"You're lucky I saw its shadow on the wall early," Prince said, dropping the stone and breathing heavily.
Leon's anger vanished and was replaced by a cold wash of shame while he kept his gaze locked on the ichor splayed at the side of the smashed claw.
Before he could form a word, the comms unit flared to life again after twitching for a while.
Mr. Lee's hologram appeared, shattering the lingering dread. "New Objective," it glitched, then stabilized.
"A critical supply drop for forward operation is scheduled. The only viable landing zone is Pass Sigma-Nine."
'Pass Sigma-Nine, what place is that?' Leon thought as he turned a sharp gaze at Lieutenant Prince, then back at the hologram.
"Satellite scans indicate it is currently occupied by a Howler nest. You have six hours to clear the zone to secure the drop. The coordinates have been transmitted to your wristbands."
