Alex reviewed the security measures himself, ensuring there were no gaps anywhere and every person on the security detail had a clean background.“I need you to keep this to yourself, Samantha. No need to cause any unnecessary panic.”But Samantha was already panicking herself and could barely keep herself together.“How can I not?” she blurted. “I am not a military expert like you. I am just a simple businesswoman. I don’t know how to deal with such a situation.”“If things go as planned, then you might not have to deal with anything,” Alex replied. “But it’s always better to be safe than sorry,” he cautioned.“And who are these enemies?” She asked right as Alex was about to leave. “Are they your business rivals?”“Far worse,” Alex replied. “We are dealing with an organized group of militants backed by Valheim.”The color drained from Samantha’s face instantly.“Militants?” She gasped.“Lazarus to be exact,” Alex replied. “But I need you to keep your calm. As long as I am here, I won

Raziya headed straight to Costa Verde Beach on her dirt bike. She parked it outside one of the several shake shacks, blending in with the rest of the young crowd.From out there, she had a clear line of sight, giving her a perfect view of the jet ski store with the surfboards hanging out front.“I am at the beach, Commander. No sign of Saldano yet,” she relayed into her wireless.“Stay posted and don’t create a ruckus. You need to nab him quietly without raising any alarms. If he alerts anyone else, the whole mission will be ruined.”“Roger that. Going silent.”***While Raziya was scoping out the jet ski store, waiting for the target to show up, Alex was checking the digital map, marking down all the piers, harbors, and ports.Since flying into Alexandria was going to require several documents and checks, he had a hunch that the militants were going to use the waterway instead.Taking out the Lazarus heads was the best way to deal with the problem once and for all, but in case Sven’s

As Alex walked out of the jet ski shop, Captain Williams followed reluctantly like a fading shadow.“You have changed, Commander,” he finally spoke up. “I am sorry, Commander, but I never expected you to…just order the execution of an unarmed young girl.”Alex stopped in his tracks, but didn’t turn around.“You have a lot to learn, Captain. Perhaps, you need to pay more attention.”Years ago, Captain Williams had seen a hero in Xander, but now, after witnessing his cold-blooded brutality, he felt his illusions shattering around him.He couldn’t help but ask in a shaky voice.“Why did you have to kill that innocent girl? Is this what we are fighting for, Commander?”“He didn’t kill anyone, you slowpoke,” Raziya chuckled from behind as she came out of the jet ski store. “You really need to be paying more attention.”“What?” Captain Williams looked all confused. “I saw Terence shoot the girl in the head.”“You saw exactly what I wanted you to see.” Alex turned around and smirked. “All th

Saldano realized that Mitch had already picked up on his phone call conversation and was now suspecting him of foul playLying had gotten him so far, but he knew it wasn’t going to get him out of this mess again.“I asked you a question, Sal. Who the hell were you talking to?” Mitch thundered again, pushing the gun closer to Saldano’s face.“I already told you it was an old friend. We were discussing something about my family. It’s personal!” Saldano muttered back.But Mitch wasn’t ready to buy it.“You know this whole thing was smelling fishy right from the start. First, it was your idea to change the date of the strikes, then you decided to call me over here. And now, you’re passing information over the phone. Isn’t that right?”“You’re in way over your head, Mitch!” Saldano shot back. “I have been a member of Lazarus for three years. Far longer than you!”“But that doesn’t mean you’re still loyal. And I am not letting you mess things up now that we’re so close to bringing Alexandri

Led by Syed Akram, the second team of insurgents went around the Cape of Black Gold and arrived unchallenged at the Whaler’s Harbor in Cobalt Cove.Once their boats touched down at the pier, Syed ordered his men to grab their guns and strap up for the road ahead.Their goal was simple: attack Cobalt Cove’s mining infrastructure and shatter the nation’s backbone.Geared with Kevlar jackets and assault rifles, the men reported to Syed, ready for action.“Remember our objective, everyone. Our goal is to hit them hard and disappear without a trace. We must inflict as much damage as possible and then return to our boats. But first, we need to pick up the explosives from our contact.”With those final instructions, Syed pulled out a second, older cellphone and typed in Mitch Banner’s number.The phone rang nine times, but no one picked up.Syed tried a second time, yet the result remained unchanged.On every other mission, the standing instructions were always to proceed after verbal confir