章 1018: Electric Siege (1)

The Colonel was up on the highest watchtower, keeping an eye out for the thaids. His communication device started crackling.

"Sir, long-range sensors have picked the thaids up. ETA 10 minutes."

Vance's jaw clenched. "Sound the alarm. All units to battle stations."

Sirens wailed across the outpost, jolting soldiers and civilians alike into frenzied action.

Vance watched as the M-290 Skybreaker batteries swiveled into position, their brain-crystal-power enhanced systems humming to life.

"Shield status?" Vance barked into his comm.

"68% and holding, sir. But without those XR-5 cells... too many attacks might make the barrier crumble."

Vance cut him off. "I know. We'll have to make do."

The horizon darkened as the Thunderwing flock approached ten minutes later.

At first, they looked like distant storm clouds, but as they drew closer, individual shapes became visible.