Mercer, the military commander of the Commonwealth, couldn't contain his curiosity and questioned Airon directly. He raised an eyebrow and stared intently at the man.
"How much stronger is your community compared to the CRM? Do you think we are inferior?"
Airon responded sarcastically, letting out a brief ironic smile.
"Oh, Mercer, it's hard to accurately determine how much power we have compared to the CRM. We could have anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 survivors, a number that surely surpasses the capacity of your beloved Commonwealth."
Airon's words echoed in the room, leaving an air of uncertainty and a clear understanding that the CRM was a formidable and superior force in terms of numbers.
"Do not underestimate our capabilities, Mercer. Our reach and resources are vast, and I have relentless soldiers at my disposal. We are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure a safe future for humanity, even if it means eliminating any obstacle in our path."
Airon paused, allowing his words to sink in for those present, including Mercer. The room fell silent, with palpable tension in the air.
Airon's sarcastic response made it clear that the CRM was an imposing force, capable of surpassing the Commonwealth in terms of resources and numbers. Mercer, along with the other high-ranking members of the community, began to realize the magnitude of the challenge they faced and the need for careful strategic decisions in this imminent conflict.
Airon looked at everyone in the room, maintaining his gaze firm and determined. With an authoritative voice, he spoke directly and forcefully to them.
"Listen to me carefully. We have two clear and concrete options on the table. The first option is to willingly join the forces of the S.C.T., to our mission of unifying and protecting this country. If you choose to do so, together we can take control of every corner of this nation in less than five years. We will be stronger and more capable of facing any threat that arises."
He paused briefly, allowing his words to resonate in the room.
"The second option is to choose to resist and reject our proposal. In that case, I will use all necessary resources and force to take over the entire Commonwealth. Do not doubt for a second that we have the capabilities to achieve it. This is your opportunity to avoid a violent confrontation and join us in building a safe future for humanity."
Silence filled the room as the high-ranking members of the Commonwealth absorbed Airon's words. Their faces reflected a mix of concern, uncertainty, and consideration of the presented options. They were all aware of the implications and consequences of their choice.
Airon waited for a few moments, allowing the gravity of the situation to settle in each individual present. He knew that this decision would determine the fate of the Commonwealth and how they would face the uncertain future looming over them.
But unexpectedly, something happened that changed the intensity of the conversation.
"Don't you dare underestimate the Commonwealth!"
Filled with fury and defiance, Mercer stood up from his seat and pointed his weapon directly at Airon. However, before he could fire, Airon was quicker and raised his left arm, revealing the impressive robotic arm that responded to his brain commands.
With a cold and determined look, Airon aimed his robotic arm at Pamela Milton, making it clear the power he had at his disposal. In a firm tone, he briefly explained how his prosthesis was equipped with a high-caliber cannon capable of firing a bullet powerful enough to take a life in an instant.
At that moment, Glenn and George acted swiftly. They immobilized two nearby soldiers, seizing their weapons and pointing them at the rest of the people in the room. The tension in the room became palpable as everyone found themselves in a situation of mutual threat.
Silence echoed in the room, only interrupted by the heavy breathing and accelerated heartbeats of those present. It was evident that the confrontation had reached its most critical point, and any false move could trigger a violent confrontation.
Amidst the tension, Airon and Mercer stared at each other, each aware of the dangerous situation they were in. Both leaders were willing to do whatever it took to protect their own and achieve their goals, even if it meant a direct confrontation between them.
With a loud noise, numerous soldiers from the Commonwealth, led by Alicia Clark, burst into the room. Their weapons initially aimed at Airon's group, creating a tense silence that seemed to foreshadow an imminent clash. Mercer, confident in his position, stepped forward and offered Airon the opportunity to surrender.
"Airon, this doesn't have to end in violence! Surrender and avoid further bloodshed."
Airon let out a cold, contemptuous laugh, looking down at Mercer with arrogance. "Do you really think your defenses are so solid, Mercer? Allow me to show you an uncomfortable truth. I have infiltrators in your ranks, soldiers who have been tempted by power and the promise of a better future."
Airon's words hit Mercer like a punch to the gut. The trust he had built in his army quickly crumbled. Frustration and disappointment filled his thoughts as he looked around, questioning who could be the traitors among his ranks.
"You're lying!"
Airon smiled satisfactorily, enjoying the confusion in Mercer's eyes.
"The men and women in your army are strong, but everyone has their weaknesses. It only took a small crack in their hearts to open the doors to power and the promise of a new order."
As Mercer grappled with the reality of betrayal, the other high-ranking officials and soldiers of the Commonwealth shared his surprise and concern.
"How could this happen? How did we not notice the infiltrators?"
In an instant, the situation became even more tense. More than half of the soldiers who had entered the room redirected their weapons towards Mercer, Pamela Milton, the other high-ranking officials of the Commonwealth, and the soldiers loyal to them. The atmosphere was filled with an atmosphere of distrust and danger.
Mercer felt the initial confidence rapidly fade away. He was now in a vulnerable position, surrounded by the barrels of threateningly pointed guns. He realized that the decisions he had made up to that point may have led to inevitable mistrust and betrayal.
Pamela Milton, on the other hand, felt overwhelmed by the sense that everything she had built was in jeopardy. Her thoughts were filled with concern and anxiety as she tried to assess the options she had left. She knew that the survival of her community was at stake and that she had to make wise and swift decisions to protect her people.
The other high-ranking officials of the Commonwealth and the loyal soldiers watched the situation with unease and bewilderment. They were caught in the middle of a confrontation between two powerful leaders, and the consequences of any false move could be catastrophic.
In the charged atmosphere, each person weighed their options and considered possible ways out. Gazes crossed, revealing a mix of determination, fear, and calculation. The room was filled with tense silence, broken only by the sound of heavy breathing and the clenching of tightly held weapons.
In the midst of that uncertainty, the fate of both groups hung by a thread. Each person had to choose their path, knowing that their decisions would have lasting repercussions in the upcoming battle.