Chapter 11 - The Other Side

"Alright, I understand. Just one thing, what is your purpose?"

......

"I will explain. The Northern Union had created me with the purpose of assisting those that can access this bunker. I shall play the role of an assistant and also the role of a middleman," informed Caelus.

Her last words made Theo narrow his eyes, "About that, what do you mean by a middleman?"

He could feel there was a much larger meaning in that role. That role was only possible if there were three parties; the first party, the middleman, and the third party.

Caelus's screen brightened as she spoke, "The Northern Union's base. I can connect you to them if you like. I'm aware that is your purpose in seeking this place."

The atmosphere became solemn. Everyone was thinking deeply.

Cain wondered what was on the other side. What would they hear? Would it be good news or simply bad news?

He had to admit it would be better to think of it as bad news than to hold hope for good news.

After a while, Theo asked the obvious, "How would you connect us to them?"

"That is simple. Frequency. There is a special frequency that only I and the Northern Union can use. Do you want me to connect now?" responded Caelus.

Theo looked at the others and saw them nod back at him. He sighed and gave his answer.

"Yes."

"I will now begin. Connection starting in five….four...three...two...one!"

A sound was heard from the monitor. It was akin to the awful sound of a radio with broken antennas.

This went on for a while until a human voice sounded from the other side, "Hello, this is lieutenant-general Wyatt of the first division speaking. Who am I talking to?"

For five minutes, the man named Wyatt didn't receive an answer, only an unbearable silence.

Theo was the first to speak out, "Theo. You are speaking to Theo!"

He didn't know if the man could hear him but that should be the case. After all, Caelus wouldn't be trying to make a fool out of them.

"Theo, is it? How did you get this frequency?" asked the man.

Theo replied, "We were directed by the coordinated released by the emergency radio channel. We found a bunker and met with the supercomputer fixed there. It was her that connected us…..."

"Oh, I understand. Once again, I will introduce myself. I am Wyatt Gaines, the head of the Ash squad and also the lieutenant-general of the first division, Caritas. My squad is responsible for dealing with the survivors," informed Wyatt.

Theo beamed at this reveal, "So, does that mean you can help us? Can you guide us to a safe area? Is that where you are now?"

The others had similar expressions.

Did this mean they were finally safe?

Wyatt went mute for a moment before he responded carefully, "It is a bit more technical. We can't reveal the location of our base for obvious reasons. Also, even if we did, the current you will never be able to get there alive. All we---"

William shot off, "Why can't you do that?! Isn't it the government's responsibility to secure our safety? Yet, you ghosted on before the apocalypse began!"

"I assure you, that is not the case. The Northern Union is working day and night to find a remedy to this perilous situation. We understand your distress, but we hope you can also understand our situation. Our base is----"

"Based on what you are saying, you are as useless as a dead man. Why did you then give us hope?" William retorted.

He was fuming like the rest of them.

What "please understand"?

What "it is for our safety"?

Those were all bullshits that they could spout knowing they were safe.

Wyatt remained as polite as possible, "We can still guide. We also have the closest thing to a cure. It is within your walkable radius. I assure you, just like Dies 100, we are of benefit to you."

Theo intervened before William became too violent, "If I understand right, this is not a one-sided relationship. You might seem like you are helping us but you require something for us, right? Baiting us with a cure, heh...Cure to what?!"

Yes, cure to what?

As far as Cain knew, there was no disease. The situation where one turned to an abomination was different from the way viruses operated. A cure was a wild term to use to refer to a spontaneous transformation.

From the other side, Wyatt's voice crumbled for a second, "Wh--Wh--What….You are right. This is a give-and-take relationship. As for the cure, it is more complicated than you think."

He told, "We can give you information that you desperately desire. I reckon that you do want that, right?"

He was dropping all masks and offering them a devil's gift. His intentions were clear; they needed him. They desperately needed him.

A frown appeared on Theo's face, "Why do you think we can't simply get the information from Caelus? She is a supercomputer after all."

"Simple, you need authority, which can only be granted by us," responded Wyatt.

It was at this moment did the group understand the situation they were in. They couldn't deny Wyatt's words. They needed his information.

'They are really cruel,' thought Cain.

The Northern Union was mercilessly shaping an obedient relationship, which the group couldn't ignore.

"So, you need us to be your….mercenary?" mused Theo.

"Yes."

His eyes stared at the group, wondering what opinion they had. All they looked pensive. It was safe to say they were considering the offer.

"Will it be dangerous?" William asked.

"Yes and no. It will be your choice. You can decide whether to pick our missions or not," responded Wyatt.

After a while, Theo spoke for all, "...Yes, we accept."

"Understood. Any other questions?" queried Wyatt.

He knew he shouldn't rub on their sour wounds. Right now, the group was feeling down, the most down they have ever been.

Out of nowhere, Reve voiced out, "What is the name of your base?"

"Haven….."