"We don't have time for philosophy," Atlas cut in, his eyes fixed on the approaching helicopters. "Those aren't normal aircraft—they're retrofitted with energy dampeners."
Sarah's grandfather struggled to his feet, leaning heavily against the ice wall. "How can you tell from this distance?"
"The distortion field around them. Like heat waves, but darker." Atlas pointed to the barely visible ripples surrounding each helicopter. "Department X has been preparing for beings like us longer than we realized."
Hannah shielded her eyes against the snow glare. "Three minutes until they're in firing range. What's the plan?"
Atlas assessed their options with cold precision. The ledge offered minimal cover, the drop below was at least two hundred feet of sheer ice, and behind them, the glacier cont
