A meeting was called the next morning, we all had to come for it was mandatory. I was not excited to see his face again first thing in the morning. I threw on some black jeans and a grey sweater I left my hair in a loose ponytail over my shoulder. We all had to gather in a room below the hotel. Heading to the back of the building I find the elevator.
Joel had designed it so that only people apart of the group could enter through a retina scan, he put mine in a month or so after I got here. Using it was still a weird experience but it didnt matter, I just wanted to get in and get out. The doors opened and I stepped into the metal box, blue lights rested at the top giving off a blue hue within it. I go down about 4 stories before exiting into another grey stoned hallway. It was clean and seemed to just hold meeting or office rooms, nothing spectacular.
By the time I get to the room the lights were dim, Raylee, Lillith and Joel sat near Cormac on the opposite side of the table. It was a circular table with a hologram in the center, Joel was working on getting everything set up. I decide to sit on the opposite side of the table trying not to match Cormac's gaze. I looked him over quickly though, his hair was a mess and he wore a plain t-shirt with joggers, dark circles lined his undereyes, perhaps he didnt sleep last night, Why I dont know nor do I really care.
I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest. Soon enough everyone else fell into the room and now sat in there own seats. After everyone was settled Cormac began to speak.
"Thank you all for getting here first thing in the morning, this would not of been able to wait for we need to take action soon."
He takes a sip of coffee.
"As you are well aware I have been absent for a week or so, time though feels differently out there then here. But I have learnt something new, Raylee to has learnt something about the prisoners you took captive in recent days, I will let her continue first."
He nods at her before taking his seat letting her stand. She looked like she fit there, at the head of a table talking and sometimes commanding the rest of us, a secondary leader so to speak.
I couldnt help but give an approving nod her way, im not certain she noticed it though. I wondered though what did Cor find out while he was gone.
"Yes as you all know we captured and detained a few of the members from one of the major gangs working within the city. We have learnt that they were hired to infiltrate the bar looking for something to pin against us and for one person in particular."
She looks towards me, my breath catches in my throat and I dig my nails into my palm to try and ignore the anger boiling beneath the surface.
"She could be the reason for our undoing"
My heart sinks a bit, I didnt realize how displeased she seemed with my presence. But she begins to talk again
"But, Cormac has seen potential in her, and now I have to."
I jump up in my seat.
"What are you talking about Ray? I havent done anything but cause problems for you guys, how could you see potential in someone who doesnt even see it themselves?"
I realize I am standing my hands resting on the table.
"Now dont get it in you head silver, but you are still reckless, untrained and not fully grasping that of which you have become a part of, but even with what you lack you make up for in determination, you want to learn and we will support you in those endeavors and help you unlock your true potential, though that is not the point here.
We have learnt that this is only the beginning and if we dont take action only more is to come, The governess, she grows impatient, she wants her prize back, even if it was one they stole years ago. She wont stop until she gets you back. Each day we are all in more danger meaning we cant sit around idlly anymore, we need to take action, and soon."
I sit back down listening to her explain. They were closing in on us our time was rather limited already, they could strike at anytime again. Cormac begins to speaks again.
"Thank you Ray you may take a seat again."
she nods taking her place again.
"So as you can all tell the time has come, we cant sit and wait anymore its time to take action. As some of you know I have someone on the inside that has gathered information to help us in this rather large feat we are soon to take. They met with me last night and are here right now but have to head back soon to not cause suspicion."
As Cormac beckons to a separate door I hadnt seen earlier it opens and a person exits, heading over to Cormac's side. He looked familiar to me, light brown hair that sat messily on his head along with a tan skin tone, and bright brown eyes. He stood like a soldier slightly leaner then Cor and about 5 inches shorter.
"As you all know Carl here has been working with us inside the governesses headquarters, undercover as one of her Soliders. He has gathered important intel he would like to share."
Thats when it hit me, he was there the same night Cormac found me and we hid from the guards, Carl was a part of that group and god was he good at acting then. I sunk in my chair a bit hoping he wouldnt look in my direction. He then spoke,
"Yes, it turns out Aria has been taking in people, training them specifically for the job to take you all down before you can cause more harm. They are usually low lifes who have nothing better to do even if it means selling there soul for some quick cash. But I have seen personally what they do to those who have failed and trust me it isnt pretty.
The fact of the matter though is they are being equipped with a number of different skills,tortured into submission and to take orders from there superiors. Im pretty sure this is the beginning of a much larger threat, and that el doro is only going to spread it to those in other cities, so they can destroy the rebellion before it has fully began."
