2069 AD, former Democratic Republic of Congo:

"Sir, the second line has been overrun!"

"Send the heavy machine guns from the third line to cover the retreat!"

"Command, positions 7 and 8 report that they're already trying!"

"And the others?"

"They reported that they can't transfer firepower!"

"Damn it, ask the artillery to provide cover."

"Position 7 just reported; they didn't make it. The survivors were wiped out. They chose to blow themselves up along with the bugs!"

"Damn space roaches!!"

"Commander, the third line is requesting reinforcements. They won't be able to hold!"

"Tell them to hold the line! The fourth line isn’t ready yet. Send in the MBTs and request concentrated artillery fire at the ship’s exit!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Commander, the third line... it... it—"

"Speak up, damn it!"

"It’s been broken! The bugs have opened gaps and are pouring through them!!!"

"What the he—"

"The fourth line is under attack; the remaining third has been surrounded. They’re requesting extraction!!"

"Hold your position!! No retreat is allowed! If we lose here, the entire continent is lost! WHERE THE HELL IS THE ART—"

"ENEMY ARTILLERY!!!"

"LOOK OUT!"

There was a thunderous explosion, and suddenly the commander's world started spinning. It felt like being kicked by the strongest horse right in the chest, only a hundred times worse.

Darkness and a ringing in his ears were all what the commander could perceive.

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“Damn it, where are the reinforcements?” he thought, just as the sound of something dragging itself grew louder, overwhelming everything else.

Opening his eyes, a vision of hell surrounded him—dismembered parts and organs everywhere, screams that would make the cruelest man feel pity, pieces of steel, and what seemed to be the remains of his command tent scattered all around. His XO—at least the upper half of him—was trying to crawl away as fast as possible, but without legs, it was difficult.

Something sharp, resembling a spear and so dark it could only be seen at night by the distant explosions, pierced his abdomen and lifted him into the air, screaming. The second-in-command drew his 9mm and began shooting at the beast, which stood over three meters tall. It was as effective as trying to pinprick a blue whale—it would have been more sensible. Knowing his effort was futile, he placed the gun under his chin and pulled the trigger. Like a puppet with its strings pulled to the extreme, his body stiffened; his silence was somehow deafening. The beast made a clicking noise with its jaws, as if it found this amusing.

The entire scene lasted less than five seconds, but it felt like an eternity to the commander.

In the distance, a roar that seemed to make the earth tremble echoed—something that embodied humanity's deepest fears. Turning, he saw a titanic monster emerging from one end of the ship. It seemed over 80 meters tall, though from where he stood, it could easily be more. In all his four years of fighting these things, he had never seen such a creature. It was then that he understood: all this time, these insects had never taken them seriously—by only sending the smaller ones, they had nearly exterminated the humans in Africa.

Looking back at the roach near him, he knew there was nothing that could save him or any of his troops now. He had received the highest command of the ground security forces and knew what to do. He activated his communicator.

"Eagles, operation 'Dawn' is authorized."

"Sir, you’re still in the area—"

"REPEAT, operation 'Dawn' is authorized."

"Understood, sir. ETA 60 seconds. Good rest, General!"

Taking advantage of the fact that the roach seemed to somehow be admiring the titan in the background, he opened a channel to all his troops.

"Men, this is General Andrada, commanding the ground defense forces at this moment. Operation 'Dawn' has been authorized. You have 50 seconds to reach the bunker lines in the underground. Good luck, and it was an honor to fight alongside you."

A brief silence followed, broken by a sigh audible even through the sounds of battle.

“Haaaa, my parents always told me to be a doctor. I should’ve listened to them.”

"Command, I can’t leave now. My wife would kill me if she knew I came back without ending this infestation."

“Well, someone must keep them here until the Eagles arrive, right? A job like any other.”

“Marshal, no one is leaving. We fought a good fight; it’s our honor to fight by your side.”

“ETA 5 seconds.”

A loud noise was approaching—more than one. Four BlackEagle hypersonic bombers were closing in. The titan seemed to have noticed the sound and sent some kind of command to the other insects, which retreated and started gathering around the ship, as if to protect it.

Each of the four hydrogen bombs dropped had the power of two Tsar Bombs, targeting the four corners of the ship, and would detonate simultaneously.

The general knew the communications were being recorded and said,

“To all of humanity, good luck and good hunting.”

It was the first moment of peace he had felt in over four years, only broken by a pang of sadness—knowing that from now on, his son would grow up without a father.