Every position, every ally, every breath mattered.
Dawn broke cold and sharp. I stood in the command center surrounded by tactical displays showing the academy grounds, enemy positions, and strike team assignments. Thirty-five students were waiting for final deployment orders. Everything depended on the decisions I'd make in the next few minutes.
No pressure.
"Strike Team Alpha," I said, my voice carrying through the communication system to all teams. "Marcus leading. Target the northern supply convoy. Intelligence suggests they're moving ammunition and medical supplies. Hit fast, withdraw faster. Don't engage their main force."
Marcus's acknowledgment came through the bond-enhanced communication network Darius and I had established. Our synchronization allowed real-time coordination across all teams simultaneously.
"Strike Team Beta. Coordinates northeast. There's an enemy staging area for assault equipment. Sabotage what you can, gather intelligence on their attack timeline."
