Their headquarters?

"You can do whatever you want, but I'm not giving you what you want," General Aric Tarkus said defiantly, even though his current situation made defiance seem futile.

In the heart of the scavengers' outpost, Tarkus and his surviving troops knelt, their hands bound behind their backs.

Hiro sat opposite them, flanked by Kaida, Lyria, Zara, and Tryth. He rose from his seat, pacing in deliberate circles around the captives before halting in front of the Arcadian general.

Hiro squatted down, bringing his gaze to eye level with Tarkus. "Do you want to see your men die? Then you'll answer my questions," Hiro said, his voice laced with a chilling threat.

"What is the Prime Corporation planning? I'm sure they know I'm here on Sirien," Hiro inquired as he returned to his seat.

Tarkus, his voice tinged with alarm, replied, "How am I supposed to know?"