The Discussion

The meeting room Thomas had prepared wasn't lavish—it was functional. Clean metal tables, folding chairs, a simple fan humming in the corner. But the sharpness of the soldiers standing guard at each end of the room made it clear: this was not a casual conversation.

Captain Enrique Villamor stepped inside with measured steps, his expression calm but alert. Ramos stayed outside per Thomas's request—this was a one-on-one discussion.

Thomas closed the door behind them and gestured to the chair across from him. "Have a seat, Captain."

Villamor complied, his eyes scanning the room once more before settling on the man who, for all intents and purposes, controlled the refinery.

Thomas sat across from him, resting his forearms on the table. He leaned forward slightly, his voice level.

"Let's start from the top. I'm Commander Thomas Estaris. I lead this force."

Villamor raised an eyebrow. "What branch?"