Ethan's convoy moved like a serpent of steel across the wastelands, kicking up a dust cloud visible for miles. However, as they crossed the technical border of Celestial territory, the horizon was interrupted by a series of concrete barricades and armored vehicles arranged in a perfect semi-circle.
Flashback: Three hours prior.
In the central office of the Celestial base, the Zone Manager, a weathered man named Varek, listened to direct orders from his Leader over an encrypted channel.
"Stop them, Varek. I don't care if you have to use your men as human shields," the Leader of Celestial spoke, his voice cold and cutting. "We know Ethan returned from the canyon. Either they're carrying legendary loot or they're limping back from a beating, but they won't cross our territory without paying the toll. I need you to delay them; the Scavenger Leader and I are en route with reinforcements."
