Chapter 36

As the first light of dawn broke through the dense canopy, the camp stirred to life. The soldiers moved quickly, packing up their gear with disciplined efficiency honed by routine. The floodlights were turned off, and motion detectors dismantled and stowed away. Engineers worked alongside the infantry to secure equipment, while mechanics performed quick checks on the convoy vehicles to ensure they were battle-ready for the day ahead.

The night had been eventful, with waves of small, mutated creatures probing the perimeter every couple of hours. Soldiers on watch had fought off several attacks, dealing with snarling beasts that lunged from the shadows. But each assault was met with practiced precision—defenders called out targets, firing rounds from the Abrams and Bradleys to keep the creatures at bay, while infantry teams picked off stragglers that slipped through.