The sun had not yet risen over Atlas Base when Marcus returned to the command center.
The operations center looked as though nobody had left it all night, which, in truth, was not far from reality. Several operators were asleep on couches with blankets draped over them. Empty coffee cups occupied every available surface. Maps covered nearly an entire wall, and red markers now stretched far beyond the original Black Fang settlement.
What had started as a missing caravan investigation had become something else entirely.
A strategic intelligence operation.
Perhaps even the prelude to a war.
Marcus stood in front of the largest map for nearly a minute without speaking. He had showered and changed into a clean uniform, but it did little to hide his exhaustion. Sleep had eluded him again. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw new possibilities.
More settlements.
More giants.
More prisoners.