The room is silent as we take this in. Julius breaks the silence.
"Alright well then we better finish what we have started then."
Cormac looks over to him.
"Its not as simple as that, Carl you can take your leave now, return to your post. We will send you an inscribed letter if we need you again"
Carl bows and exits out the door he came through earlier.
Motioning to Joel he opens something up on the hologram.
"We are planning on infiltrating the governesses halls, taking them down, saving who we can and escaping the city for it is no longer safe to stay within its walls. I already have a few allies on the outside that can help us in the beginning.
There are towns and villages littered throughout the lands we can stop in for supplies or knowledge, most of them are ran by gangs or smugglers, mercenaries and more, Not all of them will be welcoming or easily swayed to help us, but that is not our focus right now.
Our best bet is to enter the governesses halls, known as Sanctum, Its within the most wealthy part of the city, fortified well, we would never get in by going head on but luckily there are several wings, some that have been abandoned.
Joel was able to find one that most likely has been entirely forgotten due to how much of a taint it left on Sanctum. The entrance is in the remnants so we will have to be careful but it is our best bet to get inside."
Julius pipes up.
"Alright boss then whats the plan once we get in there?"
Cormac smiles
"Well I know my way around and Joel was able to get blueprints of the old layout to so we can navigate the new and old hallways."
Joel jumps in for a second.
"It wasnt easy but I was able to import it into the tech we already have, each of your arm bands have been upgraded with new software, by using it we can see the maps and see where everyone else is at the same time.
only I can see where the enemies may be coming from, we didnt have time to incorporate it. So my job in this mission will have me held in a secret location in Sanctum where I can watch and talk to each group to help you along the way."
Molly who I almost forgot about jumps up.
"So your telling me were splitting up again?"
Cormac nods.
"Yes from one larger group into two smaller groups, we each have our own minor goal then a main goal will take on all together. Me and Raylee will be the leaders of each group, assigned to Raylee are Viktor, Titus and Sona."
Sona stops him for a moment.
"Viktor is still recovering from his injury last week though, the serums have helped speed the process up but he wont be ready for at least another week."
"I already figured that part out Sona, we have just over a week before we end up putting the plan into practice. It will give time for healing and for training which everyone is going to need so that our skills are at the best we can have them at this time.
The second group if you havent already guessed will be me, Cyra, Julius and Molly. Lillith will stay out of site until we need her and Joel is our Overseer throughout the whole mission."
Raylee then speaks.
"Our two main goals are one to get Magnus out of there hands and the other is to figure out where the humans and the ones experimented on are hiding out so we can send to help them. Once we have Cyra safely out of the city they to will be transported to a rehabilitation centre that is in the works right now. This will not be an easy feat but we have to try our damndest to begin turning the tides, every victory is another step closer to the end of El doro."
Cormac begins to finish off the meeting
"With each of our unique skills we can do anything, they will surely be put to the test but if we work hard and we dont give up this will be the beginning of a new day. You all have a week to prepare and then it is showtime. Now go and rest up get your energy and begin what you were born to do. Meeting adjourned."
He says swiping the hologram away letting the lights come back on again. Everyone began to get up and head out. This was all happening realy quickly, I dont know if I can handle it but winners never give up, so I to will never give up. As I get ready to leave Cormac calls out to me.
"Cyra, wait please. I need to talk to you quickly."
I turn around slowly and press my nails into my palms.
"What is it now C, id rather not be looked down at by you."
His back was still to me as he shakes his head before leaning against the table.
"Just stand with me for a minute."
I wait a moment then hesitantly walk over to stand beside him. I look towards the back wall as we have a moment of silence before he talks again.
"I wanted to apologize to you, to Lillith and them as well but mainly you. I wasnt in the right mindset last night and shouldnt have snapped at any of you. I dont expect you to take my apology but I had to get it off my chest."
I look over to him and see his expression change, it was something of regret rather then anger. It softened his rough features and showed he is still a young adult. He is only 24, only a few years older then me, sometimes though that was easy to forget. He looked human for once.
Taking in a deep breath I look to the ceiling.
"We all have bad days but it doesnt make us who we are. Make sure to remind yourself of that."
He looks over to me, a small smirk on his face. He doesnt say anything else. I touch his shoulder and give him a small smile.
"I will see you in training, make sure you get some sleep though to, your going to need it."
He simply nods before I pat him on the arm a few times before walking away back out into the simple grey hall.