Introductions and Interrogations

The convoy of three black vans pulled into the underground loading dock of the Parsons Command Center, their engines humming softly before falling silent. The cool, dimly lit space was alive with activity as analysts, technicians, and security personnel awaited the return of Peter and his team from their daring mission at the Pentagon. The faint hum of high-tech machinery echoed faintly against the walls, a testament to the state-of-the-art nerve center that ran like a well-oiled machine.

The first van’s doors opened with sharp precision as Peter stepped out, his presence commanding as always. Behind him, Henry climbed out, exhausted but managing to stay composed despite the chaos of the night. Major Amma followed, maintaining her unshakable composure like the seasoned soldier she was. Finally, Dunning, still bound by zip ties, was hauled out of the van by two soldiers, his disheveled appearance a far cry from the smug bravado he displayed earlier. Six additional soldiers stepped out and quickly fanned around, securing the area as Peter took the lead. Peter addressed one of the soldiers, gesturing toward Dunning.

"Take him to the holding room. Prep him for interrogation. I won’t be long."

The soldier nodded crisply, his tone firm and obedient.

"Yes, sir."

He grabbed Dunning forcefully by the arm, dragging him toward the far end of the room. The zip-tied sergeant stumbled briefly but was shoved upright by the soldier’s firm grip. Dunning shot a glare back over his shoulder toward Peter, but the latter didn’t even acknowledge it. Peter’s mind was already moving several steps ahead. The second van doors slammed open as Paul, Mangino, Charlie, Colonel Zeke, and seven additional soldiers carefully stepped out. Paul walked at what could almost be called a nervous sprint, heading straight for the entrance to the command center along with Mangino and the soldiers. Charlie followed more leisurely, his calm demeanor belying the fact that he still carried the weight of the night’s events on his shoulders. Zeke, however, stayed behind, pausing briefly as he looked to Major Amma, who was still standing at the side of the first van. When the two locked eyes, neither said anything for a moment, but they both knew why they were waiting. Zeke gestured toward the entrance, and Amma nodded, the two old comrades entering the command center side by side. As soon as they passed through the massive steel entrance, Zeke came to an abrupt stop, his jaw practically unhinging. His eyes swept across a scene unlike anything he’d ever witnessed. The Parsons Command Center wasn’t just a base—it was a technological marvel that rivaled anything Zeke had seen during his long tenure in the military. Rows of monitors displayed everything from live satellite feeds to complex data models.

Analysts sat at their stations, their fingers flying over keyboards as they monitored multiple screens. Engineers tinkered with devices in one corner while technicians coordinated tasks in another. The lighting was bright but not overwhelming, and every inch of the space seemed surgically organized. It was the epitome of precision. Blinking rapidly and mesmerized, he responded in amazement.

"Good lord...This place is...incredible!"

Major Amma smirked faintly.

"Welcome to the revolution, Zeke," she said.

"This isn’t just a command center—it’s the heart of it all."

Colonel Zeke ran a hand over his silver hair, his eyes wide as he spun slowly, trying to take it all in.

"It’s like...a kid being dropped in a toy store on Christmas morning. I’ve seen advanced setups, but this? This is...something else."

Major Amma nodded, smiling with quiet pride.

"And the technology here? Nothing—nothing—comes close to Peter’s mind. The man sees paths and equations the rest of us can’t. But as brilliant as he is, his nephew and niece? They’re the ones you should really be looking forward to meeting."

Colonel Zeke’s eyebrows shot up; his curiosity piqued.

“So wait. Parsons really has kids leading this operation? Never thought I’d see the day. You sure they’re not just running errands or hacking Wi-Fi passwords in the corner?"

Major Amma chuckled but gave him a knowing look, shaking her head.

"They’re not just kids, Zeke. They’re the reason we got you out of the Pentagon tonight."

Before Zeke could respond, Peter approached them, flanked by both children. Chris, standing tall and composed for his age, carried the quiet confidence of someone much older, while Ruby, with her spark of mischief in her eyes, looked ready to conquer the world. Peter stood behind them, his expression radiating pride as he introduced them with a firm, but warm tone.

