"We need to take a break!"
After a few hours of constant, gruelling combat around the perimeter of their renovated outpost, Luke's voice cracked as he shouted. He was leaning against the cold metallic surface of a towering wall, chest heaving as he fought to catch his breath.
Despite the enhanced gear, attributes, and abilities, they were still bound by the limitations of human bodies. They weren't like the tireless D-1000 machines they fought; they were creatures of flesh and bone that required rest, food, and hydration to maintain their edge.
As Luke spoke, a collective wave of nodding passed through the group. Even the Bulltors, for all their massive stamina, looked frayed at the edges.
"I can't believe we jumped from the safety of our base into this literal hell," Lanmar complained between massive bites of well-cooked meat Elena had prepared back at the main base. He looked like a man who had aged a decade in a single afternoon.
