"Walk toward the northern grid until you locate the abandoned agricultural silos."
Malcolm broadcasted the instruction across the icy overpass. He stood on the ruined asphalt while the freed hostages huddled together under thin thermal blankets. The shivering citizens stared at the towering black armor with a mixture of terror and profound disbelief.
The elderly man gave a fragile nod to the mechanical behemoth. He turned his back on the crashed Vanguard transports and led the procession of survivors away from the c*****e. They marched slowly toward the distant city limits.
Kira watched the ragged group fade into the winter storm. She leaned against the heavy titanium frame of the primary airlock. Her kinetic assault rifle hung loosely from her nylon shoulder strap.
"You gave them the
