Chapter 97: Subdue
In Edward’s office, he and Barnes watched the scene unfold on the large screen. A hovering drone streamed a live feed of the battlefield—rogues kneeling one by one, their armors retracting, leaving only two rogues from Babylon and Justin, who still held Nancy tightly.
"It appears that things are finally beginning to calm down," Barnes said with a sigh of relief.
"I don’t think so," came a voice from the doorway. Sam stepped inside, eyes locked on the screen. "Welcome back, Barny."
Barnes gave a brief nod, then turned back to the feed. "What do you mean?"
Edward remained silent, sensing the weight in Sam’s voice. He knew. Sam had seen something—felt something.
"Danger’s not over yet," Sam said, eyes still on the screen. "Justin’s still there."
Barnes scoffed. "What can he do? He doesn’t even have armor. He’s just a civilian."
"That’s the point," Sam replied flatly. "He won’t fight... but he’ll make things harder for all of us."
"I swear, Sam, I never understand a word you say," Barnes muttered. "Speak straight. I don’t do riddles."
Sam shook his head, then turned to Edward. "General, are you still planning to stay silent? Things are going to spiral. You know what’s coming."
Edward pretended to think, tapping a finger lightly on the desk, his expression unreadable. The act only deepened the frown on Sam’s face.