Chapter 53

the other side of the grove near the MTech entrance. The advance teams had

taken up positions along the tree line.

Kira pressed her back against a tree with sightlines to the entry door and

peered around the trunk. The lab’s parking area nearby was now occupied by

a matte gray transport ship. Two military assault mechs were patrolling the

entrance, accompanied by eighty visible soldiers, plus the automated assault

gun on the roof.

“Well, those weren’t there before,” Kira said on the private channel to her

team.

“Yeah, figured you probably would have mentioned that,” Kyle replied.

“What do you think—MTech private security or Mysaran military?” she

asked.

Nia peeked around her own tree. “Tough call. I don’t see any

distinguishing marks on the ship or mechs.”

“My guess is mercs,” Kyle chimed in.

“I’m inclined to agree,” Kira replied. She switched over to the common

band for all teams present. “Looks like the welcoming committee sent us our