Aftermath || Sequel to The World Without Them [HIATUS]

08 | Operation Citadel

"There you go. Welcome to the team, new head of security."

Frost, Sage, Mana, Acacia, and Corinne stood in the lobby of the Capitol Building, many of their allies filling the space around them. There was an excited buzz about the chamber, and everyone watched eagerly as the blue-haired boy finished pinning a gold badge to Corinne's sleek black blazer. As soon as he had drawn away and returned his hands to his side, a cheer rose up amongst their comrades, their claps and voices echoing throughout the halls.

Corinne glanced down at her new accessory as the crowd slowly began to disburse and get back to their assigned duties. A few still lingered around, but one sideways glance from either Frost or Acacia sent them hurrying away.

"I haven't felt this official since I was literally an official," the woman joked, gently taking the badge between her thumb and index finger to study the beautifully engraved H.S on its surface. She looked up at Frost. "Thanks, kid. I'll wear it well."

"I know you will. You're the only one I'd trust with the position anyway," he replied with a grin.

Sage nodded, obviously pleased. "You'll do great."

"You can count on me to keep everyone safe; no one will touch you all if I'm here to do anything about it." Corinne crossed her arms over her chest, and her expression reverted to its usual serious appearance. "There's going to have to be some changes around here, like investing in a bigger task force and just more security in general. I'll try to work that out soon."

The boy nodded. "You're the best with stuff like that. If you ever need help, let us know and we can try to help."

"Oh please. I think you three have a lot more on your plate than I do. Just leave it to me." The ex-government worker paused. "As nice as all of this was, we still have very urgent matters to attend to."

Frost and Sage exchanged curious glances as Acacia raised an eyebrow and looked around to make sure no one was listening in.

"Is it about the strongholds?" The purplette inquired under her breath.

"Yes. I think I finally have a plan to get them under our control. Follow me, everyone."

~~~~~~

The group retreated towards a common room located on the opposite end of the Capitol Building from the lobby, an area where many people within their ranks couldn't access; much like the underground conference rooms that all of them found much too stifling to put up with for long periods of time.

Along the way they picked up Jaxton Ridge, whose presence surprised Frost more and more every time they came in contact. He was still exceptionally quiet even after being around them for a couple weeks. In fact, the teen couldn't recall if he had ever heard the stone-like man speak. Whenever he met up with them he would always bring up the rear, as if keeping watch from behind, and his analytical stare seemed to capture every detail of his surroundings. It made Frost feel safer to a certain extent, but at the same time he couldn't help but be slightly unnerved by him.

"The strongholds are going to be a problem, but we have to take them out of commission at the same time."

Frost snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Corinne's authoritative voice. They had finally reached their destination, and she held the door open for them. Everyone shuffled in, and the overhead lights immediately switched on once their presence was detected. Frost, Sage, and Acacia had to settle for the couch placed in the middle of the space, and it was only then that he realized that there was no other piece of furniture to be seen. Mana hopped up into his lap and rested her head in the crook of his neck with a content chuckle.