The headlights of Bulldog One and Two cut through the darkening road toward Silverpeak.
The contacts Brandon had seen on Radar began appearing as the Guardians rounded the next bend.
A heavy barrier blocked most of the highway ahead. Four armed soldiers stood around the open section, while more positions were visible farther back along both sides of the road.
The lead soldier stepped forward and raised a clenched fist.
Bulldog One stopped well short of the barrier. Bulldog Two halted farther back and slightly to the side, leaving enough distance between them to maneuver if the situation changed.
Neither Guardian pointed its autocannon toward the soldiers ahead.
One of the soldiers at the barrier raised his voice.
"This is First Sergeant John Walkes of the Silverpeak Mountain Defense Command. You're entering military-protected territory. Identify yourselves!"
Bulldog One's commander answered from the vehicle.
"Golden Eagle Army, Southern Command. We came from Grefort City."