"Zeke Haywood, meet the REAL leaders of this revolution—my nephew and niece, Chris and Ruby Parsons."

Colonel Zeke froze for a moment, his eyes darting from Chris to Ruby, then back to Chris, as if the two of them didn’t quite compute in his brain. He blinked several times, even rubbing his eyes to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating.

"You...you’re kidding, right?"

He pointed vaguely at the kids with shock in his voice.

"THESE are the masterminds behind what just happened?"

The colonel addressed Ruby. "What are you like...seven?"

Ruby smirked and crossed her arms, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she responded.

"I’m nine, actually. But thanks for the compliment."

Chris, not missing a beat, stepped in to save the colonel the trouble of further guesswork.

"I’m thirteen. And, yes, Colonel, we are the ones who helped pull it off. Nice to meet you."

Zeke had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing, but the disbelief lingered as he decided to jest a bit.

"Thirteen and nine, huh? Isn’t it past your bedtime?"

Ruby raised an eyebrow and shot back without hesitation.

"We could ask you the same question, old man."

Peter fought back a smile, while Chris and Major Amma chuckled to themselves.

"Excuse my sister, Colonel," Chris said calmly.

"Her personality is as spicy as hot sauce."

Zeke replied, still stunned.

“Noted.”

The colonel stared at the two again, still trying to reconcile their ages with their accomplishments. His admiration deepened, and the puzzlement gave way to immense respect.

"Come on, Zeke," Major Amma said.

"Let me introduce you to the rest of the team. Wait until you meet the head scientist."

Before Zeke could be whisked away, Peter stepped forward, his expression stern and serious, pulling Zeke’s attention back to the mission.

"Zeke, there’ll be plenty of time for intros later. Right now, we need to debrief you. Operation Second Coming and the military draft date need to be discussed immediately."

He glanced toward the direction of the interrogation room.

"I’ve got some other business to tend to. Meet me in the briefing room as soon as you’re done."

Colonel Zeke and Major Amma nodded in acknowledgment before heading deeper into the command center. Before Peter turned away, Chris and Ruby both took a step forward, clearly eager to share more of their ideas. Chris addresses his uncle with excitement in his voice.

"Uncle Peter, before you go, there are a few things we need to mention. Some of our plans involve non-confrontational infiltration—religious institutions, scientific establishments, economic strongholds. It’s all mapped out."

Ruby chimed in, already glowing with enthusiasm.

"It’s a whole different angle, and it’s perfect. Let us walk you through it when you’re free."

Peter allowed himself a rare warm smile, ruffling Ruby’s hair slightly before nodding to Chris.

"I’ll hear everything you two have to say later tonight. But for now, I need to deal with our guest of honor."

Peter strode into the brightly lit, sterile interrogation room where Dunning was seated at a metal table, his wrists still bound. The room was bare except for a two-way mirror and a single drawer against the far wall. Dunning, still bruised and beaten, glared up at Peter, his defiance now subdued by simmering fear. Peter walked deliberately to the drawer, opening it and pulling out the familiar pouch containing syringes filled with a glowing yellow liquid. He tested the syringe, letting a small amount drip from the needle before turning toward Dunning, whose demeanor shifted from defiance to panic.

"What the hell is that? You’re not seriously going to—"

Peter interrupted calmly, almost casually.

"Let’s skip the formalities."

Peter stepped closer, standing over Dunning as he held the syringe with menacing intent. He grabbed the sergeant by the collar and pulled him forward before injecting the liquid directly into his arm. The reaction was immediate. Dunning’s pupils dilated, beads of sweat broke out across his forehead, and his body spasmed slightly as the serum took effect. His breathing grew shallow and erratic as if the truth itself began welling up inside him, fighting its way out. Peter sat down calmly across from him, locking eyes.

"NOW, we’re going to talk."