Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 73

Chapter 73: Chapter 35: Inside the Military Compound_2

The hallways went on and on like a maze. Fluorescent lights flickered in the dark, casting long shadows on the cold metal walls. As the lady officer led the way, Amira walked behind her at a slow but steady pace her eyes swept the area while taking mental notes of every detail.

“What’s your name.” Amira broke the silence with a calm tone but interested. “And how long have you been stationed here?”

Megan glanced over her shoulder before answering. “Megan Stewart ma’am and I’ve been stationed here for the last three years.”

“Three years is enough time to get to know this place inside and out.” Amira gave a serious nod. “Good.”

After hearing that there was a glimmer of pride in Megan’s eyes but expression was neutral.

Amira’s tone shifted slightly, becoming more purposeful. “After the surge, did anyone stationed here experience an awakening?”

Megan’s steps slowed for a moment as she considered the question, then resumed at a steady pace. “Yes, ma’am. Five of us have awakened abilities.” Her expression didn’t waver as she added, “I’m one of them.”

Amira kept her expression neutral, though inwardly she made a mental note. Five awakened soldiers, including Megan. If she was telling the truth, she’d need to keep a close watch. But the straightforward response was a point in her favor because she knew trust would come, but vigilance was necessary.

The corridor ended abruptly at what appeared to be a simple supply cupboard. Megan stepped forward and placed her hand on a small fingerprint scanner embedded in the handle, soon a soft beep echoed, followed by a low whirring sound as she entered a passcode. The cupboard door slid outward, revealing a narrow staircase spiraling downward.

Liam gave the staircase a skeptical once-over, raising an eyebrow. “No elevators? Really? This place has to be at least four or five levels underground. You’re telling me everyone use this same way all the way down?”

Megan gave him a dry smile. “There was an elevator, but it’s been out of commission since the surge. We’re still repairing the system. A lot of electronics got fried.” She glanced at Amira. “For now, the stairs are our only option.”

After a few minutes of descending the narrow, echoing staircase, the trio arrived in a spacious hall lined with old military posters, maps, and portraits of decorated officers.

The walls were aged, their metal surfaces dulled with time. The cool air carried a metallic tang, and the sound of distant machinery hummed faintly in the background.

Amira took in the surroundings before addressing Megan. “Lead us to the communication center.”

Megan nodded and led them down another corridor and as while made their way to the communication room, the trio focus were on the security measures and number of personal they could see.

Soon they stopped in front of a reinforced door labeled Communication Center. With a press of a button, the door slid open, revealing a room that was simple but efficient.

The room was simple but efficient—rows of monitors, and surveillance feeds displayed across the screens. Two soldiers sat at their stations, their eyes fixed on the footage from the cameras positioned around the facility.

Amira noticed that some of the feeds were working, showing footage from around the facility, but others showed nothing but static.

She stepped forward, her eyes narrowing. “Why are so many of the screens showing static?”

One of the soldiers immediately stood and saluted. “Ma’am, the cameras around the facility are wired and still operational, but the ones in the town and areas near the basin are connected through the wireless network. Since the surge, the entire wireless system has been down.”

Amira absorbed the information with a thoughtful nod. “Understood.”

Her gaze shifted to the two soldiers at the far end of the room, who were tinkering with a set of equipment. As soon as they noticed her attention, they snapped to their feet and saluted.

“At ease,” Amira said, her tone firm but calm.

She turned to Megan. “I need you to open the back gate and let our supplies in.”

Megan nodded and signaled to the soldier at the console. “Unlock the gate and allow entry.”

A soft beep followed as the gate control system activated. Amira then turned to Liam.

“Go with him and make sure everything comes in smoothly. I don’t want any mishaps.”

Liam’s usual laid-back demeanor shifted as he straightened. “Got it, Captain.” He gave the soldier at the console a slight nod. “Lead the way.”

The two of them left the room, and Amira’s focus returned to Megan.

“Gather everyone stationed here and bring them to the main hall. I have important announcements to make.”

Megan didn’t hesitate. She gestured to one of the soldiers monitoring the surveillance feed. “You heard the Major General—spread the word. I want everyone in the main hall in ten minutes.”

The soldier saluted and immediately began making the announcements over the facility’s intercom.

Megan turned back to Amira. “This way, ma’am.” She motioned toward another corridor.

The main hall was a cavernous space, its walls lined with faded banners from the Federation’s earlier campaigns. Rows of benches filled the room, and at the far end stood a raised platform with a podium. The space felt old but functional—a place where briefings and meetings had once shaped the fate of soldiers.

Amira stepped toward the platform, her boots echoing in the quiet room. Lilah followed closely behind, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of unrest. The distant sound of footsteps grew louder as soldiers began filing in, their faces a mix of curiosity and wariness.

Lilah leaned in and whispered, “You sure they’re going to take this well?”

Amira said while taking a seat. “They had to as we won’t give a choice.”

Soon after the large hall slowly filled with the sound of footsteps and hushed whispers as the soldiers and personnel found their seats, while Amira who was seated on the raised platform near the podium, exchanging quiet words with Megan.

Megan leaned in and whispered, “Everyone is here except for the guards on patrol and those stationed outside.”

Amira nodded, and her face was calm but focused. “OK, got it let’s wait a little longer as Liam and other should be here soon.”

Just as she spoke, the double doors at the back of the hall creaked open. Liam strode in, flanked by fifty of their squad members, their steps synchronized in a way that immediately commanded respect. They took their seats among the other soldiers, and Liam with Mira made his way to Amira.

Leaning close to her ear, Liam murmured, “Sam’s stationed outside with the rest of the squad, keeping the villagers safe while Rina and her team are sweeping the facility to ensure no one else is lurking around.”

Amira gave a slight nod, her gaze drifting towards Mira. She caught her eyes briefly, silently instructing her with a single look, understanding the unspoken order: stand by Megan and intervene if needed so with a subtle shift, Mira moved to stand directly behind Megan, set and ready.