11. Decision from the Center

Victoria successfully made the people in the room angry with her idea of offering to go to the battlefield and find the starting point of the attack of strange creatures that destroyed many things, killed humans and animals, even more, dangerous than the virus.

No one in the room agreed with Victoria's decision to go directly to the battlefield, even alone. They knew the situation out there was more chaotic and deadly that's why no one agreed.

"If we lose even one member, it hurts. You go down alone and face them? No! We won't let it, Vic!" said the commander firmly.

"The commander is right, Victoria. Whatever your reason, we won't let you go down," said the female officer.

"So, you're just going to sit still and wait for a solution? While out there so many citizens are afraid. It's only a matter of time before those creatures attack the city or a densely populated area. Are you sure you can handle it?" said Victoria in a loud voice.

They fell silent hearing what Victoria said.

"But still, we can't sacrifice you, Victoria. What will your father do when he finds out you went there alone? What will we answer?” the commander said again.

This time it was Victoria who was silent.

“The situation out there is more chaotic than here. Three out of ten people we sent there, seven of them died. The other three survived, and it was only a matter of time. How did you get there? Just out of the camp, you will face those creatures directly. You know, facing them, it is not easy,” said another person who persuaded Victoria who was still determined to go.

Victoria could not say clearly that she was secretly assigned there, where the alien ship landed. However, Victoria thought about it, took a breath, and prepared to say that she had a secret mission to go there. Yes, just say that part, nothing more.

“I will go.”

Suddenly someone raised his hand, making the attention of the people there focused on the owner of the hand, including Victoria and the girl who were shocked.

“What do you mean, Sean?”

“What is it this time? Can you guys be a little sane?

“I volunteer. You should know that if she challenges Victoria, she will do anything even if no one agrees. That stupid girl will do anything to go there according to her plan. Her determination is too strong to be opposed just like that,” Sean explained without looking at Victoria who was still shocked by his actions.

However, what Sean said was true. Victoria would not give up no matter what, she would still go even without permission.

This time no one spoke again after Sean said that about Victoria. But the girl seemed annoyed because Sean volunteered.

“If I go, I can take care of Victoria, or we can take care of each other,” Sean said again. “I know the conditions and situation out there are chaotic, especially in the area where the plane is. I know, but what Victoria said is right. If we can’t move, how can we stop this war? If the plane can stop it, why not try?”

Sean spoke again, trying to persuade and give a logical understanding. Even though what Victoria said was true, just like Sean, if Victoria’s father was a high-ranking military official, how could they just let it go, right?

“There’s no point in stopping a stubborn crazy girl,” Sean said again, this time looking at Victoria, the girl glared at Sean because of his words.

“But, still, Sean. Should we assign you? No.” The commander refused, just as stubbornly.

Victoria took a deep breath after hearing what the commander said, refusing again.

Before Victoria could speak again, and Sean could defend himself, someone came and approached the commander and whispered something into the man’s ear. After that, the man stood beside the commander who was silent for a moment while directing his gaze to Victoria and Sean alternately.

“Someone wants to talk to you,” the commander said while nodding his head towards the person who whispered the message to him earlier.

The man nodded and immediately connected something to the screen.

“This is from the centre. There is a message that the centre wants to convey,” the commander said.

Everyone sat up straight in their places as the screen displayed several military officials.

“I heard there was a commotion over there?” one of the officials spoke.

“Yes, Pir. We were just discussing something,” the commander replied.

“Is that so? Alright. Forget it. However, we were just discussing something, and made a decision,” said the military officer on the right side of the screen. “We agreed, someone was sent to where the plane was,” he added.

What the man said surprised everyone including Sean and Victoria.

“We decided to assign Sean, and Victoria, as they wanted. Besides, we have also discussed what happened out there, but we have to send someone there and see the situation closer. If there is a stopping point for the creature’s attack, why not try it?”

There were about four military officers on the screen, but only one spoke, and Victoria recognized him as the superior who gave the girl the secret mission.

“So officially, we are sending Sean Edwin and Victoria Della to work there.”

“Yes, sir!” Sean and Victoria answered in unison.

But both of them looked unhappy.

The entire room was silent. Of course, they objected, but if the centre ordered, what could be done? They finally gave in.

“That’s it. Bring victory.” Ben ended the conversation but the man was still on the screen.

One of the four high-ranking officials was Victoria's father.

"I won't say much. However, you should know, that in every decision there must be a risk. So, I won't expect much, come back safely, Victoria, and also Sean. I won't stop you because I know it will be in vain," said Victoria's father.

"Okay, sir. Thank you, Father," said Victoria standing up from her seat, and looking forward, at the screen showing her father.

"Okay. Please take care of this naughty girl, Sean," ordered the girl's father to Sean.

"Okay, Sir. Ready!" replied Sean.

"Okay. That's it. You have worked hard, thank you to everyone in this room."

No one answered, everyone in the room was still regretting the centre's decision to assign Victoria and Sean to a more dangerous battlefield.

After delivering a few more messages in turn, the four high-ranking officials took their leave. They would send logistical supplies to various refugee camps and military camps, as well as send weapons to attack the creatures out there that were still roaming around, waiting for their prey again.