The simulation began with the low hum of the transport vehicle's engine as the stand-in battle commander, the lean man named who had volunteered for the role, started driving slowly across the marked route.
The vehicle moved at a deliberate pace, its tires kicking up faint clouds of dust as it approached the shimmering holographic force field in the distance.
Jace was crouched in the back of the vehicle, his body coiled and tense, his breathing steady controlled. He was completely hidden from view, tucked behind a panel that Torvan had rigged to simulate the kind of concealment they would use in the real mission. His white hair was covered by a dark cap, and his white eyes were locked on the back of the man driving head, waiting for the signal.
Tatehan, Riven, and Lyra sat inside the Skyblade at the extraction point, their eyes fixed on the vehicle as it moved closer to the holographic barrier.
