The office building’s lift was offline, presumably like everything else in the compound, so they all carefully made their way downstairs by the light of Osman’s torch. The Major’s comms set squawked occasionally but for the most part it was unresponsive; there must be some kind of interference nearby.

They found four helmeted soldiers guarding the lobby, assault weapons at the ready. Freyr realised as one of them turned to greet them that it was Major Rowe. “Sitrep, Lieutenant!” Osman barked. “Comms are down sir, I can't make contact with our teams sweeping the compound. They are likely following your last order.” Osman nodded. “Take one of your men and see how we can get the power back on. You, escort these civilians back to the trucks and keep them sa- hey! Where are you going?” Osman called to Freyr as she jogged out of the front doors. Freyr stopped and turned.

“If this disturbance is in any way connected to the abductions, I need to be there.” Osman was impressed by Freyr’s resolve; the teary mess of a few minutes ago had transformed into a grim-faced desperado. She nodded “Copy that, I'm coming with you.” Osman gestured to the last unassigned soldier. “You - with me. Lets go!” Freyr turned and resumed running, with the Major and a CraSec grunt in hot pursuit.

[hr]

The creature tilted its head menacingly to one side as it apparently listened to what Vreta had to say. It revealed rows of long, sharp teeth and made that same fast ticking, cracking sound from its throat. When it replied, it had the voice of a little girl, perhaps nine or ten. “Will you help me find my toys? I miss them so much. I lost them a very very long way away. Hidden and alone...asleep. We-” The creature stopped, looked up slightly and loudly sniffed the air; its teeth gnashed together in its mouth. It looked at Vreta again. “Would you like to meet my parents? I will take you to them.” It shuffled forward slightly on it’s spidery legs, the violet appendages dangling above the Rothian's head.