By the time the shuttle touched down, Andy had examined the sensor reports on the terrain surrounding the compound where they were going to be making their assault. They were landing in a clearing that gave them some tree cover as they approached. She’d take every advantage she could get.

The pilot landed and the hatch hissed open once the Marines were unbuckled and had their weapons ready. The shuttle’s sensors didn’t detect anyone around them, but they were still going to be prepared. Once the door was open, they shifted out like they were clearing a room, swinging in a circle around the clearing to see that there wasn’t anyone—at least no one they could see—in the area.

Once they were clear of the hatch, it hissed a second time and shut. The pilot would remain with the shuttle, keeping it on lockdown until their return. She’d take off if it seemed like she was about to be swarmed.

Once the immediate area was clear, they began moving forward through the trees, toward the compound. The trees were sparse but did provide some cover as they moved. As they approached the tree line, Andy knew there would be a broad swath of open space between them and the compound. Once they were seen, the element of surprise would be lost so they had to act quickly.

“There are two guards at the door,” Roxanna reported, picking up on them with her empathic senses. “Neither of them are very alert, or suspicious.”

“They’re going to regret that,” Andy commented blandly.

Reaching the tree line, Andy held up her hand to stop the group so they could get a visual on the situation ahead.

The side of the compound they were approaching had a smooth curve with a single point of entry in an old-fashioned stone-faced building. They could see the two guards across the stretch, and neither of them looked to be Kriori. That was something. Andy didn’t see anything else to use as cover, but indeed, those guards were not paying much attention. This was clearly a little used entrance—or exit—so they were there just as a formality. Or so they presumed.

“It looks like we are just going to have to take the direct approach,” Andy declared. “Fire as soon as you have a solid lock on the target.”