Chapter 1: Unwelcome Homecoming.

The engine of the jeep hummed steadily as Ava and Lucas neared Green Arbor. After four long weeks of patrolling distant outposts and ensuring the safety of Sentinel trade routes, their thoughts were already set on home. But the crackling of radio chatter had been growing more urgent, and the usual light-hearted banter between outposts was gone, replaced by fragmented communications and tense voices.

Ava adjusted the radio, leaning forward as the crackle of static cleared just enough to hear a strained voice. "Sentinels converging on Green Arbor... Command request... heavy presence expected."

She exchanged a concerned glance with Lucas, whose hands tightened on the steering wheel. "This isn’t normal. No warnings, no updates... something’s not right," he muttered, his brow furrowing as they approached the familiar roads leading toward Green Arbor.

As they rounded the final hill, the sight that greeted them was a far cry from the peaceful village they had left behind. Sentinel encampments sprawled out from the southern edge of the village, a maze of tents and supply crates. Heavily armored patrols moved in synchronized patterns, keeping a vigilant watch over the perimeter.

"Feels like we walked straight into a war zone," Ava murmured, her sharp blue eyes scanning the scene with growing unease.

"Or one’s about to break out," Lucas replied grimly. He slowed the jeep to a stop just outside the gates. The usual chatter of traders and villagers had been replaced by the methodical rhythms of boots on gravel, commands being shouted, and the low hum of vehicles idling nearby.

They climbed out of the jeep, their boots crunching on the dirt as they made their way toward the gate. A few familiar faces from the Arbor Defense Force (ADF) greeted them with subdued nods, but it was clear that the usual camaraderie had been replaced by a tense focus.

"Welcome back, Sentinels," one of the guards said, his voice betraying a hint of relief at their arrival. "Good to see you both, but there’s no time for pleasantries. Commander Sterling wants you at the Sentinel post, now."

Ava’s hand instinctively moved to her knife, her body tensing at the tone in the guard’s voice. "What’s going on?" she asked, her voice low but urgent.

"Orders came down fast," the guard replied. "We’re expecting... something big. Just head to the post. They’ll explain everything."

Ava glanced at Lucas, her unease mirrored in his expression. Without another word, they walked through the gate and into the heart of Green Arbor.

The streets that were usually alive with the sounds of the market and the chatter of villagers were eerily quiet. Sentinels marched in disciplined formations, their eyes scanning the rooftops and alleyways. The few civilians still on the streets moved quickly, their eyes downcast, avoiding the soldiers' gaze. It was as if the entire village was holding its breath.

"This place feels like a pressure cooker ready to explode," Lucas muttered as they made their way toward the Sentinel post.

Ava nodded in agreement, her senses on high alert. "Whatever's coming, it’s big enough to turn this place into a military staging ground. We need answers."

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As they approached the post, the air was thick with tension. Sentinel officers moved in and out of the building, carrying maps, reports, and field equipment. The low murmur of strategizing filled the air, occasionally punctuated by the sharp bark of commands. Inside, the atmosphere was no different—controlled chaos. Desks were cluttered with maps and documents, while the walls were covered in detailed tactical charts of the surrounding areas. Every available surface seemed to have been repurposed for the impending conflict.

Ava and Lucas exchanged a look before stepping inside. The post was a hive of activity, with officers hunched over maps, others preparing equipment, and runners moving between them, relaying urgent messages. The air crackled with a sense of impending action, and Ava felt the familiar tightness in her chest—the same one she always got before a battle.

"Sentinel Ava, Sentinel Lucas, report to Commander Sterling," a young officer called out, waving them toward the far end of the room where the commander stood near a large tactical table, his back to them as he reviewed the situation.

They made their way over, weaving through the bustle of the post. As they approached, Commander Sterling turned, his sharp eyes assessing them both.

"Welcome back," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. He gestured to the tactical table, where a large map of the region was spread out, pins marking key locations. "I trust your patrol went well, but we’ve got a bigger problem on our hands now."

Ava glanced at the map, her eyes narrowing as she saw the concentration of pins around Green Arbor. "What’s going on, Commander?" she asked, her voice steady despite the growing unease in her chest.

"We've received intelligence that a large enemy force is moving toward Green Arbor. They’ve been hitting settlements in the region, and we believe they’ll make a push here next," Sterling explained, his gaze shifting between them. "We’re mobilizing everything we’ve got to meet them head-on. This post will be our fallback position if things go south."

Lucas leaned over the map, taking in the details with a practiced eye. "What’s the enemy’s strength?" he asked, his voice calm but focused.

"Strong enough that we can’t take any chances," Sterling replied, crossing his arms. "They’ve hit hard and fast. We’re assembling a strike force to intercept them before they get too close, but we need all hands on deck."

Ava’s eyes narrowed as she studied the map. "Where’s Talon in all of this? Why isn’t he out there with the field teams?"

Sterling's expression hardened. "Talon has been assigned to defensive operations here. His orders are to remain in Green Arbor and coordinate with the ADF."

Ava opened her mouth to protest, but Sterling cut her off with a sharp gesture. "We don’t have time for debates, Ava. You’ve been assigned to work with Sentinel Miko on mobilizing the ADF. He’s already prepping the forces. I expect you to follow your orders without question."

Ava clenched her jaw, her frustration evident, but she nodded. "Understood, Commander."

Lucas shot her a quick glance before addressing Sterling . "What’s my assignment?"

"You’ll be working with our analysts," Sterling said, gesturing to a nearby table where several officers were poring over documents. "Your knowledge of past tactics and history could give us an edge. Help them predict enemy movements and strategies. We’re not sending you into the field, Lucas. We need your brain, not your teaching ability."

Lucas gave a tight nod, though Ava could sense the tension in him as well.

"We have key roles for both of you," Sterling said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We move out soon, so be ready."

"Why are we moving out so soon?" Lucas asked, his brow furrowed. "Isn’t Green Arbor defensible enough?"

Sterling’s expression grew grim. "Because we’re going to try to stop them before they get to this point. But if they break through, this will be the fallback. You better hope it doesn’t come to that."

Ava and Lucas exchanged another glance, both of them silently processing the gravity of the situation. "We’ll be ready," Ava said, her voice firm.

"Good," Sterling replied, turning back to the map. "Dismissed."

As they stepped out of the post, the tension still hung heavy in the air. Ava let out a slow breath, her mind racing with thoughts of the battle to come.

"Looks like we’re back in the thick of it," Lucas muttered, running a hand through his hair.

Ava nodded. "Yeah. But something feels off. I don’t like it."

"Neither do I," Lucas agreed. "Let’s handle our assignments, then we’ll regroup. We’ll figure this out together."