The red dust of the Colorado Canyon didn't settle; it was kept in a constant, swirling frenzy by the arrival of a convoy that stretched beyond the horizon. Thousands of heavy-duty Royal transport trucks, armored carriers, and mobile research labs tore into the scenic overlook, shattering the quiet majesty of the national landmark.
"Move it! Move it! I want the perimeter established before the sun hits the ridge!" Jason's voice boomed over the roar of idling engines. He stood atop a crate of heavy munitions, his tactical HUD flickering as he coordinated ten thousand men. "Sector 1, deploy the sonic dampeners! Sector 2, I want those portable laser drills calibrated and hot in five minutes! If a single tourist or stray civilian is still within five miles of this rim in ten minutes, toss them over the edge!"
"Sir, we have civilians refusing to leave the observation deck!" a sergeant shouted over the hiss of hydraulic jacks.
