Chapter 103: Second Meeting
The group nodded, though Thorne's expression remained skeptical. Cassian dismissed them, his mind already racing ahead to the next meeting. As the door closed behind them, he allowed himself a moment of reflection. Thorne's skepticism was expected, but it was also useful.
The second meeting was held in the strategic command room, a high-tech space filled with holographic displays and real-time data feeds. The air hummed with the sound of machinery, and the walls seemed to pulse with the glow of countless screens. Elder Seraphine and a different group of council members sat around the table, their eyes fixed on Cassian as he displayed a new set of schematics.
Seraphine was a striking figure, her sharp features framed by a cascade of dark hair. Her beauty was matched only by her cunning. She leaned forward now, her gaze fixed on Cassian with an intensity that bordered on predatory.
"Light mechas units, equipped with cloaking systems and EMP grenades, will be deployed." Cassian said, gesturing to the outpost's interior. "Infiltration teams will move covertly to plant signal jammers, while the mechas are luring the biologicals into ambush zones."
Taryn, one of the younger council members, hesitated. "Won't that leave the perimeter vulnerable?"
"Not if executed correctly," Cassian said, his tone softening. "Localized artillery will provide bombardment support, targeting clusters and creating chaos. The light mecha's speed ensures they can retreat before the biologicals mount an effective counter."
"And if they can't?" Seraphine pressed.
"Airstrikes," Cassian replied without missing a beat. "Fallback zones will be reinforced, and reserve units stationed nearby will fill any gaps."
Seraphine leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with a challenge. "A bold move, Chancellor. But isn't it risky to shift strategies so quickly? What if they adapt mid-strike?"