The entire building immediately became alert. Without thinking, I followed. By the time I entered the hall, the three family leaders were already standing.
The messenger looked exhausted.
"Settlement Thirty-One Alpha."
The room immediately fell silent.
The man's breathing remained uneven.
"We lost contact."
The messenger swallowed before continuing.
"The emergency beacon activated less than ten minutes ago."
Commander Hida's expression hardened instantly.
"Confirmed?"
The messenger nodded.
"Multiple confirmations."
That answer changed everything. The casual atmosphere disappeared completely. Every person in the room became serious.
Haliaka immediately moved toward one of the maps hanging on the wall.
"When?"
"Approximately two hours ago."
Silverbane cursed under her breath. That meant whatever had happened was already over.
The settlement either survived.
Or it didn't.
Andrea looked toward the leaders.
"I'll prepare a response team."
