Chapter 42 - A Meeting Without The Leader

E.D.L. was at peace for a couple of weeks until there were some that reported an unwanted appearance near the territory from the eastern coast. This sent the people of Serendipity District in a state of panic, in fear of suffering the same fate as the Solace and Rhombus District.

General Damond have taken immediate action and calmed the citizens of the district by sending over lt. General Junaid with a division of soldiers that rounds up to 13,000 to defend the ground in case a sudden attack happens.

At the Central District where Dr. Reize Hilton resides and leading the project 'Deus Ex Machina' that will be used to save humanity and Earth. And in the midst of work, Dr. Hilton receives a call from her General. "Tch, what?! You better have a good explanation for interrupting me." She's annoyed to be disturbed at these kind of busy moments.

"Dr. Hilton, I.E.A. have been spotted nearing the eastern coast territory. Don't you think it's a good time to prioritize this urgent situation first?!" The general reported.

"At the eastern co—pffffttt!!!" She was taking a sip on her cup of coffee when she heard the shocking news and made her blow out the coffee in her mouth. "Damn it! The I.E.A. won't even let me take a break huh." She said while wiping her face.

"This calls for an emergency meeting, Dr. Hilton! It's best we summon everyone to come up with a plan and discuss the things needed to be done at the Serendipity District—"

"Sir Damond... I believe that all of you must do that without me. This huge project is my current top priority over everything else, it's a delicate creation that needs my supervision."

"But Dr. Hilton!! You are the leader of E.D.L., how can we going initiate a meeting without you and your guidance?!"

"I have faith in your leading capabilities and intelligence that will solve this matter, and I'm sure you have learned enough from watching me."

"I can't possibly do that..." Damond hesitates to grab the chance. To him, Reize Hilton's orders are absolute, and it will be the only voice he'll obey until the end of his life and duty as the General of the E.D.L. Army.

"Listen Sir Damond, even if I'm the sole leader of E.D.L., it's not possible that I, alone, can handle everything for everyone's sake. That is why I keep insisting on approving you with an authority equal to mine. So what do you say?"

"I admit that I'm nothing but a tool at your disposal, so I'll have to decline your grand offer."

"Haa, you utter fool..." she shakes her head in disappointment. "...then so be it. But that won't change the fact that I won't be attending the meeting you suggest, I'll just send my secretary with you to overlook this."

"Dr. Hilton!—" the call cuts there, leaving the general with no choice but to deal with the situation on his own. With haste, General Damond ordered some of his soldiers to send a meeting notice to those who are required to participate in this emergency meeting.

This time, they were all to meet up at the military base as the venue of their emergency meeting. At 20:00 o'clock sharp, the district lord of Serendipity 'Raj', eastern regional director 'Suanne', southern regional director 'Donelle', lt. General 'Landon', lt. General 'Kalei', Dr. Hilton's proxy/secretary 'Hestia', Vice General 'Miguel' have all arrived on time, including a non-executive member brought by Hestia 'Dr. Apollo Onasis'.

"Thank you all for your prompt presence here today on such short notice. We have convened this meeting to address the imminent situation unfolding at the eastern coast territory, where the presence of the I.E.A. has raised concerns and potential threats to the citizens and District of Serendipity. We have currently taken some temporary measures by stationing lt. General Junaid and a division of soldiers as guards in the area. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we strategize and devise a plan to prevent further intrusion of the I.E.A. across our borders..."

Just as General was getting things started, a few have raised the question they've been meaning to ask. "Before we proceed, where is Dr. Hilton? Surely we can't have a meeting without her." Asked Suanne, the eastern regional director.

"Unfortunately, Dr. Reize Hilton won't be with us today due to an important project she's working on."

The district lord of Serendipity hits the table, looking upset and agitated. "BULLSHIT! She puts first a project over the safety and security of people!? What kind of supreme leader does that!?"

"Sir Raj, please calm down."

"I have to agree with Sir Raj, as the supreme leader of E.D.L., Dr. Hilton must be responsible to help us with this matters. But to think that she's too focused on a project, don't you all think she's unfit to rule over E.D.L.?..."

"Don't make such suggestive statements Sir Donelle, we are capable of charging you with treason if say any more further."

"T-Treason!? I was only stating Dr. Hilton's irresponsible behavior!"

Useless arguments have finally surfaced due to the absence of the supreme leader. It'll be difficult to hold a meeting without the person of highest power and authority over these people.

General Damond sighed.

Then Hestia, Dr. Hilton's proxy/secretary, have made a statement that put an end to all their endless complaints. "As Dr. Hilton's stand in, I was sent here to overlook the meeting and have been given authority to punish anyone who dare to ridicule her. If I hear another word on our supreme leader, then prepare yourselves to meet the same fate as the north western regional director, Nabal."

The men in the room shut their mouths, and General Damond was grateful. He gives a small smile at Hestia.

"Then shall we proceed with strategizing?..." As the meeting continues, ideas were shared, and strategies were laid out. There were still a few disagreements between then, but they were able to make progress even without the presence of Dr. Hilton.

The discussions continued late into the night and a sense of unity prevailed. Despite the initial doubts and frustration caused by Dr. Hilton's absence, they were determined to uphold their ideals and beliefs of protecting their people and Earth at all costs.

Though by the time they were about to conclude the discussion, Dr. Onasis raised another issue that needs to be addressed immediately. "...I-I would like to report an issue that's been found by the medical staff."

"Proceed." General Damond allowed him to say more.

"Thank you general... err, we've found something rather disturbing on the soldiers that died after the battle at the north western territory. We ca—"

"Quit beating around the bush and get straight to the point!" Lt. General Kalei demanded impatiently.

"A-Alright!—" Dr. Onasis is really nervous to be around these kinds of people "—the internal organs of these dead soldiers have disappeared..." The revelation was hard to believe, and most didn't know how to react on this disturbing news.