Obeying Orders

"Have you informed headquarters of their demands?" the conductor asked the security captain.

"I've already sent a message," said the security captain. "But headquarters said they would have to consult the higher ups first. It's impossible to fulfill their demands in half an hour. The people these terrorists want released are all extremely heinous criminals. If we give in to these demands…"

The conductor clenched her jaw. "When will backup arrive?"

"They should be here in twenty minutes, but... since the bombs are already ticking, by the time backup arrives…" Cold sweat ran down the security captain's back.

An eerie look washed over the conductor's face. "Have the crew withdraw to the sixth carriage."

The security captain looked at her in shock. "Conductor, don't tell me we're sacrificing the hostages?"

"Who said we're sacrificing them! Just carry out your orders," the conductor barked.