Somewhere within the Structurith Clan but close to the east border, under the night's dark blanket, the Astro Forces' tents were arranged according to each Astro team. The trench fire burned with restless concern, its flames bending and crackling as though sharing the unease of those seated randomly around their shelters.
Further from these clustered tents stood another tent, surrounded by the three Aether Glide vehicles resting like silent beasts awaiting command. Inside, Hildred and the eight Astro leaders, along with their assistants, sat in an arc around a smaller trench fire, its glow painting shifting lines across their faces.
Then, voom, a weak, scattered tornado spiraled down beside them, kicking dust and cold wind across the ground. From within the swirling air, a shadowy figure stepped out as the wind dispersed like a curtain drawn aside. Gradually the figure revealed itself, each step pushing the darkness away until the firelight caught his face.
