***
Within Safe Zone 1 in a secure conference room, seven figures were seated around a table, deliberating over an issue.
"So, what do we do now? If these Stragglers really are capable of destroying the essence of a Safe Zone then we really need to act quickly," said Mr Benot, the bald Caucasian.
"Investigating that phenomenon from earlier is too risky. My stand is with leaving it for now," Mr Newman said.
"You can't be serious. What if we are ignoring another threat to our existence? We are already outnumbered, the last thing we need is the enemy evolving or something," remarked Mr Wang Zhen, the elderly Chinese man.
Floyd Newman sighed.
"You seem to be forgetting that we're not like the Elite Invigorated. We're just the standard. We have less of an ability to survive if things go terribly wrong," he said with a serious tone, gazing at his fellow Panel members.
"Your point being?" asked Mrs Regina with an inquisitive tone.
"My point is, why are you so adamant on sending our resources out there where there are even bigger unknowns? Charging straight in to investigate this could lead to very adverse results. Its bad enough that the whole of Safe Zone 4 has to be added to our Safe Zone for protection," Floyd said.
"Wouldn't it be better to send KingMaestro? There's a high chance that he could solve this mess if there's an actual target. The source of this mess, perhaps. We could end it once and for all," said chimed in Mr Karmov.
"That's wishful thinking," said Mr Newman as he gnashed his teeth. "What do you think?"
Floyd looked at his old friend. Thomas Ledston, the Commander of Safe Zone 1.
"Frankly, it's hard to tell. The problem is that Maestro has never shared in detail the extent of his innate ability. We only know its base. Its hard to tell whether it can decisively eliminate this threat, even if it is what this phenomenon is centered around," Thomas said. "Furthermore, he is awfully attached to his Safe Zone. He won't leave it without a solid reason."
The Panel members began short discussions among themselves. It was clear that the decision on what to do would be hard to come to.
"So you want to just leave it?" asked Miss Sarah Swan. She didn't think it was wise at all despite the risk.
"I wish we could do that, but I also realise the danger in that. I have a proposal, but it needs Thomas to help us pass it out in a way that does not compromise our position," said Floyd as he glanced at Thomas who nodded.
"As you all know, Thomas, my friend here, joined the council as per my request so as to be able to deliberate what's good for both standard and elite Invigorated. Not all choices we make will be pretty. Such is this one," he said before giving out his proposal.
"I propose that we send a few of our Invigorated to this island to investigate. However, so that we can manage risk, we send disposable Invigorated from other bases. Our own can't afford to lose more Invigorated. We have more people coming in and a precious item in our possession,"
"That's a bold proposal, Newman. You think any of then will take this lying down?" Regina asked with a frown. She understood the basis for the decision, but it would cause people to start asking questions.
"Of course, most won't. But that's where Thomas comes in. He'll help us give reasonable statements for this decision. Remember, this fight isn't to the death. We are buying time for Mother Earth to expel this thing. We can't sacrifice everything for a possible chance that might not be chance at all," he replied.
The room went quiet for a bit. This was probably sentencing these Invigorated to die as all signs pointed at there being a powerful enemy. It was no easy choice.
"Fine then. I won't pretend like everything I've done is for the good of mankind alone. In some way, shape or form, everyone one of us has made decisions solely to ensure their own safety in the guise of heroism. I second this," Mr Benot said.
After another brief silence, Mrs Regina, the African American lady nodded as well with a sigh leaving her mouth afterwards.
"If this is to ensure that we have more cards to play if this fails, then so be it. Our existence is also important to mankind," said Mr Karmov.
All the members consented after a time, either nodding their head or delivering a verbal agreement.
"The specifics?" asked Regina.
Floyd nodded and explained.
"Rena said that the radiation emitted by that thing is still showing up on the satellite monitors. If it moves, we will react accordingly. If it doesn't, I say we launch this operation in seven days, after the new gear has been fully assimilated into the production line. Let's at least give those we choose for the mission a better fighting chance."
***
An aeroplane landed on the landing platforms of Safe Zone 3. From it, several Elite Invigorated disembarked, wearing expressions of joy. Probably because they enjoyed the scenery of home.
Waiting for them were three individuals.
Astrid, Sandra and a man wearing spectacles that sat on the bridge of his nose. He had dark curly hair that looked extremely unkempt and the visage of an elderly.
As the crew walked over to them, Astrid walked over and smiled brilliantly.
"I'm glad our new recruits survived this one. Reports of the progress show that you didn't idle even though it was never our intention for you to join a heated battle right away. I'll need to have a word with Josh later though," she said.
Josh grimaced as he heard those words.
Everyone expressed their joy, Ana even hugging Astrid and Sandra.
As Bernard was passing by with a thoughtful expression, Astrid suddenly slapped his back so hard that he almost stumbled over.
Bernard looked over at Astrid in shock and pain, a tear even escaping his eye.
"What the heck, Astrid?! I mean, you slapped, Commander?" he said adjusting his disposition from wtf to a respectful enquiry.
Astrid only squinted her eyes and nodded, much to Bernard and everyone's confusion.
Bernard looked over to the man in the glasses and went up to offer a greeting.
'This must be the guy that Josh was talking about. Who actually does most of the work. Damn! How busy do you have to be to not be seen for two weeks,' he thought.
The man was surprised to see someone actually come to greet him out of their own volition. He hurriedly shook Bernard's hand.
"Hey dude. Its rare to see someone who appreciates other likes me who run things in the background," he said with a pleased expression.
'Dude? Man you look like you're turning 40. Not that it's a bad thing, but I expected a hermit who stays hidden under paperwork to at least have a formal way of addressing people,' thought Bernard as he smiled politely.
"Yes I heard of your hardwork behind the scenes. Guess I was just curious. Let's meet up and talk sometime," said Bernard.
"Great!" said the other man. "I'm Dexter, by the way."
"Bernard," replied Bernard.
The two separated after a while with Bernard running up to his room with great speed. Paul wanted to walk with him but he discovered that Bernard was in such a rush that he didn't hear his words.
Opening the door to his room and seeing the standard and unimpressive layout just as he had left it, he sighed in relief.
Bernard jumped on his bed and took in a breath of air from his room.
'I'm finally back. It took me less than a day of fighting to appreciate this more," said Bernard.
He still had a lot of things he needed to figure out.
First of all, was something he found out about his innate ability.