Milano paused as he looked at the map in front of him. He heard the radio chatter. Mayday calls had turned to dead silence.
Esponia was overrun, with soldiers now fighting hand to hand. Last he heard before Esponia went radio dark was each encampment had been infiltrated.
Vegas had a small chunk of the city vaporized, parts of it sinking into the crater. They were holding there, but barely. Comms bled through as the fighting there was reaching a fever pitch.
"Heaven help us."
Mia sat at Eric's chair, holding onto his placard as she ran her fingers along his name. She held her breath as she waited for news. Finally, she heard his voice over the radio.
"Sir. The time has come to use it."
She exhaled. "He's alive." Her hands reached down to hold her bump.
Soldiers exchanged glances as chairs shifted. S2 and S3 officers were arguing over a map. Their voices faded as Eric's voice broke the silence. Milano leaned back in his chair. He paused, reaching for his mic.
