They were in one corner of Foundation Square; a large paved area surrounding an urban park. The statue of Outremer’s first colonists raising a flag together emerged from the tree line.

New Antioch was still brightly lit from above by large floodlights. The golden domes and spires still stood. But Freyr couldn’t make out any of the city’s usual hustle and bustle. The purposeful movement of staff between the ancient buildings had been replaced by a febrile mass of soldiers out on the street.

Freyr checked that her team had logged in and were feeling alright. She’d brought in Dr Wetherall and his understudy as Systems experts, and the promising young researcher Dr Girard. She was confident they could all be trusted to follow instructions. If the worst came, they’d have the best chance of holding the creature flat while she struck the killer blow. Hopefully it wouldn’t come to that, but it was best to be prepared for anything.

“Okay, attention please.” Osman strode over to a map table and projected a hologram of the city in 3D. “We’ve secured the places each team needs to go. There are two convoys waiting outside to get you in position.” The map showed two arrows, one red and one blue, winding through the streets before arriving at two separate buildings. “Dr Lang, I will ride with you. Sergeant Thrace will ride with Dr Wetherall. Once your work is complete, we will exfil via this same checkpoint, or secure secondary locations." Osman put a hand on her chestplate. "Our role is to keep you alive, so please follow all our instructions.”

Major Osman turned to the squad of Rothians. “We weren’t told about Rothian support. What do you want to do?”