"Good to hear from you, Bastion One."
Hans walked around the Guardian APC once more.
The four pairs of wheels dwarfed those on his armored SUV.
A faint whistle beneath the engine note hinted at details the first-inspection panel had not bothered listing.
The System didn't mention that.
That made sense. If the System documented every bolt and subsystem, the panel would be unreadable.
"Commander," Bastion One called. "Would you like to test the troop compartment before we move?"
"Exactly what I was thinking. Kenji, Viktor, Viper, load up."
"Understood, Commander."
The three moved immediately.
Callum started toward the APC, but Hans stopped him before he reached the ramp.
"Viper, one more thing. Get my backpack from the apartment. Dmitri's reports and Tyrus's notes are inside."
"Understood."
Callum changed direction without complaint and disappeared into the building. He returned before Kenji and Viktor had finished gathering their gear, the backpack hanging from one hand.
