The transport shuddered as flak bursts hammered the shields. Inside, Grey soldiers loaded beast cores into their blasters, the crystalline power sources clicking into place with practiced ease. Eclipse recruits did the same, though their hands weren't quite as steady.
Marcus checked his core twice, then a third time. Chen sat with his eyes closed, cycling chi through his meridians. Kira adjusted her tactical vest, trying to ignore the way her fingers trembled.
"Twenty seconds to drop zone," Seraleth's voice came through comms.
Diana stood near the deployment door, momentum fields already flickering around her hands. Lila stretched, rolling her shoulders. Kelvin sat in KROME's cockpit, the mech's fusion reactor producing a low hum that everyone could feel through the deck plating.
Sophie moved between the rows, doing final checks. "Remember your assignments. Stay with your squad leaders. Don't do anything stupid."
