Everyone was tense inside the command center. The silence after the intense bombardment from enemy mortar had given them a slight relief.
"What is the situation?" Dorothy asked Major Adams.
"The bombardment caused slight damage to the mall. Our defenders also suffered moderate casualties. One mech had suffered damage." Major Adams reported.
"I see…" Dorothy replied.
"What's the news of our getaway? Is it en route to save us?" Captain Erick sounded sarcastic asked.
"What's with the tone? Captain?" Major Adams scolded him.
"I am just asking, Major. Do not forget that we have civilians to look for," Captain Erick added.
"Captain Erick is right… Those civilians, they needed to be pampered, fed and protected. We must do something about them." Dorothy replied.
"You don't mean?" Major Adams asked, troubled about what Dorothy may decide about the civilians.
"They needed to be evacuated first. The superiors said that they are sending boats to evacuate them. We must organize at least five batches of civilians out of the premises." Dorothy suggested.
"How are we supposed to do that? Ma'am?" Captain Erick replied.
"Know your place, captain!" Major Adams scolded Captain Erick.
"I am just asking major. If you have problems with me…"
Major Adams interjected Captain Erick and replied, "Yes, I have a problem with you, captain! I think it's time to let you know your place!"
"Stop it, both of you!" Dorothy yelled at the two and added, "Now is not the time to fight."
Major Adams rescinded while Captain Erick gave him a smirk. "This is not over, captain!" Major Adams said to Captain Erick who turned his back on him.
"Where do you think you're going? Captain?" Dorothy asked.
"To the toilet, ma'am!" Captain Erick replied and left.
Dorothy was looking at Captain Erick when he left. Major Adams glanced at her. Looking at the major, Dorothy nodded at him, signaling something to him. Major Adams nodded in reply.
Inside the washroom, Captain Erick received a text message on his phone. He read the notification that said, "Finish the head of the serpent!"
Captain Erick smiled after reading the text message and sent another two messages. After sending the text messages, he threw the phone into the toilet bowl. He flushed it and then left the cubicle.
After he went from the toilet. Erick entered the command center with a gun in his hand. The other command staff were busy to notice him as he approached Dorothy standing near an officer. Captain Erick scanned his surroundings for threats.
With no one in his way, he aimed his gun at Dorothy, lining up the shot. Just as he pulled the trigger, Major Adams tackled him, pinning him to the ground.
The shot fired, hitting Dorothy in her left shoulder. She groaned, barely catching herself on a nearby table.
Major Adams struggled to wrest control of the gun from Captain Erick. Finally, he pried it away and tossed it aside.
"You're all going to die, you corporate and mercenary pigs!" Captain Erick spat, defiance etched on his face.
"Who are you working for?" Major Adams demanded, his tone urgent.
"I will not tell a soul! Not a word to the likes of you, HAHAHAH!" Captain Erick laughed maniacally as Major Adams's fists landed blows.
Medics rushed to Dorothy, administering first aid. "Don't let him get away! We need to interrogate him!" she cursed, glancing at Captain Erick.
"With the help of two command staff, Major Adams handcuffed Captain Erick's hands. Two mercenaries guarded captain Erick.
Major Adams approached and apologized to Dorothy, who responded with a glare at him. "I am really sorry, ma'am!"
"I will have a word with you, later major!" Dorothy replied, trying to maintain her composure.
"Yes, ma'am!" Major Adams said.
"You should retire for a bit, ma'am…" Major Adams, concerned about Dorothy, said.
"No thanks, I can handle myself." Dorothy said while being treated by the medics.
She grunted as the Medic continued to apply pressure to her wound.
Major Adams then radioed the commanders inside the mall and said, "This is watchtower to all commanders. Someone has compromised command. I suggest reporting any suspicious people in your ranks. We had a traitor in our ranks! Proceed with caution!".Meanwhile, at the warehouse. Andre had done his last test. The technician told him, "You are now ready to pilot the SynthMech suit, Shiva."
Andre felt a surge of excitement when he heard the technician's words. To become a SynthMech pilot was his dream, and now it will turn into a reality. The technician, noticing of Andre's demeanor, said. "If you have questions or anything you would like to say before piloting the SynthMech. Now is the time to say it."
"I'm glad!" Andre smiled and then looked at the SynthMech before him.
The technician stared at him, trying to decipher what's in his head.
"It's awesome… That's all what I can say!" Andre added.
"I see that you don't have questions. We will now proceed to the preparations for you to pilot the Shiva. Please don't let us down, Andre Wilson…" the technician said and prepared the SynthMech to be piloted by Andre.