Kayan stood in the center, his weary eyes scanning the entrances and exits. Beside him, Ortinus stood with his hands behind his back, monitoring the weak points extracted from the data chip Meron had brought.
Kayan (In a calm, low voice):
"The palace is not just a building; it is a living being that breathes through the 'Heart Stone.' If we fail to paralyze it within the first five minutes, the attack will turn into a collective suicide. Ortinus, is the data Meron brought accurate enough?"
Ortinus (Nodding gravely):
"More than we could imagine. But Meres paid a heavy price to get it. The map reveals an 'Electromagnetic Defense System' surrounding the walls. Any vehicle approaching will be turned into scrap in seconds. A traditional aerial assault is impossible."
Picos (Slamming his hand on the table):
"So, are we storming the main gates? That's madness! The Royal Guard possesses gravity cannons; they'll turn us into pulp before we even reach the bridge!"
Kayan (Looking at Picos):
"Steady yourself, Picos. We won't storm the gate like a mob. Our plan relies on 'synchronization.' I will assign the roles now, and any error in timing will lead to everyone's death."
Kayan: "First, Nirar. You will lead the 'Shadow Unit.' Your mission is to infiltrate through the energy drainage channels that feed the lower laboratories. Meron will lead you to the point where Meres stopped. You must disable the central gravity generator from the inside. When the lights go out in the East Wing, that will be our signal."
Nirar (Checking his electronic tools):
"I will hybridize the 'Atherian' energy to cause back-pressure. I'll make their weapons malfunction for ten minutes only. Is that enough for you?"
Kayan: "Ten minutes is all we need. Picos and Darius, you will lead the 'Decoy Unit.' You'll launch a loud, fake attack on the South Gate using sonic bombs and old armored vehicles. I want you to make the Royal Guard believe the entire army is there. Lure the elite away from the North Wing."
Darius (With a cunning smile):
"Noise, chaos, and explosions? That's my specialty! I'll make them think the sky is falling on their heads."
Kayan: "The crucial role, however, belongs to Romulius. You will lead the medical support and rapid-breach team. Your mission isn't to fight, but to reach and rescue Meres—if he is still there."
Romulius: "And protecting the civilians? The palace is full of servants and workers."
Kayan: "That is the difference between us and Pionel, Romulius. We do not exterminate for victory. Ortinus, you will be in the mobile control room, monitoring radio frequencies and hacking the Guard's codes. You will be 'the eye that sees all'."
In the corner of the room, Meron sat silently, his eyes red from lack of sleep and grief. He suddenly stood up and approached Kayan.
Meron: "And what about me? Will I just stay here and watch? I am the one who knows the lab corridors; I am the one who saw Meres fall!"
Kayan (Placing a hand on his shoulder):
"Meron, you will be the guide for Nirar. Without you, they will get lost in the maze of pipes. You are the heart of this operation because your motive is the strongest. But promise me... do not act recklessly for revenge. Meres wanted you alive to deliver the data, and now I want you alive to see the victory."
Ortinus: "Kayan, there is one problem. What if Pionel uses the 'Blue Bird' feathers he merged with the Stone? If he does, he might possess a gravitational force beyond our devices' ability to disable."
Kayan (Unsheathing his Aether-charged sword):
"If he does that, I will face him myself. The time for talk and trials behind closed doors is over. Tomorrow, the swords will speak. Go to your positions, and remember... we do not fight out of hatred, but for an Atheria that deserves to fly free."
Everyone left the hall, their hearts filled with tension, while Kayan remained, gazing at the distant palace from the window, realizing that the coming dawn might be the last for many of them—but it would be the first dawn of the new Atheria.