Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Chapter 27: Breaking the Chains_1

The speaker cleared his throat, calling for order. “We will now hear the response from Vice-Chancellor Henry’s side.”

A councilman from Henry’s faction started to rise, but Alaric stopped him with a subtle move. His well-tailored suit seemed to shine in the overhead lights as he stood with a confident stride that carried him to the center of the room and his face was the ideal mix of authority and appeal.

But before he could speak a voice cut through the tense atmosphere. “Excuse me,” Aiden’s calm yet sharp tone interrupted as his words cutting through the murmurs like a knife.

Alaric stopped in the middle of a step and turned his head a little. He smiled slightly, but it didn’t reach his eyes. When he asked, “Yes, Major General Aiden?” he used a polite but bristly tone.

Aiden stood, his presence commanding attention. “Before you begin, I’d like to point out that you, Mr. Rienfeld are neither a council member nor an official representative of this assembly and yet your presence here was not communicated beforehand so allowing you to vote or present a case sets a dangerous precedent.”

A wave of whispers went through the room as council members looked at each other and agreed or disagreed with each other. Helen’s lips were pressed together in a tight line as she looked briefly at Vice-Chancellor Henry.

Alaric’s smile didn’t waver. “I see your point Major General,” he said smoothly. “But perhaps this is a discussion to be had after more pressing matters are addressed or are we to let bureaucracy hinder action in a time of crisis?”

Aiden’s eyes narrowed, his sharp gaze unyielding. “Bureaucracy is what defines order, Mr. Rienfeld and without it only chaos happens.”

Helen finally spoke, her voice firm. “Vice-Chancellor Henry, you are well aware of the protocols. Yet you failed to inform the council of your grandson’s attendance and participation here.”

Henry stood, his expression carefully neutral. “I apologize, Chancellor Helen. The urgency of the matter demanded immediate action. It was an oversight on my part.”

Helen’s eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before she nodded curtly. “Let this not happen again.”

The tension eased slightly as the room settled, though Aiden’s expression remained grim. Alaric, unfazed by the exchange, resumed his position at the center.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Alaric began, his voice smooth and measured. “What you’ve just heard from Major General Aiden’s team is nothing short of a masterful piece of storytelling. A narrative designed to captivate, provoke, and—most importantly—divert attention.”

He paused, letting his words sink in. “Yes, a mission was issued. And yes, there were mistakes made in the chain of command. But let’s not ignore the context. We are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. Communication has been disrupted. Our chain of command is fractured. My brother, in his earnestness to address an urgent matter, may have bypassed formalities. But he acted in the interest of national security.”

Alaric’s gaze swept over the council members. “The research facility in question was not some sinister operation, as it has been painted to be. It was a center dedicated to understanding this new energy that has engulfed our world, to unlocking the mysteries of the awakened individuals and beasts. Our goal was simple: to find solutions, to bring hope, and to ensure the safety of our people.”

He gestured toward Tommy. “The so-called evidence presented here—let’s not forget that it was obtained through illegal means. Major General Aiden’s team disregarded protocol, overstepped their authority, and violated the very laws they claim to uphold. Can we trust a narrative built on such shaky foundations?”

Alaric’s tone shifted, taking on a note of regret. “As for the lives lost during the mission… I extend my deepest sympathies. But let us not confuse personal vendettas with accountability. The unfortunate events at central miltary outpost were the actions of a rogue individual. Neither General Karep nor anyone else in our chain of command sanctioned those actions. And rest assured, that individual will be brought to justice.”

As Alaric concluded, he smiled faintly, a picture of calm control. “Ladies and gentlemen, we acted for the greater good. If mistakes were made, they were made in pursuit of saving lives.”

He returned to his seat, his steps unhurried. The council chamber was silent for a moment before murmurs broke out again. Helen’s face was unreadable, but Aiden’s jaw tightened as he clenched his fists under the table.

Tommy leaned toward him, whispering, “He’s good. Twisting the truth like that with such a straight face.”

Aiden’s voice was low and steady. “Truth bends easily in the hands of someone skilled enough. But it doesn’t break. Not if we don’t let it.”

Just then the speaker took the place at the center of the assembly. Adjusting his glasses, he addressed the room, his voice amplified by the hall’s acoustics. “Ladies and gentlemen of the council, we have now heard both sides of this matter.”

He gestured toward Aiden and Tommy, who sat to one side of the hall, their expressions unreadable but their eyes sharp and focused. Then he turned toward Alaric and Vice-Chancellor Henry, whose calm confidence exuded the assurance of victory.

“The two resolutions before us are as follows,” The speaker continued. “Major General Aiden and his unit request proper punishment for all individuals involved in the killing of his team members, a thorough investigation into the incident, and an inquiry into the activities of the research institute. Additionally, they demand that justice be served through the proper channels.”

He then stated. “The Vice-Chancellor and his party, however, propose that General Karep, Cain Rienfeld, and uninvolved soldiers be released immediately. They recommend that the investigation be conducted by a neutral military body, citing Major General Aiden’s personal involvement as a conflict of interest.”

After he paused briefly and then continued. “Furthermore due to the unauthorized arrest of a senior military officer and a civilian, they propose that the Dragon Unit no longer operate as an autonomous force under the sole authorization of the Chancellor but instead be placed under the collective jurisdiction of this council.”

The murmurs in the room grew louder as the speaker motioned for quiet. “We will now vote on these resolutions. First, all those in favor of Major General Aiden’s proposal, please raise your hands.”

Minister Abbott was the first to raise his hand, followed shortly by Chancellor Helen, who gave Aiden a brief, resolute nod. Aiden’s gaze softened slightly, but he knew it wouldn’t be enough as he watched the assembly with a calm expression. When the votes were tallied, less than 40% had sided with him.

The Speaker continued, “Those in favor of the Vice-Chancellor’s proposal, please raise your hands.”

It was as if a wave washed over the chamber. Aiden watched as hands shot up, row by row.The smug expressions of Alaric and Henry confirmed what Aiden already suspected—the Vice-Chancellor’s influence had all but guaranteed this outcome. The tally landed at more than 60%, the majority needed to pass the resolution.

The Speaker cleared his throat, his voice carrying over the subdued murmurs.”The consensus is clear now. The council has voted in favor of the Vice-Chancellor’s proposal.”