The next day, Lucas decided they needed to see it again with their own eyes.
Not from memory.
Not from assumption.
From reality as it now stood after the first wave of mobilization.
He stepped out with Patrick and Wesley, leaving the others behind to maintain position and readiness. The streets felt different the moment they merged into them, not empty, but noticeably thinner in presence.
Fewer soldiers.
Fewer patrol clusters.
More gaps between rotations.
Wesley noticed it almost immediately, his gaze sweeping across the street as they walked. "They have moved a good number out," he said under his breath.
Lucas gave a slight nod. "Enough to create space, not enough to create weakness."
Patrick continued ahead of them, his posture straight, his pace steady, carrying himself exactly as an officer should. The armor sat naturally on him now, no longer feeling like disguise but identity. As they passed groups of soldiers, the reactions confirmed it.
