Human Response (22)

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-1421 Military Hours
Base Camp, Operations Tent.

"Is that your final assessment Major?" I commented with arms folded.

With eyes remaining angled downward onto the digital map, Fullerton replies, "I'm sure of it given your unit's combat footage."

He emphasizes his point with a finger tracing a specific sector, "The hostiles didn't pursue your team past a certain distance from that settlement."

I give the Major an affirmative nod, "Fair point sir." His statements are deeply rooted in logical reasoning, lacking any flaws as far as I'm concerned.

It didn't seem all too hard to believe they were acting as guards. In retrospect, all of their moves could be argued as being purely defensive.

Due to those things, the researchers will not be allowed to venture any deeper than a hundred meters inland.

Another factor to hinder exploratory efforts, and to think this was just the tip of the iceberg.

Feeling a weary sigh coming, I smother the urge to release it. "Is there a term given to the hostiles now by any chance?"

At my inquiry, the man in charge of the exploratory division speaks up.

"Official names are still being discussed, but from the footage your soldiers have forwarded. We have been inclined to call them behemoths for the time being."

"Got it...." I pause, shifting my focus back to Fullerton, "We'll be using that term in radio communications from now on."

The Major shoots me a glance, immediately figuring out my intention. "...Understood."

Several minutes later, after ironing out the details of my team's report, the debriefing eventually transitions into planning a full on operation.

There is a firm consensus amongst everyone in the tent, the behemoths need to be dealt with.

Multiple proposals are drawn out on how to deal with the perceived threat.
My men listen closely with attentive eyes and ears, adding only the occasional suggestion or nod.

Robert cuts in with a suggestion, "We'll need the drones to find them first before doing anything."

"Agreed, have them switch to thermal to pierce the foliage. " I pointed out, directing that statement to the operators on the drone command station several feet away.

Drone coverage on the island is mostly external, but by switching to their passive infrared sensors, they can easily pierce the canopy.

In tandem with its motion detecting system, anything with a heat signature will be fair game to be detected.

"Fireteams Angel and Castle will be providing additional support on this operation." Fullerton remarks much to my initial confusion.

James speaks out on the inconsistency, "Aren't they relegated to escort duties sir?"

"They're being temporarily reassigned to the strike force, " Fullerton answers, "I know for a fact SOG operatives like you won't be caught off guard by unforeseen circumstances."

After a serious pause, the Major adds more to his statement, "You people are the best response we have right now, we need to deal with them here and now before we regret it."

"Understood sir." I nod, fully supporting Fullerton's opinion.

Silence dawns in the operations tent once more, drawing out a semblance of peace.

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