Chapter 511: Sickness
He paused, letting the leaders absorb this before he added, "All division members will undergo rigorous training, directly integrated with the military forces, such as the Marines, Navy SEALs, and Rangers, along with specialized units from overseas.
This will ensure that they are not just capable of handling their unique abilities but are also trained to operate as elite soldiers, ready to defend our world on multiple fronts." Stay updated through empire
Jade felt a swell of pride hearing the Director's words. The challenges ahead were immense, but the structure being put in place gave her confidence that they could face whatever came next. The leaders around the room seemed to be coming to the same conclusion, nodding thoughtfully as the Director laid out the plan.
The Director, sensing the room's shift in mood, continued, "We're not just training superhumans. We're training soldiers, leaders, and defenders of humanity. Each member will be prepared to handle not just their unique abilities but also the strategic and tactical challenges of modern warfare. They will be our first and last line of defense against the threats we face."
There was a pause, and then another leader spoke up, "And how do we ensure that those who are chosen for these divisions are the best we have? What criteria are you using to select these leaders and members?"
The Director met the question head-on. "Selection is based on a combination of factors—combat experience, strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and most importantly, the capacity to harness and control their powers effectively. Those selected as leaders have proven themselves in the field, demonstrating not just strength, but the ability to make critical decisions under pressure."
Jade felt a sense of responsibility settle over her. She knew she had been chosen for a reason, and she was determined to live up to the expectations placed on her.
The Director scanned the room, his eyes sweeping over the faces of the world leaders gathered before him. "Any more questions?" he asked, his voice carrying a calm authority.
The room fell into a contemplative silence. Many of those seated had their hands rested under their chins, their expressions thoughtful. A few hummed slightly, thinking out loud, but no one immediately spoke up. Then, a man from the American delegation, with a serious expression and a slight furrow in his brow, finally broke the silence.
"I believe this is the best direction to go," the man began, his voice steady but laced with concern. "It gives us the best chance moving forward. If things fail and fall apart, at least we can rest knowing humanity gave it their all. But I have to ask—if humanity should fall, is there any contingency plan?"
A small, knowing smirk appeared on the Director's face. "Yes, there is a contingency plan in place," he replied, his tone measured. "But it's in an extreme phase right now, with only a few tests currently exploring its possibility. We'll hold a separate conference to discuss this plan in detail when the time is right.
This work is being handled by a specialized group down in Chicago, Illinois, and we've already seen signs of heavy success."
The American representative nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of the Director's words. He sat back down, the room once again filled with a heavy silence. The tension in the air was palpable as everyone processed the implications of what had just been discussed.
Minutes passed, the silence almost deafening, before a bell rang on the far wall, signaling the end of the meeting. The Director, sensing the finality of the moment, stepped away from the podium to allow the original host, the Secretary-General, to formally conclude the session.
As the Secretary-General began his closing remarks, the Director turned toward Jade and the others who had stood with him throughout the meeting. He pointed to them, his gaze steady. "Please, meet me at the exit hall. We will discuss the follow-on actions."
Jade exchanged brief glances with Tyree, Oscar, Ashaiki, and Gojaro. Together, they bowed respectfully to the Director before filing out of the room. The weight of the meeting still hung heavy on their shoulders, but there was also a sense of purpose among them—a silent acknowledgment that the real work was just beginning.
As they exited the room, the Director stepped off the stage, disappearing behind the curtains that led away from the spotlight. The leaders left behind in the room were left to their thoughts, the gravity of what had been discussed settling in, knowing that the world would soon change in ways they could barely comprehend.
A few hours had passed since the intense meeting, and the sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the rooftop lounge. The sprawling city below was bathed in the warm, golden light of the late afternoon. Jade sat on the wide ledge of a large window, the glass cool against her back.
The lounge itself was quiet, with sleek, modern furniture and a few scattered documents left behind by those who had been preparing for what was to come.
Jade's thoughts were miles away as she stared out at the city, watching as the day slowly gave way to evening. The events of the day weighed heavily on her mind—the introductions, the challenges, and the looming responsibilities that now rested on her shoulders. Despite the calm outside, she knew the world was on the brink of something massive, and she could feel the pressure building within her.
The sound of the door opening pulled her from her thoughts. Rosa walked in, her presence immediately bringing a sense of warmth and familiarity to the room. She carried a tray of food, the smell wafting through the air and making Jade realize just how hungry she was.
"Hey cutie, how you holding up?" Rosa asked, her tone light, trying to bring some levity to the situation. "I know you just woke up recently from that coma… You know, you get knocked out a lot," she added with a teasing smile as she approached.