Ainsworth sealed it with one final, flawless line—his voice booming with righteous conviction.
"If you truly care about humanity's future, then let us in. Let us work together. Or, at the very least, let us prove that we deserve to stand by your side."
Silence. Then—
"…Gate open," the officer finally muttered, defeated by an overwhelming sense of trust he couldn't logically justify.
The steel gates slowly parted.
Ainsworth didn't smirk. He didn't need to. With a calm nod of gratitude, he led the group forward, his footsteps unhurried. His presence alone spoke louder than any weapon.
Behind him, his party moved in silence, their wary eyes scanning the sprawling compound beyond the gate. Watchtowers loomed at every corner, armed with auto-turrets and snipers. High concrete walls topped with electrified wire enclosed the base like a fortress.