Chapter 118: Spotted?

The Apache helicopter, designated Havoc One, hovered steadily over the outskirts of the newly transformed City of Ferm.

"Havoc One to Overwatch, commencing perimeter sweep," the pilot reported, his voice steady as he guided the helicopter in a wide arc around the city's edge.

"Copy that, Havoc One," came the response from Overwatch, the command center's voice crackling slightly through the headset. "Maintain your current altitude and keep us posted on any activity."

The gunner, seated beside the pilot, adjusted the targeting system, his fingers moving swiftly over the controls. "Switching to thermal," he muttered, activating the infrared imaging on the screen before him. The dense foliage lit up with heat signatures, most of them small and unremarkable—likely wildlife moving through the underbrush.

"Eastern sector looks clear," the gunner reported after a few moments of careful observation. "No signs of human activity."