"Who is it this time?" an officer's voice came through the receiver.
The Navy Admiral glanced at the president and the others in the distance, a reserved smile on his face.
"It's me."
"Chief!" The officer's voice grew excited, though there was also some confusion in it. "Is it appropriate for you to call at a time like this?"
He did not call him "General," nor did he use the Navy Admiral's name or any other form of address, such as "Commander." He only used a vague honorific.
His people were monitoring the call, and he believed that the Director outside, along with even more members of the Security Department, were also listening in.
Would calling at a time like this be dangerous? Would it expose him?
The Navy Admiral let out a quiet breath. "It's all right. We've resolved our differences. Once it's fully dark, put down your weapons and leave the Capitol Building. The Federal Government will take over everything inside."
"I can guarantee that you'll leave safely. The mission is over."
After he finished speaking, no surprised voice came from the receiver, nor was there any immediate response. There was only increasingly heavy breathing.
About seven or eight seconds later, the officer finally spoke. "I'm sorry, Chief, but I can't follow your orders."
The Navy Admiral's blood pressure suddenly shot up. He abruptly realized that something seemed to be slipping out of control.
"If you have any demands, tell me. I'll make the Federal Government compromise."
The officer did not answer directly. Instead, he asked, "We've been abandoned, haven't we?"
"Because they agreed to your demands."
The Navy Admiral said nothing. His expression gradually turned solemn.
"Why would you think that?"
The officer's tone grew agitated. "They still haven't transferred the money into those accounts as we