siel switched to a different intercom. “Hugh, the analysis of the Roaquen robot?” There was silence. He mentally sighed. I’ll bet he’s jut playing with me. “Head of the science and mechanics, are you in?”

“Hugh is in,” Hugh responded. “Yes, what do you need, Siel?”

Siel sighed softly. “I need you to respond like any other head does.”

“Which is?”

“Never mind. The analysis of the Roaquen battle robot?”

“It’s underway. I’m finding some pretty interesting things, though. Those clever Roaquens.”

“I’ll be heading over to your wing later on today, so try having it prepared before then.”

“Depending on when you’ll come, sure.” Hugh signed off and continued working.

Siel waited a minute before his R leader entered the room. “Sorry for the wait,” Gabe apologized while pulling his helmet off. The soundproof walls were already in effect.

“Not a problem. So about Hunter. What would you say would be the best approach in talking with him?”

“Well it depends. Are you tying to win his heart over? Or are you going to place a barrier and keep the distance?”

“Probably win his heart over?” Silvie responded in an unsure tone.

“Well then do you plan on appearing before him as Siel or Silvie?”

“And here I was hoping you would give me advice on that,” she muttered.

He smiled slightly. “So what’s your decision?”

“Give me a moment… very well, I’ll go as I am now. But you can come along anyway.”

“Wouldn’t it make more sense if you brought someone else? Such as, I don’t know, Caleb? He’d be a pretty good protector.”

“Busy talking with the artillery man.”

“Okay, then Hugh?”

“Hugh’s busy with Hunter’s battle robot,” Siel responded with a wave of the hand.

“Okay. When do you plan on visiting him?”

“Now is fine.”

“Now?”