The helminths extended far beyond the borders of our regions. From the looks of it, Enarc is taking the lead.

  Corra's cold remained as steadfast as always. Nefertari retracted her claws, overlooking the soldiers inside the headquarters. They can take a breather only because someone replaced them.

  The helminths have retreated. Attracted by the anguished cries of their kin from the other side.

  Taking more than what they can hold. However, that child is far too young to rule.

  Though had it not for Aurelius' boldness, I would have deteriorated within the masses.

  Thinking for a brief moment was deemed a luxury. How shameful.

  She turned to her side, posture remained noble towards her people. The rhythmic steps of her obsidian claws reflected through the columns. Announcing her presence subtly as she searched for casualties, morale, status. Her hardened armor anchored her presence the moment her head tilted low.

  The avians never mingled well with us, the pantheras. If it were not for the pact made by Mirolne Theron, Aurelius would never have set foot in Elysium as one of the defenders.

  Let alone making us indebted to the exo we allowed to live.

  A director saluted at ease upon her observation. Claws intertwined together, leveled on his hips, followed by other commanders behind him. Some civilians were seen mingling with their loved ones. The words of assurance echoed only to be buried immediately upon Nefertari's entrance.

  "Chief, the helminths are now redirected towards the Enarchies."

  "The remaining are easy to deal with. No casualties other than the first phase." He held his stance firmly. The report was loud and clear. His change in demeanor, too, was transparent.

  "The Tevarians—"

  "Sent backups, did he not?"

  "Send ours as well." Her eyes fell onto the director of the Central Intelligence Agency with a stolid gaze.

  The Theron heir is, regretfully compromised.

  "The Elders wouldn't allow this." He refuted.

  Bold.

  "I hold the authority to dispatch as I please."

  He hesitated slightly. Possibly gathering his courage to speak his mind against her, the Chief. "Do we have to get involved in this?"

  The Elders would've called him one of their own if they were to be here.

  "He is a defender of Elysium."

  "Would be unwise of you to look away from the kid that allowed Corra to continue its legacy."

  "When your lives are in his grasp, Director Thrain?"

  Thrain flinched at the subtlety of the threat in her words. "Use Osthm, they're bound with us."

  "With great planning and their resources, chances for us to expand the region are not impossible."

  She crossed her arms, the polished armor of hers glided smoothly. "They have the Enclaved on their side, forget not. They are powerful beings."

  "How would you propose our next survivability, once you enrage the Enclavians?"

  "Not without the Enarchies, no. Their forces covers 40% of the military prowess." She angled her head to the side. A gullible expression.

  He shook his head, justifying his idea as his arms stretched open to reveal his chest. A gesture that screamed persuasion. "Elysians too will side with us."

  "I am sure, even the noncombatants would take this honor to prove that Elysium can be great again."

  "And stitch a false narration?"

  "Aurelius is a general for multiple reasons. You fail to see the consequences."

  "If you can stand against the Enarchies, the Enclavian technology, Tevar's idiocy, and Aurelius. This discussion wouldn't have existed, dear Director."

  He hesitantly glanced at the worn soldiers. Some nodded while others remained neutral.

  "A scout, a troop. Will do." He muttered under his breath.

  "I will coordinate with Osthm and Elysian's army. With them, we do not have to sacrifice a lot of us."

  A servant of Nefertari cackled behind her. Taking a step closer behind Nefertari. "Director Thrain.."

  "Let's not be stinky. Send a division." She leaned her body 45 degrees to the front, eyeing his reaction. His stance was unshakeable. Claws constricting further as if it's the only plausible action.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  A commander patted Thrain's back. "We should kill the helminths in Enarc, then we can expand the territory, Sir."

  I see, they'd indoctrinated well.

  The sudden input of the commander didn't go unnoticed. Nefertari nodded barely. She doesn't need to babysit these soldiers. Up to their interpretation whether her nod was of approval or indifference. "Find Caius, say the Chief is looking for him."

  The servant too nodded, leaving the headquarters efficiently. Thrain excused himself, detangling his claws as he turned towards his army.

  "I will lead personally."

  The statement was welcomed with the cold whistles of the wind. Row upon row of soldiers stood up. Saluting the Chief of Corra silently as she walked through the haze of incompetence.

  A division.

  If that is what they intended, to help the Enarchies, then overthrow?

  Such ignorance.

  She exited the headquarters without another word, her steps carrying her toward the speaker’s chamber as her tail remained still for hours on end. Moving only when gravity demanded it.

  Lieutenant Acienna let out a low hiss. She had followed Nefertari from the battlefield to the front of the speaking chamber without any unnecessary comments. Her tail skimmed the pillar made out of thick steel before she spoke, "Why are you leaving the seat empty during this crisis?"

  "You'll be the acting Chief of Corra per my absence."

  She was restless, uncomfortable with the ambiguity. That alone was obvious from the notation itself. To be oblivious in the dark, excluded, unaware of the situation, is always frightening.

