Another chuckled darkly under his breath. "Feels like massive overkill for some dusty gene serum."
The leader's digital voice cut through the wind. "Commander's direct orders. You know exactly how she is… especially when it strictly concerns him."
They all paused for a heavy beat.
That specific name had passed around their ranks like a dark, forbidden whisper these past few days.
Even the stoic commander—a woman they'd never seen flinch in the face of absolute slaughter—had asked about his specific movements again and again, a feverish intensity in her eyes.
Then, the metal hatch below them clicked loudly.
Unlocked… from the inside.
The heavy lid swung open smoothly. A rush of cooler, conditioned air rose up from the sudden gap, violently fluttering their dark cloaks.
And standing there—looking calmly up at them from within the dim carriage—was a man.
