"Stay here. Do not move," Kaya ordered, her corporate CEO persona completely evaporating. She wasn't Vanguard's Director right now. She was the Commander of the Free Clan, and someone was trying to poach her beasts.
Kaya slipped out from behind the roots, completely disappearing into the heavy rain, the darkness, and the purple fog.
The Syndicate mercenaries advanced slowly, their laser sights cutting through the smoke.
"Spread out. Watch the thermal scans," the squad leader commanded, his voice muffled through his gas mask. "The beasts are down, but the girl is armed."
A mercenary on the far left flank stepped carefully through the thick brush, his tranquilizer cannon raised. He swept his laser across a massive boulder. Nothing.
He didn't realize the threat wasn't in front of him.
