Embers of Discontent

Third-Person Omniscient

In the marble‑clad Council Hall, Director Malvern watched the holo‑display with a calculating gaze. The chamber was silent, save for the soft hum of surveillance feeds looping across giant screens. Minister Halsey paced before the dais, fingers drumming a staccato rhythm. Minister Durant stood at a side console, arms crossed, face impassive.

Malvern cleared his throat. “The rebels have fractured our control grid. Their broadcasts have galvanized the populace. We cannot allow this to continue.”

Halsey halted. “They named the boy, Echo. He has become a symbol. Public sentiment is shifting away from us.”

Durant’s voice was low. “Symbols are powerful, but fleeting. We need a demonstration of strength.”

Malvern turned, eyes narrowing. “Agreed. We deploy the Shadow Unit.” He gestured to the screens. “Silent, surgical. No public spectacle. Capture Echo, Liora, and Torian. Retrieve the static transponder—if they’ve embedded it in our infrastructure, we must neutralize it.”

Halsey’s lips curled. “And the civilians in the green corridor?”

Malvern’s expression was cold steel. “They are collateral. The message must be clear: rebellion is met with decisive force. Fear will restore order.”

Durant nodded. “I will mobilize the brigades. Patrols will converge on the extraction point in thirty minutes.”

Malvern raised a hand. “Not so hasty. We need precision. The Shadow Unit will insert via the old service conduits—uncharted by civilian surveillance. They will move in silence, neutralize the rebels, and extract our targets.”

Halsey leaned forward. “And the public?”

Malvern tapped a control. The holo‑display switched to a citywide map. “We will broadcast an emergency decree: curfew, martial law, and the declaration of a terrorist threat. We will blame foreign agitators and a rogue journalist network. By morning, the narrative will be ours.”

Durant flicked his comm device. “Units are standing by.”

Malvern surveyed his lieutenants. “Then proceed.” He turned to the massive window overlooking the city. Below, the neon glow clashed with darkened blocks. He watched as patrol drones carved arcs of light, oblivious to the coming storm.

In the silence that followed, the Council’s shadow stretched across the city—an unseen hand poised to snuff out the spark of rebellion before it ignited a flame.