The fluorescent lights dimmed, casting long shadows over the room as a hologram flickered to life above the metal table. Thaurex, his squad, the General, and the Prime Minister of the planet, Mr. Zaulkom, sat in silence, their faces illuminated by the blue glow.
"This operation is straightforward," Mr. Zaulkom began, his tone clipped. "We've received intel that Avitraux is hiding in a massive, artificial cave on an exo-planet designated V.D.L.38."
The General stepped forward. "The Black Mamba is reportedly in that same cave, alongside Avitraux."
Thaurex leaned back in his chair, unimpressed. "And what exactly do you want us to do? Destroy the thing?"
"No," Mr. Zaulkom replied, folding his hands as he leaned over the table. "I want you to destroy the entire cave."
A tense silence settled over the group. Ruco's brow furrowed. "But... wouldn't that set off the Black Mamba?"
"That's the plan," the General said without hesitation. "We'll use the planet as collateral damage."
Thaurex's eyes narrowed, anger simmering just below the surface. "Absolutely not. What if there's something in that cave—information about Falethier?"
Mr. Zaulkom exchanged a brief glance with the General, irritation flashing across his face. He turned back to Thaurex. "Still chasing ghosts, are you?" he said, his voice thick with disdain.
The room fell into uneasy silence.
Ruco broke it with a question. "Why not send the military? This sounds like a job for them."
"Too many eyes," the General responded flatly. "We can't risk the exposure."
Mr. Zaulkom scanned the room. "Any more questions?"
The room remained quiet. With a nod, the Prime Minister dismissed the meeting. The hologram fizzled out, and the fluorescent lights hummed back on as everyone began to file out.
Thaurex stayed behind, his gaze locked on the General. Just before the man could leave, Thaurex grabbed his arm with a grip like iron.
"I better get the information I need about Falethier," Thaurex warned, his voice low and dangerous. "Or else."
He shoved the General's arm away and walked out without another word.