  "May I know what you have in mind, Chief?"

  Nefertari stopped by the speaking chamber's door. Not once did she feel the need to glance over her allies. "I'll see how the Enarchies are holding up."

  "If the Elders wish to risk an expansion."

  Her claws pushed the door aside decisively as if any hesitation would shatter the years of planning to waste. "Order for the Director's imprisonment."

  Acienna stilled by her words. Her steps echoed uncoordinatedly before they were replaced by a new cadence. The order was low enough that not one could hear, yet loud enough for her sole ears.

  "Are you implying he's siding with the Elders?"

  "Frame him if you must."

  "The hierarchy begs to be cleansed." She said matter-of-factly as she stepped onto the blue carpet that ended by the panthera regalia overlooking all of the seats. The carpet was a good suppression of any noise between metals as the servants poured in. Dispersed for their own concealment against any potential guest.

  Heads of the pantheras remained high, their replicated weapons a looming threat for any treasonous thoughts within the space. The stone statues of the rulers each housed a seat for a member of the cabinet.

  Caius took a step away from one of the statues that was closest to the Chief's. Nearing the grandeur oddity seat with a rather evasive mannerism. "She briefed me."

  "And the news is not in our favor."

  "I would bet it is not far too worse than my current predicament." She strode past the carved statues to her place. Settling down on the cushioned backrest with her tail hidden behind. Nefertari ushered Caius closer with one of her claw extracted.

  "I would reconsider that." Caius mused, his tail coiled to meet Nefertari's gaze daringly.

  "Ssst.. Osthm refusssed."

  "sstoo ssrisky!"

  Nefertari angled below to the pathetic tail that was grafted. "In whose authority granted you to speak?"

  "Cut him some slack, Nefer." He shoved Salus aside.

  "Killing him is killing me too."

  "I haven't said anything."

  "Perhaps you are accusing me of becoming a ruthless ruler?"

  Caius didn't retort. Leaving her own words resounded amongst the static head chiefs.

  He's wary.

  Something's at stake. That is obvious.

  "The Optic."

  "Helminths wouldn't be a threat as long as Aurelius can kill them all efficiently."

  "I repeat, efficiently." He groaned. Acienna stood beside Caius. Curious as to what news he has.

  "..."

  "Scratch all of that."

  "The Optic is gone."

  "The rhythm we're syncing to?"

  "It's a supplied rhythm from our HQ. Triggered during active rhythm fracturing to prevent infestations."

  A shadow moved out of place. Acienna's lackey seemed to react poorly to the news. No one can blame him, however.

  "I caught traces of helminths during the Elysium's core investigation."

  "You're implying that the Optic is not immune?"

  "Yes."

  "How much is left?"

  "Two months of supply is available in the core. It's still stabilizing. Best if we do minimal damage to the planet."

  "More environmental damage and use of skills will increase the burn rate of the rhythm."

  "I see."

  "Here's the thing." Caius let out a sigh.

  "If we don't fight, the helminths will get us."

  "Why don't you use your cabinets to solve this?"

  "With your intellect, I reckon you would suggest that again."

  "Tough spot." Caius shrugged away, glancing to the door, then to the acting attenders.

  Acienna groaned before muttering, "Because the Optic is unresponsive, the helminths have no check in breeding." Her tail swayed languidly behind her. An unreliable mask of her irritation.

  "You targeted the governor of Enarc."

  "All of these are your doing."

  "Acienna."

  Nefertari's gaze shifted to the exo, similar in stature to Caius.

  Acienna took a step back, maintaining her distance by Nefertari's left. "I apologize for my negligence."

  "I need you to take over the Enarchies and Tevarians."

  "Surely you jest." He shook his head, finding the idea itself hilarious.

  "Persuade them."

  "Are you kidding?'

  "You know I have bad blood with them. I'm a solitary general for a reason."

  Nefertari didn't need to repeat. Only her shifting weight filled the unspoken as her silence speaks volumes.

  "What's the catch?" He relented cautiously.

  Salus swiftly curled by his right posterior from Caius unspoken agreement. "...Ssst"

  "Is dying an option for you?"

  "Perhaps I may allow you in the cabinet. A position. Away from anyone's hold, including me. Was it not freedom that you wished?"

  "Do you think Enarc would follow my lead?"

  "You're delusional."

  "Get them together whilst I persuade the generals."

  "Impossible." Caius disagreed firmly.

  Acienna rumbled lowly at Caius' rudeness. "You are too brazen."

  "No wonder the Orientalis discarded you."

  "Even the Pardus."

  Caius cocked his head at the forced reminisce; the plates tightened visibly, causing Acienna to backtrack immediately.

  "I suggest that you see yourself out. Chief wouldn't like any delays."

  Ice, ice baby

  Vanilla Ice, ice baby

  Vanilla Ice, ice baby

  Vanilla Ice, ice baby

  Vanilla

  Now that the party is jumping~