A week had passed since their arrival. His soldiers and Jack himself had started getting anxious. His people's wounds were serious, but they had recovered.
Everyone from his unit was gathered in one room. They understood that their fate was about to be decided. The room had a large screen.
The girl who had negotiated with them by the helicopters was familiar to Jack from the insignia on her uniform. During their time on the base, the only ones they had seen without masks were the children and the girl looking after them, but it was obvious to him that she had altered her appearance.
Entering the room, she said:
"Our leader wants to speak with you."
While the base's technical staff set up the connection, the soldiers were anxious. They knew surrender was a risk, but throughout the "Devils'" existence, they had tried to avoid unnecessary casualties. Everyone in the unit understood that at that moment they had no choice.
Jack knew that recently all law enforcement agencies had been targeting the head of this organization. He had never thought he'd have the chance to speak with him face to face.
When the connection was established, they saw a large shadow sitting in a leather chair.
"You've probably already realized we have a dilemma: we can't kill you, but letting you go is also risky," he began. "Allow me to show you a video."
With that, the screen switched to a studio familiar to Jack — it was the show "Voice of Truth," which Jack's daughter loved.
"Breaking news! Today we have a guest from the 'Devils' group. He's come to talk with us and answer our questions. He also wants to comment on the death of an elite special forces unit that occurred a few days ago."
"Drew, your courage is commendable," the host said sincerely.
"Young lady, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you're wrong about me. I'm not brave. I have terminal cancer, and I simply have nothing to lose," the man said. "This is my last contribution to our cause."
"I'm sorry for you. I think everyone would like to know how you ended up in the ranks of the 'Devils' and what you did there. This might seem rude, but I don't think you're capable of killing anyone."
"I was a surgeon. As for how I got there — my wife and little daughter were run over by a member of the 'golden youth.' His parents were able to buy his freedom. Instead of trying to kill the bastard, I started drinking until the 'Devils' found me. That's how I ended up among them."
"As for the fallen soldiers — I feel sorry for them, but those guys are idiots. Because of them, we lost six people. I'm here to tell all law enforcement officers: if you do your job honestly, we're not your enemies. But if you go against us — don't expect mercy."
As soon as the short segment ended, the image switched back to the shadowy figure.
"As you understand, you're officially dead. More than that, some of your relatives have already identified you."
"People dear to you are already with us. We've given them a poison. Don't worry, it's harmless, you might not even notice it, but the antidote needs to be taken once a month."
"So to get the antidote, we have to work for you?" Jack asked, barely containing his anger.
"No. We'll help you move abroad, make new documents. Your supposed death is needed as an intimidation tactic. Lately, we've shifted our focus to corrupt officials in various countries. The rotten political elite has begun to understand our intentions."
"If we take our country, Democrats and Republicans are not representatives of the people — they represent different elite groups with large channels of influence."
"And this doesn't apply only to our country. The global political elite is rotten to the core. They can still use the police and other law enforcement agencies to suppress people, but police officers' family members and their loved ones are also representatives of the people. So sooner or later, we'll reach the point where representatives of such groups will create their own PMCs."
"If necessary, we're not against shedding the blood of those who join these PMCs. But we don't want to fight those who once swore to protect their people."
"Of course, if any of you want to join us, we'd welcome you. But no one will force you. You have time to think while your comrades recover. Soon you'll be able to meet with your family members."