The next morning, New Haven stirred with the quiet energy of anticipation. Word had spread quickly about the formation of the Severance Team, and a crowd had gathered outside the main hall, where George was preparing to address the community. Standing on the makeshift stage, he looked out over the faces of his people, some weary, others determined, all waiting for reassurance and direction.
Raven and John stood at his sides, lending silent support as he stepped forward to speak.
"Good morning, everyone," George began, his voice strong and steady. "As many of you have heard, we encountered something last night that confirms our suspicions. The attacks we've been facing aren't just random, they're coordinated, organized by an intelligence that is trying to weaken us, to make us vulnerable. But we're not going to let that happen."