Chapter 5: Call to Arms.

The dawn light cast long shadows over the training field where Ava, Miko, and Talon gathered alongside the Arbor Defense Force. The air was charged with a tense anticipation, a prelude to the challenges they were about to face.

Miko stepped forward, his voice strong and clear, reaching every ear in the quiet morning. "This isn’t just about defending Green Arbor," he began, his eyes sweeping over the faces before him. "This is about deciding the kind of future we want to live in. If we stand back, if we do nothing, we're letting them decide for us. We’re letting the Reclaimers dictate our fate with their greed and destruction."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "They boast about their old-world technology and their numbers, but what they don’t have is our spirit, our unity. They see us as a target, a place to conquer and pillage, but we are more than that. We are a community, a family that fights not just for survival but for our way of life."

Miko’s gaze hardened with determination. "We’ll show them that Green Arbor isn’t just another notch on their belt. We’ll show them that we fight back, and we fight as one. They’re coming with their advanced technology, thinking they can steamroll over us. But they’re not prepared for our resolve, for our courage to stand up and push back with everything we’ve got."

The troops murmured in agreement, their earlier uncertainty giving way to a growing confidence.

Talon, standing nearby, caught Ava’s eye and grinned. "He’s getting good at this speech stuff," he quipped under his breath.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Ava chuckled softly, replying, "Maybe he’s been practicing in the mirror again. But now it’s your turn, Talon. Time to get out there and do what you do best."

Talon nodded, his face growing serious as the gravity of his mission set in. "Yeah. Recon, gathering intel... I’ll be keeping my eyes and ears open for anything that might give us an edge."

Just then, Commander Sterling approached, his stern gaze sweeping across the group before settling on Ava and Talon. "Sentinel Talon, you should be moving out by now. We need that intel, and we need it fast."

Talon gave a quick nod. "On my way, Commander."

Sterling turned his attention to Ava, his expression unreadable. "You better be right about him, Sentinel Ava. If he screws this up, it’ll be on you."

Ava met his gaze with a level stare, unshaken. "He won’t let us down. I trust him."

Sterling gave a curt nod, turning to leave with a final word, "See that your trust isn’t misplaced."

As Sterling walked away, Talon finished strapping on his gear, his movements quick and efficient. Ava stepped closer, her voice low but firm. "Stay sharp out there, Talon. Don’t take unnecessary risks."

Talon grinned, his usual swagger returning for a moment. "Since when have I ever taken unnecessary risks?"

Ava smirked, their foreheads touching briefly in a silent exchange of respect and trust. "Just come back in one piece."

"You too, Blondie," Talon replied, his tone softening as he squeezed her shoulder before turning and heading toward a vehicle.

Ava watched him disappear into the morning mist, a knot of worry forming in her chest. She knew Talon was capable, but the Reclaimers were a different kind of enemy—ruthless and unpredictable. Still, she had to trust him.

Turning back to the troops, Ava’s voice rang out with authority. "Alright, let’s get to work. We’re preparing for more than just defense—we’re preparing to win."

The soldiers, motivated by Miko’s rousing speech and Ava’s unyielding resolve, fell into step. Today was about preparation, but soon, they would be tested in ways none of them had yet imagined.