Gruelling Work

Elias turned, setting his gaze on Harriet, who had sprinted to him and snapped a salute. ‘I’m at your command, Major General.’ ‘Lieutenant Colonel Daniels.’ Elias returned her salute, a sliver of a smile playing on his lips. ‘Gather all officers ranking captain and above for a briefing. I want a comprehensive rundown on the current border situation.’ ‘Consider it done.’ With Elias’s orders, Harriet sprang into action, convening a swift and concise meeting to orchestrate the impending battle. Seated at the head of the briefing table, Elias cast a cool gaze in Harriet’s direction, his question crisp, ‘Update me on the latest.’ Harriet meticulously laid out the situation, her voice steady despite the weight of her words. ‘Kurtazagg’s spiralling into chaos. The violence is escalating, rioters gaining traction. Border merchants have turned arms smugglers, wreaking havoc between Kurtazagg and Engalia. We’re hitting back, trying to stem the flow. But they’ve escalated too—mercenaries are swar