Three days before system maintenance completion
Thomas stood before the tactical operations table, a large digital map of Central Luzon projected across the surface. Green overlays denoted Reaper drone scans from two months ago, while red markers warned of potential Bloom Nest concentrations. The largest icon blinked softly near San Jose, Nueva Ecija.
Behind him, a few operators clicked away at their stations, but the room was otherwise quiet. Focused. Clean.
Phillip stepped in through the sliding door, still dressed in field gear from morning drills. His black vest bore faint scuffs, and a pair of gloves was tucked into his belt. His expression, as always, was serious.
"You called?" he asked.
Thomas didn't look up. "Come here."
Phillip approached the table. His eyes followed the blinking terrain markers.
"San Jose," Thomas said. "You're going there."
Phillip didn't flinch. "Recon only?"
