Chapter


    O


    The muscular black man on the podium continued. “This is more than we originally expected but we had ample time to prepare our defenses and to coordinate with the


    I


    “We are going to use a dynamic defense were half of our troops will be placed in tactical defense position and the other half will be mobile and engage at hot spots as needed. Your commanders have been informed, prepare yourself.” Brahms ended the presentation and the troops scattered, murmuring and discussing the news.


    The new “car” turned out be a modern military light truck. Armored and reinforced with a central armored turret mount, the perfect place for Janette. It also had handles and boards on the side to allow soldiers to “hitch” a ride. Which was


    The base looked like an ants nest, people running around, shouting and vehicles roaring. Marcus also caught a glimpse or two of Monika. He had to fight the urge to wave


    Hot memories visited him all too often but he also felt a weird sense of discomfort. As wonderful as the night has been, Marcus slowly realized that this kind of “pure fun” interaction was not what he wanted. When Lars or Pavel talked to their


    With every hour that went by the tension on the base grew


    He knocked heavily and the door opened,


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Marcus’ heart skipped a beat but the door already closed behind him. “We are going to be out of chairs soon.” Russo joked and offered Marcus a small


    Brahms slowly turned the glass in his hands. “We know.” The other men nodded and Marcus felt a bit silly. “Have you told anybody?” Brahms continued. Marcus denied that and the black man gave him a strong look. “Keep it that way. The last thing we need right now is a panic.” Marcus suddenly understood why they had not said anything about this.


    “If we can not take the warlord down with teamwork and concentrated fire it will fall to me to best him or her. I’m a level 62 Berserker myself.” Brahms smiled at the last words. Russo thanked Marcus for his initiative and led him out of the door. “Sleep, gather your strength.” He said sending Marcus to bed.


    “That boy of yours is really something else. He got there only with the limited information he had.” The strike force commander took some extra from the expensive looking bottle. “And he did put one of yours into the ward, Rian?” that comment went to Cullen. “It would have been a different thing in a real combat but I’m actually happy he did. The kids are too focused on the strength of their


    Marcus went to bed but he only got two hours of sleep before the sirens started and everybody rush


    “


    With this the Thunder Squad moved out. Pavel was the driver, he was the one who could move the fastest out of the car. Also nobody wanted Janette to drive. The rest squeezed into the back for the most part of the journey to the portal. Once they got close to their defense positions Russo, Lars and Marcus stepped on the outside boards and Janette moved up to the armored turret


    A massive explosion shattered the silence of the night. A blazing ball of fire appeared in the night before the shock wave rushed over the Thunder Squad.