Offer

Shen, Fenix, and Kelly looked at each other, allowing the general's words to register. The only sound in the room was the steady stride of soldiers practicing with their spears outside. There was a brief moment of trepidation on Shen's face, but it was soon replaced by his typical composed resolve. He inhaled deeply, moved forward, and asked with purposeful accuracy:

"What are you asking for in exchange?"

Leaning forward, the general placed his hands on his leather chair's arms. As though attempting to read Shen's soul, his eyes were fixed on his. His tone was stern but impassioned as he said, "I love my country." "I hope it rises once more and develops into a powerful empire. However, those aspirations are being undermined by some of our so-called allies. Commander, there is revolt within rebellion. However, their vision differs greatly from mine. They are individuals that lack strength and discipline.

Fenix laughed a dry laugh. "A revolt inside a rebellion? "That sounds like a mess," he remarked, grinning wryly.

The general's eyes shone with conviction as he remained unfazed by Fenix's derision. "You could call it that," he stated in a firm voice. However, the strong, orderly structure I envision is incompatible with their craving for anarchy and so-called freedom. My goal is to bring this nation back to its previous splendor. All they want to do is destroy it.

Shen took a long breath and spoke slowly, picking his words carefully. "What specifically are you asking us to do?"

The general took out a piece of cloth from a drawer in his desk. He unfolded it and placed it in plain sight on the desk. The emblem on the cloth was the same as the one Shen had discovered in the pyramid before. Shen and the others looked closely at the well-known mark.

The general stared at Shen and asked, "Does this look familiar to you?"

Shen squinted at the cloth before looking directly into the general's eyes. With a harsh and inquisitive tone, he questioned, "How do you know this is what we're looking for?"

The general lit his pipe and blew forth a cloud of smoke that filled the room. He remarked cryptically, "Even though I don't leave my office very often, my ears are everywhere." "We both want the same thing, Commander: justice," he continued in a somber tone.

The word echoed in the room's quiet, hanging in the air. Shen, Fenix, and Kelly glanced at one another, attempting to read one other's minds. Shen thought about the general's goals. Although it was still unclear what justice meant in the general's hands, his determination made compromise difficult.

The general got up from his seat and walked to the huge window that overlooked the courtyard, clasping his hands behind his back. “This symbol belongs to them,” he continued with increased vigor. I can get all the information you require from the individual it represents if you bring him to me. His voice was full of relentless fervor, and he clenched his hand fiercely. "Seek him out and deliver him to me."

Fenix scowled. And what takes place once we deliver him to you? How do you intend to handle him?

The general turned to Fenix, his expression stern and icy. "I'll get my justice," he declared coldly. "My people will see the fear and power of true strength, and he will answer to me."

Fenix and Kelly moved uncomfortably. It was obvious that the general had madness in his eyes.
Fenix tightened his jaw and looked at Shen, who had a different look on his face, one of calculating. However, that calculation concealed a fierce internal conflict—a single decision that may be the difference between rescue and catastrophe. 

Shen's chest began to feel heavy at that precise moment. He understood that what he was about to say had the power to alter or even decide someone's destiny. 

His brow furrowed as he pondered, I must make a thoughtful decision. Am I condemning someone to whatever agony the general has in store if I accept this deal? I might be wasting our opportunity to find the truth we so sorely need if I say no. Which way is more beneficial or less harmful?

He imagined every possible outcome: handing the man over to the general, taking a chance on forming an alliance with a fanatic, or leaving without anything and losing important intelligence. Shen felt, for the first time in his life, like a real leader, plagued by the fear that his commands could result in equal parts gain and loss.

With his heart racing, he told himself, "I'm not just fighting for myself anymore." My allies, including Fenix, Kelly, and innumerable more, rely on me to make the correct decision. But is there even a "right" call in this case?

Shen took a step forward, his voice firm and determined. Without hesitation, he declared, "We have a deal." But he could feel the weight of these words echoing inside of him. He reasoned that this was the beginning of a single choice that could result in the loss or gain of another person. But if it means defending the people who are important to me, I'll accept that guilt. "Just let us know the location."

Shen's quick agreement briefly shocked Fenix and Kelly, but they decided to keep quiet because they believed he had a plan. Spreading a map over his desk, the general indicated a little village on the parchment.

"This is it," he said. In this town, you will locate him. There is betrayal everywhere, so don't trust anyone on the way there.

Shen looked at the map for a moment and then nodded. "Comprehensive. We'll track him down and deliver him to you.

Shen's gut turned as the general leaned back, a twisted enjoyment on his face. I just gave someone over to fate after making my first significant decision. He made an effort to ignore the idea, but the "knot" persisted in his thoughts and tightened again.

The general yelled at Shen as they turned to go. "Commander," he said in a tone that was out of character. Shen stopped and glanced back, his gaze inquisitive.

The general's attitude was incomprehensible when he met Shen's gaze. "Your eyes... They are not the same as those of your buddies. They might not have yet encountered their worst fears. However, you have overcome those concerns and come out on the other side. It's visible in your eyes. That appeals to me.

Shen froze for a second, taking in the unexpected remark. He merely gave a slight nod in response before opening the door and leaving. Fenix and Kelly trailed closely behind, their minds focused on the work at hand.

The insurgent troops' rigorous training provided an intimidating background as they moved around the courtyard. Fenix and Kelly were silent, but they couldn't help but wonder what Shen was up to. The stiff set of his jaw caught Kelly's attention as she glanced at him. She had previously witnessed his hesitation, but not to this extent. She started to say something, but she was silenced by Shen's serious gaze; she could tell a storm was raging inside of him.