"They're both doing fine." Heimer replied.
"I'm sure they are" Malcolm leaned back on his chair. "Where are they, I need a definite answer."
"Luka is currently in bed sleeping whilst Collin is currently part of the research team." Heimer replied.
"And you didn't see them fit to join the expedition team, they weren't even in the instatement ceremony.
And as far as I know they aren't here either, the Merls family wants to know of their son's condition, no complaints from the Hayes but it's something we can't overlook." Gerald said whilst turning through the pages of the book.
"Both aren't blessed for battle, but I can provide them if you need.
Now that's sorted I believe we can start talks on the next expedition." Heimer said in a lax manner.
"Stop this foolery, you know why we're here.
There is no escaping out of this situation Heimer." He put the gun to Heimer's head with Heimer not faltering at all. "Your words always hold credibility so why are you finding it hard to answer it.
Your silence already counts as affirmation that you knew before the expedition but you hoarded all this information.
What we want to know is what your source is." Malcolm asked.
[...]
[...]
Silence, that's all there was for a while until Malcolm broke it. "Is your skull now strong enough to stop bullets Heimer!"
"..." Heimer was silent. "Iv'e confirmed what I needed to."
"Why do you choose to stay quiet Hei-" Malcolm was stressed.
Heimer raised his hands up. "I'll speak…in return…don't harm those under me."
Malcolm loosened his grip on the gun… "-O-Of course…Finally" he said in a relieved manner.
"It was a book we stumbled upon by chance months ago..." Heimer went on to explain about the book and Luka.
–
Their faces were surprised although somewhat stale of a reaction contrary to what was expected, maybe it stemmed from age or the rationale that came with it, whatever it was it left Heimer a bit shocked.
"...So that's what it was." [click] Malcolm raised the gun this time cocking it.
"After I pull this trigger the next to die will be those under you.
Your biggest mistake was refusing the offer to rise up." Malcolm had a determined look on his face.
"I'd rather die than sit in office whilst the ones under me do the dirty work.
Those of ability ought to do what they can." Heimer said with his conviction etched into his eyes.
"You know as well that I do that there is a reason the system is like this Heimer!
It's because it works, how many years will it take for you to understand that, you need to step away for others to grow!
What use is a cornerstone that stops other stones from being laid." Malcolm said in fury.
"Get it over with already, you all have been looking for a reason to get rid of me.
I assume I've made it laughably easy for you this time." Heimer had a sad look on his face as he closed his eyes taking in the atmosphere. "...What a pity." He shook his head.
Malcolm lowered his gun a little, "Pity?"
"What a pity that you would reduce your military strength in such a foolish way.
The less the awakened, the harder it will be for the empire to survive…no, hopeless that's what it'll be.
Not one of you is surviving.
You are willingly choosing to waste the military strength they'll provide-" Heimer took short stares at them in intervals.
"Haaa!
We're handling the matter at the wall just fine, what makes you think we wouldn't be able to handle anything that comes at us?" Gerald added.
"We'd rather have soldiers whom we can control than independent superhumans-" Malcolm was interrupted.
"Awakened, chosen-" Said Heimer.
"Dogs, that's all you and your group should be if you want to be useful but we're long past that." Malcolm looked at his watch. "It looks like time is up."
–
[BANG] A loud bang reverberated through the room.
–
Malcolm's heart skipped a beat, and then another bang, and then another; but not quite of his making — it was the door being banged at.
Heimer looked at the tip of the barrel and the arms that held it gently lowering as the banging continued.
Gerald stood and began walking towards the door but was stopped by Malcolm. "I'll get it…"
"Who could be there, are there any that could behave this way in a room filled with people of our status." Malcolm pondered as he retracted the gun and held it close to his chest.
He walked towards the door then abruptly unlocked it with a key from his waist, then stood and waited as it was pushed open by the one behind it.
To the surprise of Malcolm, It was a girl in uniform no more than a corporal, she held a rolled up paper in hand; it was a letter.
"Have you run mad?!" Malcolm asked as she extended the letter towards him whilst bowing.
She looked restless and frightened, and was sweating a lot. "Sir!
Y- you have…to read this." Her timid voice utted out words that were sparse.
"What is this…" Malcolm muttered whilst taking the letter from her hands, and soon reading the contents in amazement.
His expression was jarred and his skin turned pale and cold. "When did this come in?" He asked the girl.
"Some minutes ago." She replied.
"My God…tell your superiors to assemble as many as possible.
We can't let this escalate!" He spread his hand gesturing for her to leave, his tone was firm and alert.
Malcolm sat in front of Heimer, he placed the paper on the table and he had just read the contents out to them.
"Exactly how useful can your men be?" Malcolm asked Heimer with a look matching the gravity of the mess they were in.