We pulled into the compound staging area, where the air was buzzing with silent tension. Arms were being prepped, armor strapped down, and tactical radios tested. Drakon and I didn't linger in the garage; we marched straight down the concrete hallway into one of the facility’s larger briefing rooms.
Bastian swept in behind us, closing the heavy reinforced door as the rest of the squad leaders filed in, gathering around the high-gloss conference table.
At the front of the room, a massive digital monitor hummed to life. Michael’s face flickered onto a small corner inset before he minimized himself, casting high-resolution satellite imagery across the screen.
"Alright, people, listen up," I said, stepping up to the display.
With a swipe of my hand, Michael pulled up high-definition exteri
