Riders Under White Flags
The atmosphere inside Atlas Base changed instantly.
One second, the command staff had been discussing training schedules and tomorrow's guild meeting.
The next, everyone was moving.
Not panicking.
Not rushing blindly.
Moving.
The difference mattered.
Marcus exited the office first while Tomas followed closely behind him. Rolf nearly dropped another folder while trying to keep up, and Elaina remained only a few steps behind.
The alarm continued echoing through portions of the compound.
BEEP.
BEEP.
BEEP.
Personnel reacted immediately.
Infantrymen left the barracks.
Mechanics paused work near the hangars.
Watchtower crews shifted into alert positions.
The floodlights near the outer perimeter intensified, illuminating the muddy road leading toward the main gate.
Marcus reached the command center hallway where several radio operators were already monitoring communications.
One of them immediately stood.
"Commander."
Marcus nodded.
"Status."
