Critical Situation

The evacuation order was given to the passengers and non-essential crew of the land wagon. Red emergency lights flashed in the dim corridors, and the wailing sirens added to the growing sense of panic. Due to the ongoing attack, escape pods were restricted for safety reasons, leaving the majority of passengers to make their way to the evacuation deck at the lower levels of the land wagon.

Those in the upper floors, particularly the VIPs, were given priority, ushered along by the ship's crew. Special emergency exits allowed them to bypass the long and chaotic queues of ordinary passengers. Cries of fear and confusion filled the air as people rushed to safety.

Michel clenched his jaw, pushing forward despite the pain pulsing through his head. He had refused painkillers or stimulants, preferring to keep his mind clear and sharp.

"Sir, this path leads to the cargo hold," the second mate said, gesturing towards an adjacent corridor as they pressed through the fleeing crowds.

"Then it's settled. We'll go that way." Michel nodded, his voice grim. "It's unfortunate that Captain Joe won't be here with us. If not for that devastating attack, we could have gotten more information out of him."

The second mate hesitated, his expression uneasy. "I'll cooperate, sir, in his place. Just… make sure I get immunity from all of this."

"That's not for me to decide." Michel didn't slow his pace as they pushed forward.

The hallway was packed with terrified passengers scrambling toward the evacuation deck. It made movement difficult. Michel scanned the corridor, assessing their situation. "You said the cargo hold was nearby."

"Aye! This way!" the second mate replied and led the group into a narrower passage.

Before Michel could take another step, his wireless transmitter crackled with static. A familiar voice cut through the noise.

"Sir! This is Sergeant Duvall. The enemy has successfully boarded the land wagon! We're engaging, but—"

Gunfire thundered in the background, cutting off the Sergeant's words.

"What's your status, Sergeant?" Michel demanded.

"We're getting overwhelmed! They came down in waves!" A burst of gunfire followed. "We won't be able to hold out much longer!"

"Fall back into the deck, Sergeant! Regroup with your remaining men!"

"That's not possible, sir. The entrance to the interior is busted. We're trapped up here!" The Sergeant's voice was laced with grim determination. "It's been an honor serving with you, sir."

Michel's grip tightened around the transmitter. He felt a sharp pang of guilt and helplessness. "It's been an honor too, Sergeant."

Duvall chuckled despite the situation. "Don't sound so grim, Cap! We always pull through somehow."

Another soldier's voice came through. "Sergeant, they're pushing in fast! Orders?"

"Give 'em hell! Show them what real soldiers are made of!" Duvall barked, then turned his attention back to Michel. "Sir, I'll update you if we hold. But for now, I've got work to do. Over and out."

The transmission cut off. Michel stared at the device in his hand, feeling a weight settle in his chest.

----

Meanwhile, in the cargo hold, crates were being cracked open, revealing the dangerous blue glow of Corium. The element pulsed with an eerie light, its potent energy barely contained. Patrolmen worked swiftly, pouring water over the substance to dilute it. The process had to be done carefully; any miscalculation could result in disaster.

Milena wiped sweat from her brow and turned to Prince Andrea. "How many crates are there?"

Andrea pointed towards the towering stacks still covered in white cloth. "Too many."

Milena exhaled sharply. "That's a lot of Corium."

"I know…" Andrea's expression darkened. "Whatever the Dumayar and the crew of this land wagon were planning, this trade would have brought them a fortune. The black market value of this much Corium is astronomical."

"I agree..." Milena muttered, glancing around at the containers still untouched.

Roy approached and saluted. "My prince, I don't know if we can dilute all of it in time. We're doing our best, but—"

"Do what's necessary, Roy," Andrea said firmly. "We'll dispose of the rest if needed."

"Yes, my prince."

"I can't let you do that," Milena interjected. "Detonating Corium could set off a chain reaction strong enough to tear this entire land wagon apart! It would be suicide!"

"Do we have a choice, Lieutenant?" Andrea shot back. "If the enemy gets their hands on this Corium, who knows what devastation they could unleash? You know as well as I do why this substance was banned."

Roy nodded in agreement. "It's a dangerous gamble, but leaving it intact could be even worse."

Milena clenched her fists. "I understand, but I can't just ignore my orders!"

Andrea and Roy exchanged looks before sighing.

At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed through the cargo hold. A woman dressed in a white gown and blouse ran towards them, her breath labored. She bowed before Andrea.

"Rise, Felicia," Andrea ordered.

Milena's eyes widened. "You! You're Manuel Dumont's wife!"

Felicia's face paled as she glanced at Milena. Andrea raised a hand, calming her. "It's alright, Felicia. You're safe here."

Felicia nodded and turned to Andrea, her voice urgent. "My prince, the patrolmen—" she hesitated, glancing at Milena before continuing, "—they took Maximus into custody!"

Milena's brow furrowed. "We were looking for dissenters. I assumed he was involved with the smuggling ring."

Andrea remained calm. "No harm done. We'll ensure Maximus is reunited with us later. Once this is over, Lieutenant, we'll go our separate ways."

Before Milena could reply, a distant explosion rocked the cargo hold. The entire land wagon trembled as the lights flickered.Roy drew his weapon. "They're getting closer. We don't have much time."

Andrea straightened. "Then we fight."

Milena nodded, steeling herself. There was no turning back now.

A tall figure appeared before Milena and Prince Andrea's group. He was intimidating and had a dangerous aura around him. Basing on their uniforms they were not Federal soldiers nor fellow patrolmen. Their black outfit and ominous presence reveals their true identity. It was the Dumayar who was lead by their General—Voldyck!