The EDF officer who approached was maybe forty, wearing a pressed uniform that definitely pointed at someone who spent more time behind desks than in actual combat zones. His nameplate read Commander Jackson, and his expression carried the particular annoyance of someone whose day had just become significantly more complicated.
"You're Eclipse Faction," Jackson said, not quite making it a question.
"We are," Noah replied.
"Unauthorized response to a military incident. Engagement with hostile forces on EDF jurisdiction. Potential contamination of an active investigation site." Jackson rattled off the list like he was reading from a memo. "I'm going to need all personnel to remain on-site until we've conducted a full debrief and established exactly what happened here."
Noah felt something cold settle in his chest. "Our personnel need medical attention. Two of my people are seriously injured. The survivors you're here to rescue are also injured and need immediate treatment."
