Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 72

Chapter 72: Chapter 35: Inside the Military Compound_1

Amira’s sharp eyes didn’t miss the nervous flicker in the man’s gaze—the way his shoulders tensed and his gaze darted sideways. She didn’t need confirmation. He’d already sent someone to notify Cale.

Without wasting a second, she turned to one of her teammates. The unsaid demand in her eyes was sufficient. The person in question gave a short nod, ran to the closest car, and jumped into the driver’s seat. The engine roared to life, spewing dust into the air as the car sped toward the town, determined to catch the message before the warning got out.

Amira watched the vehicle vanish down the road, her expression calm but firm while Bella crossed her arms and grinned. “Looks like we’ve got some garbage to take out.”

Amira’s face stayed impassive as she replied, “Then let’s clean the house.”

Her serious tone made Bella laugh. “You’re as intense as ever.”

Amira’s lips twitched slightly, almost imperceptibly. “We can handle cheap shots like these with our eyes closed. Take half of our squad and start the recon mission. It’s already noon—you’ve got enough time to map the area and get back before sunset.”

Bella’s smirk widened. “I’ll finish early. Don’t wait up.”

With that, Bella signaled her squad and divided them into two groups. She handed command of one group to Sophie and took the other herself. The two teams headed out, Sophie leading her group along the left ridge, while Bella took the right.

As they left Amira instructed her teammates to tie them up and watch over them in one of the trucks. Soon the convoy rumbled to life again as Amira’s team continued their journey toward the town.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows as the town came into view. From afar, the buildings looked like weary sentinels—silent, sturdy, and worn by time. Amira’s gaze, however, was focused on a different target.

“Change course,” she instructed over the comms.

The convoy adjusted slightly, turning toward an old, unassuming compound just outside the town. It was an outdated tourist attraction—a “military museum” designed to entertain school trips with faded models and dummy weapon displays.

Confused whispers rose among the everyone. They exchanged anxious glances, wondering why they were stopping so close to their destination. No one dared to voice their concerns aloud, trusting Amira’s judgment.

As the convoy slowed to a stop, Sam walked up to Amira, a frown of concern on his face. “Captain, why are we stopping here?”

Amira gestured toward the compound. “This museum is a front. Beneath it is one of the Federation’s oldest underground military facilities. Few know it exists, and even fewer know what’s inside.”

Sam’s brows shot up. “Seriously? You mean all that outdated junk is just camouflage?”

Amira nodded. “Exactly.”

Amira then looked at Sam and spoke calmly. “Sam, you and Mira stay here with the everyone and make sure they stays safe. Only Liam, Lilah, and I will go inside.”

Sam hesitant. “Just the three of you? Will that be enough?”

Amira’s voice was steady. “We’re not breaking in, Sam. We’re walking in. Most people don’t even know the Phoenix Unit existed, let alone that it was disbanded. I still have all the access codes. The personnel here rotate every six months—they won’t recognize us. If we provide the right authentication codes, they’ll assume we’re from the Federation.”

Sam exhaled, his concern easing slightly. “Alright. Be careful.”

Amira reassured him, then gestured to Liam who was driving his car to approach the museum’s front gate.

As her car slowed to a halt in front of the museum gate. The large iron bars were closed tightly, and the entrance was heavily barricaded—an unusual sight for what was supposed to be a public museum. The guardhouse nearby had reinforced glass and thick metal panels, making it clear this place wasn’t just a tourist spot anymore.

As the engine cut off, a voice crackled through the intercom: “State your business. The museum is closed. No one is allowed inside.”

Liam stepped out of the car, his boots crunching softly against the gravel as he approached the guardhouse. He leaned toward the thick glass, catching a glimpse of the man inside. The guard was holding a rifle, gripping it with that wary stiffness of someone who wasn’t taking any chances.

“We’re from the military,” Liam said evenly, sliding his ID through the small slot. “We have authorization to enter.”

The guard hesitated, eyeing the ID with suspicion before scanning it. A soft beep echoed, followed by the sound of something unlocking. A tablet was passed back through the slot. The intercom crackled again: “Enter the passcode.”

Liam took the tablet and turned back toward the car. He knocked on the back window, and Amira rolled it down. Without a word, she took the tablet and entered the passcode. The screen flashed green: ACCESS GRANTED.

With a low creak, the gate began to open, the metal scraping slightly as it revealed a narrow pathway leading into the compound.

The guard stepped out of the booth, his posture stiff as he saluted. His expression had shifted from suspicion to something resembling respect—or maybe intimidation.

Amira got out of the car, her sharp gaze sweeping over the entrance as Liam and Lilah flanked her. She approached the guard, her tone calm but authoritative. “Stand down. Lead us to the main office.”

The guard gave a quick nod, his boots clicking as he led them inside the compound.

Lilah walked close to Amira with her voice low enough that only Amira could hear. “That was almost too easy.”

Amira’s eyes didn’t waver from the path ahead. “Protocol makes people predictable.”

The trio’s footsteps echoed in the long, sterile corridor until they stopped at a heavy door labeled Command Office. The guard knocked twice, then opened it, stepping aside as he gestured for them to enter.

Inside a women in her med 40’s was seating behind the desk while her short, neat hair and pressed uniform showed that she had been in the service for a long time.

As Amira stepped in, the woman’s eyes briefly widened. She immediately stood at attention and saluted. She had a smart, no-nonsense, and experienced air about her.

Amira understood why. The access code she had used earlier likely displayed her rank as Major General, and seeing someone so young with that title would confuse anyone.

Amira raised a hand in a casual gesture. “At ease.”

The officer lowered her hand but still held herself straight. “Ma’am, it’s an honor. I wasn’t informed of your visit.”

Amira nodded. “That’s the point.” She walked toward the desk, her tone professional but not unfriendly. “We’re here for an inspection. I also have additional supplies and equipment to secure the compound.”

The officer frowned slightly. “With all due respect, our last shipment arrived a few weeks ago. We’ve been fully stocked since then. Why send more?”

Amira leaned slightly on the desk, meeting the officer’s gaze. “Precaution. After the broadcasts and the surge happened earlier, the Federation is reinforcing key facilities to be prepared for any scenario. Better safe than scrambling later.”

The officer nodded, though a flicker of doubt remained in her eyes. “I see. We’ve been monitoring the situation nearby closely ourselves.” She paused, then motioned toward the door. “The underground entrance is this way. I’ll escort you personally.”

Amira straightened and motioned for Liam and Lilah to follow. “Lead the way.”