The synchronized sound of magazines locking into place was a chilling promise of
violence.
Then the rhythm broke.
"I... I can't do this," a shaky terrified voice whispered.
Sebastian turned his head slightly.
Standing a few feet to his left was a young Vanguard soldier. His name tag read [Silas Level 38]. He looked like he barely belonged in the armor. His hands were trembling so violently that his heavy kinetic rifle was rattling against his chest plate.
Silas was staring past the barricade. He was looking directly at a young woman shielding two small crying children with her own body. They didn't have Void corruption. They weren't mutating. They were just terrified starving kids.
"Silas, keep your weapon up," the soldier next to him hissed without taking his eyes off the target. "Don't be an idiot."
"They're kids," Silas choked out as his voice cracked. He took a stumbling step backward. "They're just kids! This isn't pest control. This is murder! Command lied to us!"
