Zaire — The following day
Kymani paced around anxiously while the rest of the crew sat, waiting in silence for news of Malcolm's trial. They watched him as he continued his restless loop before finally squatting to the ground in frustration.
"What—your feet finally gave up?" Zara teased.
"How long does it take to get a word from the president… or anyone at all?" he complained. "And when the trial results are out—then what?"
Zara lifted her head. "No one knows the answers to your questions, Kymani."
"But he's right though," Lynx chimed in. "We can't stay here doing nothing. We're safe for now, but we can't hide forever." His gaze shifted to the others.
Valtor lowered his head, eyes shutting briefly as if steadying his nerves.
"And what exactly do you want us to do, Lynx?" Zara pressed. "You're the one who promised the professor that we'd be safe."
"Because it was the right thing to say at that moment," Lynx defended. "But we also need to face reality—the council is still searching for us. Now is the best time to strategize before they come up with another agenda."
"Okay, Lynx," Zara crossed her arms. "So what's your brilliant idea?"
"Please… stop." Orea spoke up, her voice calm but firm as she glanced between them. "This back and forth isn't helping."
All eyes turned to her.
"We need to know what's actually going on before making any plans," she continued. "And we'll need the president's direct involvement. So unfortunately… all we can do right now is wait."
A heavy silence followed.
Valtor exhaled sharply. "I can't take this," he muttered as he stood.
"Where are you going?" Rowynn asked at once.
"To get answers," he replied, already reaching for a coat.
"And where exactly will you get these answers?" Lynx pressed.
"At the president's home," Valtor said, moving toward the door.
Everyone shot to their feet.
"Valtor, wait!" Zara chided. "That's not a good idea—you can't just walk into the president's house."
"Do you even know where he lives?", Kymani added. " And what if he has guests from other regions? We could all be exposed."
"This isn't about any of you," Valtor cut in without facing them. "I have to know what's happened to my dad."
"We get that," Lynx said, stepping closer. "But we can't act rashly or his sacrifice would be for nothing."
Valtor shook his head. "Don't worry. Even if I get caught, I'd be useless to the council." He paused, his voice lowering. "I'm not the test subject they're really after."
He pulled the door open.
A harsh wind immediately surged forward, slamming it shut. The sudden force sent his hair rattling as the air swirled around him.
Valtor turned.
Orea stood behind him, one arm stretched out, light air still brewing around her. The rest of the group stared in stunned silence.
She slowly lowered her arm, her eyes locked onto his.
"How can you be sure?" she asked, straightening.
Valtor's brows furrowed in confusion.
"How are you so sure the council would keep their promise of excluding you from their experiments," she continued, "even after putting your father on trial?"
Valtor looked away, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"It's okay to be worried," Orea added from where she stood, "but going out there isn't the solution."
"I know", he breathed. "I just.. I can't let him suffer for.."
A sharp rattle at the door cut in, drawing everyone's attention.
Valtor quickly stepped back as the rest of the group instinctively gathered together. The door swung open, revealing a sharply dressed soldier at the entrance, his demeanor cold and intimidating.
He faced them. "Special arrival of the Grand Commander of the Zairan region," he announced officially.
The crew exchanged startled glances.
Almost immediately, another group of soldiers emerged behind him, parting into two orderly rows on either side. President Zha'rik stepped through them, dressed in full regalia, his presence commanding the room.
The group bowed their heads in respect.
"Please, rise," he said.
"I apologize for leaving you in the dark regarding recent events. Council matters have been… pressing lately." His gaze shifted to Valtor. "I believe your father must have informed you of some of them."
Valtor nodded. "Yes, sir."
Fully stepping into the room, President Zha'rik clasped his hands behind his back as he paced. "The professor's revolution plan was brilliant," he said. "It would've been major milestone—if we had the Godfathers on our side."
He stopped, turning to face the youths. "The professor's case has been adjourned."
An unmistakable ease of tension ensued.
"A calculated strategy meant to fill you with false hope, push you into erratic decisions, and grant Professor Steel more time to weigh his options—either surrender your location or face harsher penalties."
Valtor's fists clenched unconsciously.
"However," the president continued, "I have come bearing good news."
The room stilled.
"One of the convening Godfathers has secretly pledged his support to our cause. This means that, though we must proceed cautiously, the revolution may still take place."
The crew's expressions brightened at the revelation.
"Unfortunately," President Zha'rik cut in, his tone sharpening, "where there is good news, there is always bad."
The group exchanged uneasy glances, straightening instinctively as they braced themselves for what came next.