Vincent Stryder sat inside the cavernous cargo bay of the C-17 Globemaster as it descended toward the Fortress of Ferm, the forward operating base of his forces in the continent. The low hum of the aircraft's engines filled the space, mingling with the clinks and clanks of weapons and ammunition being secured for offloading. He watched as the pallets of supplies were carefully strapped down, each one representing their best chance of standing against the coming storm.
Outside the windows, the landscape below slowly came into view, revealing the sprawling fortress.