Chapter 21
'How bad is the damage?' Riker dreaded his conversation with Stotler. He knew it would only prove to strengthen the anxiety not just in himself but in his friend as well.
"In the thousands at least." Riker held his Transceiver in a sweaty grip, pacing the floor of his office.
'Kelly and Sanchez haven't reported any more damage for now, but it's only a matter of time.' Stotler's nervous tone on the other end of the line didn't help the situation. 'If you're right and that traitor scientist outfitted them with better technology, we don't stand a chance. We barely managed beforehand.'
"We have to take this to the Boss." Riker said.
'Look, with his health I don't want to worry-'
"This is beyond us now. It's obvious these men are playing a game we can't fight and we need guidance." When he received nothing but static, he continued. "Unless you have some magic cure for us, it's best we all meet up, talk things over, and go from there."
He could hear the other caller take a breath, letting it go in a long, laborious exhale. '….You're right.'
"We need to make sure we do it soon, away from prying eyes."
'I'd say we should meet where you are, but no place is safe anymore.'
Though he had come to the realization earlier on, knowing that no place was safe for any of their men left Riker with a fear he couldn't shake. This was beyond him worrying about the security of his position. There were people out there that wanted nothing more than to take their Organization down piece by piece. (And for once, it wasn't the police.)
"I'll call Kelly, you call Sanchez, we'll go from there." Before they said their goodbyes, Stotler added as a final retort. "And don't tell anyone else."