On the evacuation convoy's end, the endless stretch of trees finally began to give way to concrete and steel. Buildings slowly appeared along the road, growing denser as the convoy approached the outskirts of the city.
The lead vehicles gradually slowed before finally coming to a stop.
Inside the buses, the civilians uneasily looked through the windows at the abandoned streets. Empty buildings towered over them, their windows dark and broken, while abandoned cars were scattered across the roads. Some had been overturned, while others had simply been left in the middle of the street.
At the front of the convoy, the commanding officer lowered his binoculars and reached for the radio.
"Convoy, hold position. All vehicles remain stationary until further orders."
The soldiers immediately moved into position, weapons ready as they watched the surrounding buildings.
The officer turned toward one of the armored vehicles.
