Radiant

The first impression Eve had of Radiant Base was that it fit its name. Their car had reached it, just like Victor predicted, a few hours after sunset, and the shining of the floodlights at its gates was visible even from far away.

It said a lot to Eve about the population of the base, when the sentries at the base's entrance didn't immediately assume that their foursome wasn't from nearby when they didn't recognise their faces. Then, one of the uniformed men noticed Victor at the backseat. His reaction was immediate.

"Chief Kraust!" he stared at Victor like he saw a ghost. "Is… Is that really you? Oh, God!"

His exclamation attracted the attention of every other soldier around, and they all turned to the spotlight their car was in, now taking much more personal interest in what was going on. From her place near Victor, Eve studied them in return.